13 Best Teas To Improve One’s Mood
Maintaining a positive mood is essential for overall well-being, and sometimes a simple cup of tea can do wonders to lift your spirits. Herbal teas are rich in compounds that can help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and promote a sense of calm and happiness. Below are 13 of the best teas for improving mood, each offering unique benefits to enhance your mental and emotional well-being.
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is well-known for its calming properties, making it an excellent choice for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. The mild sedative effects of chamomile help soothe the nervous system, making it easier to unwind and find peace of mind. Regular consumption of chamomile tea can help elevate mood and reduce feelings of stress.
Benefits:
- Calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety
- Promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality
- Helps alleviate stress and uplift mood
How to Prepare:
- Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Drink in the evening or during stressful times to support relaxation and mood.
2. Lavender Tea
Lavender tea is another excellent mood-enhancing tea, known for its ability to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. The soothing aroma of lavender can help ease tension, reduce anxiety, and lift your spirits. Drinking lavender tea regularly can help create a peaceful mindset and improve emotional well-being.
Benefits:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Promotes relaxation and emotional balance
- Supports a peaceful and calm mindset
How to Prepare:
- Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender buds in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Drink before bed or during moments of stress to help calm the mind.
3. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is refreshing and invigorating, making it a great choice for boosting mood and mental clarity. The menthol in peppermint has a cooling effect that can help relieve tension, headaches, and stress, leading to a more positive and focused mindset. Peppermint tea is particularly beneficial for those who need a pick-me-up without the caffeine.
Benefits:
- Refreshes and invigorates the mind
- Relieves tension and headaches
- Boosts mood and mental clarity
How to Prepare:
- Steep fresh or dried peppermint leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Drink in the morning or afternoon for a refreshing mood boost.
4. Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea is a member of the mint family and is known for its ability to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It has mild sedative effects that can help improve mood and reduce feelings of stress. Lemon balm tea is particularly effective for those dealing with anxiety-related mood swings or nervousness.
Benefits:
- Reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation
- Helps stabilize mood and reduce nervousness
- Supports emotional well-being and mental clarity
How to Prepare:
- Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Drink in the evening or during stressful times to help balance mood.
5. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is warming and uplifting, making it an excellent choice for boosting mood and energy levels. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Additionally, ginger tea aids digestion, which can have a positive effect on mood, especially for those who experience digestive discomfort.
Benefits:
- Uplifts mood and boosts energy levels
- Reduces stress and promotes a sense of well-being
- Supports digestion, leading to improved emotional health
How to Prepare:
- Slice fresh ginger root and boil it in water for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and drink 1-2 cups daily to support mood and energy.
6. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. L-theanine helps increase alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of relaxed alertness. Drinking green tea can help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote a positive mood.
Benefits:
- Promotes relaxation and mental clarity
- Reduces stress and improves focus
- Supports a calm yet alert state of mind
How to Prepare:
- Steep green tea leaves in hot water for 3-5 minutes.
- Drink 2-3 cups daily to support a balanced mood.
7. Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for supporting overall health and mood. The flavonoids in rooibos help reduce stress hormones, balance mood, and promote relaxation. Rooibos tea is particularly beneficial for those who want a soothing tea without the stimulating effects of caffeine.
Benefits:
- Reduces stress hormones and promotes relaxation
- Supports overall mood balance
- Provides antioxidant protection for mental well-being
How to Prepare:
- Steep rooibos tea leaves in boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Drink in the evening or throughout the day to support mood and relaxation.
8. Passionflower Tea
Passionflower tea is known for its calming effects and ability to reduce anxiety. It works by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, a neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system. Drinking passionflower tea can help alleviate stress, improve sleep, and promote a more positive mood.
Benefits:
- Calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety
- Promotes restful sleep and improves mood
- Supports emotional balance and mental clarity
How to Prepare:
- Steep 1 teaspoon of dried passionflower in hot water for 10 minutes.
- Drink 30 minutes before bed or during periods of high stress.
9. Holy Basil (Tulsi) Tea
Holy basil, or tulsi, is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress and supports emotional balance. Tulsi tea helps regulate cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and promotes a sense of calm and well-being. Regular consumption of tulsi tea can help stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental health.
Benefits:
- Reduces stress and regulates cortisol levels
- Promotes emotional balance and mental clarity
- Supports overall mental health and well-being
How to Prepare:
- Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried tulsi leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Drink daily to support mood and emotional balance.
10. Saffron Tea
Saffron tea is known for its mood-enhancing properties and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat depression and anxiety. The active compounds in saffron, such as crocin and safranal, help increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is associated with happiness and well-being. Drinking saffron tea regularly can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Benefits:
- Enhances mood and reduces symptoms of depression
- Increases serotonin levels in the brain
- Supports overall emotional well-being
How to Prepare:
- Steep a few strands of saffron in hot water for 10 minutes.
- Drink regularly to support mood and mental health.
11. Rose Tea
Rose tea, made from rose petals or buds, is not only fragrant and soothing but also has mood-enhancing properties. The natural compounds in rose tea help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and uplift the spirits. Rose tea is particularly beneficial for those looking to improve mood and emotional well-being.
Benefits:
- Reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation
- Uplifts mood and supports emotional well-being
- Provides a soothing and calming effect
How to Prepare:
- Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried rose petals in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Drink whenever you need a mood boost or a moment of calm.
12. St. John’s Wort Tea
St. John’s Wort is a well-known herbal remedy for depression and mood disorders. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain, which are neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation. Drinking St. John’s Wort tea can help improve mood, reduce symptoms of depression, and promote a sense of well-being.
Benefits:
- Increases serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels
- Reduces symptoms of depression and mood disorders
- Promotes a sense of well-being and emotional stability
How to Prepare:
- Steep 1 teaspoon of dried St. John’s Wort in hot water for 10 minutes.
- Drink daily to support mood and mental health.
13. Ashwagandha Tea
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body manage stress and supports overall mental health. It helps regulate cortisol levels and promotes a balanced mood. Ashwagandha tea is particularly beneficial for those dealing with chronic stress, anxiety, or mood swings, as it helps stabilize emotions and promote a sense of calm.
Benefits:
- Reduces stress and regulates cortisol levels
- Supports a balanced mood and emotional stability
- Promotes overall mental health and well-being
How to Prepare:
- Steep 1 teaspoon of ashwagandha root powder in hot water for 10 minutes.
- Drink daily to support mood and reduce stress.
Incorporating these teas into your daily routine can provide a natural and effective way to enhance mood and support emotional well-being. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, or simply enjoy a soothing cup of tea, these herbal remedies offer a variety of benefits to help you feel your best.
