Soothing Teas
Sailing Soothing Teas - How to Choose a Calming Tea to Soothe Your Groove
With such a wide variety of soothing teas available, choosing one might feel a little daunting. Keep these simple tips in mind, and you'll be sipping your way to relaxation in no time.
Look for soothing ingredients.
Lavender and chamomile are well-loved for their calming properties, but those two favorites are just the beginning. Passionflower (sometimes referred to as passiflora incarnata) is known for improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety, while kava is also well known for its anxiety-reducing properties. Other herbs often found in soothing teas include valerian, lemon balm, and hops. Look for calming tea blends that include one or more of these herbal ingredients.
Know your stimulants.
Just because a tea doesn't have caffeine, it doesn't mean it's not stimulating. It might seem counterintuitive, but often teas with calming ingredients also include herbs that banish fatigue. For example, peppermint is often recommended for soothing anxiety, but it's also known for reducing fatigue. While this is a great combo for a calm, yet energized start to your day, it might not be the best choice if you're trying to unwind before going to sleep. Likewise, green tea is known as a calming tea, but it is often caffeinated. Other calming yet energizing herbs include Gotu Kola, Ashwagandha, and ginseng.
The wonderful thing about soothing teas is that there are blends for any part of your day, depending on whether you need a boost or a gentle way to wind down.
Still not sure where to start? Start with what you like. For instance, if you already enjoy the scent of lavender, trying a lavender blend calming tea. Love roses? Rose teas have also been shown to have relaxing properties.
Keep in mind that what works for one person might not work for another. It might take a little bit of trial and error to find a tea that's right for you.