Best tea for helping with mild depression
Winter is on its way and there is a lot less sunlight around which can have an effect on many of us, they call it SAD and it is a form of mild depression, usually well known in countries further North. So for tea lovers the question is are there any teas that can help when you are feeling a little low ?
Now firstly lets make it clear that Depression is a common mental health condition which may have a negatively affect on on how you feel, on how you think, and how you act, it is often causes a general loss of interest in things and depression is a persistent feeling of sadness. So if you think you are suffering for Depression please check in with your doctor who can help, that is important ,our metal health is to be taken seriously. Remember depression is a serious mental health condition. If you feel depression is interfering with your daily life, it is time to talk with your doctor, and remember tea is not a substitute for a doctor or the emergency services.
We do know that In mild forms, herbal teas may help lift your mood For many years people all around the world have been using herbal tea for its natural benefits and for its great taste. Many universities have undertaken studies that suggest drinking tea may be helpful in the treatment of depression, and these studies found a correlation between drinking tea and a decreased risk of depression. So you see tea is more than just a nice warm drink , it is here for us all to help with the everyday stresses of life.
There are many of the benefits of drinking herbal tea which include: elevated mood and help with relaxation, reduction in symptoms of insomnia, lowered stress and anxiety, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Which tea to drink?
It usually takes a little time to find which herbal tea blend tastes best for you and taste is very important , it is one of the main senses and so effects how you feel, so remember that it all boils down to the plant you choose to brew. So lets look at the main herbal tea blends and remember to talk to your doctor before adding these teas or other supplementary treatments to your routine.
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- Best for improving mood: Lemon balm tea, Best for reducing anxiety: Chamomile tea, Best for sleep problems: St. John’s wort tea, Best for a calming effect: Ashwagandha tea, Best for multiple health benefits: Green tea
Best for helping to reduce anxiety?
Chamomile tea
Chamomile has been commonly used as an herbal remedy for helping with anxiety and sleeplessness. It has a relaxing scent, therefore it is one of the most popular teas in stores. In studies chamomile has been shown to help, with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) it was showed to help with a reduction of moderate to severe GAD symptoms. Obviously many more studies are required but the preliminary research seems to point out a possible correlation between chamomile and reduced stress.
Best for improving mood
Lemon balm tea
Lemon balm tea has a refreshing citrusy flavor with hints of mint, lemon balm has long been used to treat, sleeplessness, mild depression, and anxiety. The lemon-scented herb basically comes from the same family as mint and is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, so its very common in most places and easy to grow. Lemon balm has been used to help improve mood and cognitive function, and having a mild calming effect, it makes a great drink before bed time , it is the basic sleepy tea.
St. John’s wort tea
St. John’s wort is a medicinal plant that’s been used for centuries to help with mild depression, as well as a host of other conditions. It has been commonly used to treat depression, sleep problems, anxiety and seasonal affective disorder otherwise known as SAD. Presently the medical research has not shown that St. John's wort is actually helpful for treatment of people with depression.
Best for lots of health benefits? yes it has to be Green tea
Green tea is thought to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. It’s full of antioxidants that have lots of health benefits, like protection against cancer ,ability to improve brain function and the ability to help with fat loss etc. Green tea is high in caffeine and L-theanine which is an amino acid that may help reduce anxiety, so If the morning cup of coffee is making you nervous, then try switching to green tea. Scientist believe that green tea consumption helps increases dopamine and serotonin, and both have been linked to some reductions in symptoms of depression.
The best herbal infusion for a nice calming effect? try ashwagandha tea. In India Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb and it is classified as an adaptogen, which means it can help your body deal with stress. The benefits of Ashwagandha tea can include: lower blood sugar, ability to boost brain function and the ability to help with symptoms of anxiety and also depression.
studies by the American Psychiatric Association have found that around 1 in 6 people will experience some form of depression at some time in their lives. If drinking certain teas or herbal infusions helps you that is great, but certainly be aware that depression is a serious illness so please don’t attempt to treat depression on your own, you are never alone, help is only a call away. Remember that with proper professional guidance, depression can become severe, but it can be properly treated. So see your doctor and discuss your consumption of herbal tea with them as some herbs can interact with medications you’re taking and therefore could negatively affect your health.