Tired, stressed, or sad? Drink these teas to suit your different moods

There’s no doubt about the fact that people love tea! In fact, there are so many of us who reach out for a warm and soothing cup of tea, first thing in the morning. The calming and soothing effects of tea are well-known, aren’t they? Some teas contain caffeine which boosts your energy and helps you concentrate better. But if you think your relationship with tea ends here, you are highly mistaken.

There’s tea for every mood! Isn’t that the best thing ever? We know it is. So, if you have been struggling with sleep or you’re feeling stressed at work, don’t worry. There are specific kinds of tea that can help you. For some situations, green tea may be ideal, while for others, chamomile tea works better. But how do you find the right blend for your current state of mind? 

Let’s find out the different types of teas that work for various moods:

1. Tulsi tea

If you’ve been treating that holy basil growing in your garden as just another plant, it’s time to listen up. When consumed as tulsi tea, this herb offers mental health benefits like no other. 

According to a 2017 study published in the peer-reviewed journal, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, tulsi exhibits neuro-cognitive effects upon consumption, which includes an improved mood and better cognition. The study also revealed that tulsi can help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety in people who suffer from these disorders.

Add tulsi leaves, chopped ginger, and cardamom powder to boiling water, and let it simmer for five minutes. You may then strain the tea and add honey or lemon juice to taste.

2. Green tea

Do you feel exhausted, every now and then? If yes, green tea is your one-stop solution. It is one of the most popular and widely-consumed beverages, because it offers a range of health benefits. The caffeine in green tea will provide a subtle energy boost minus the jitters that you get from drinking coffee. All in all, it helps to cleanse your body and is amazing for your mind as well. 

Also, read; International Tea Day: Brew a cup of these 5 teas for weight loss

If you have had a long day, drinking green tea will make you feel refreshed and calm. As per a study by the Journal of Functional Foods, the nutrition profile of green tea helps to slow the absorption of caffeine and induces a calming effect. The study also highlights that green tea helps lower anxiety levels, and inhibits ‘a-amylase activity’, a marker of stress.

Take a cup of water and heat it till it is about to boil, and put a teaspoon of green tea leaves in it. Now, pour hot water into the cup through the strainer. 

3. Chamomile tea

You’ve probably come across chamomile multiple times! After all, the herb has beautiful daisy-like white flowers. From reducing stress to inducing sleep, chamomile tea is one beverage with multiple benefits. 

According to a study published in the journal PubMed Central, chamomile can play a huge role in reducing feelings of stress and help you relax after a long day.

Boil water and add chamomile tea leaves; let it steep for 10 minutes, or more, if you like strong tea. Strain the tea, and pour into a cup. 

4. Peppermint tea

When it comes to emotional wellbeing, there’s nothing that works better than peppermint tea. You’ll be glad to know that peppermint tea is known to soothe your senses. The cool and refreshing properties of mint work as a good remedy to balance your emotional state. What’s more, this tea is also helpful in keeping gut issues at bay. 

A research by the Journal of Medicinal Plants revealed that the scent of peppermint tea can help induce relaxation. The study also highlighted that peppermint tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to alleviate pain, and reduce cortisol levels, which can instantly boost your mood.

Infuse leaves of peppermint plant in hot water for five to 10 minutes to prepare this tea.

5. Black tea

In dire need of an energy boost? If you answered in the affirmative, black tea is for you! Among all teas, black tea is most commonly linked to alertness and energy, providing approximately 60 to 90 mg of caffeine per cup, according to the FDA. Black tea is derived from the camellia sinensis plant, whose leaves are fully oxidised, and it is this attribute that contributes to its strong and dark flavour profile.  

A study published by the University College London revealed that people who drink black tea every day are likely to notice a significant drop in their stress levels. This tea helps stress hormone levels go back to normal, and that’s why you feel a difference.

Add tea leaves to boiling water and let it simmer for five minutes. You may then strain the tea, and add lemon or sugar to taste.

So ladies, sip away, and manage your mood with these teas!