Depression is a disease that plagues around 7 percent of the population of the US and is one of the leading causes of suicides around the world. It affects men and women, young and old, and people of all races.
Although it is a mental health issue and is most commonly described as a persistent feeling of grief, it also has many physiological manifestations.
Depression can lead to a sharp increase or decrease in appetite and sleep, a persistent feeling of fatigue, uncontrollable and unprompted crying, lack of concentration, suicidal thoughts, inability to do your daily chores, etc.
If you are suffering from one or more of these symptoms along with a constant feeling of grief or sadness, then you most probably are depressed and need to seek help.
Did You Know!
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Why Herbal Tea for Depression?
The symptoms of depression vary wildly from one patient to another, and so does the form of treatment. The most common type of treatment is the prescription of antidepressants, along with counseling.
While counseling is a proven treatment and doesn’t have any side effects, the same cannot be said for antidepressants. Antidepressants have many side effects which can impact your recovery.
So, what are the other options? Well, herbal tea has proven very effective in combating depression.
A 2015 paper that analyzed a host of other studies on the link between herbal tea consumption and depression concluded that it is indeed a valid form of treating depression.
A cup of tea has always been associated with stress reduction. Herbal teas also contain certain natural chemicals that help elevate your mood and overcome depression.
[Read: How to Treat Depression Naturally]
What Herbal Tea is Good for Depression?
There are many varieties of herbal teas, and here are the top 8 that can help you become relaxed, stress-free, uplift your mood, and treat depression.
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Herbal teas aren’t considered actual teas since they are not made from Camellia Sinensis plant. Herbal teas are called tisanes. |
Varieties of Teas for Depression
1. Green Tea
Green tea can be called the king of teas. Drinking a cup of green tea every day can improve your immunity, reduce the risk of heart diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and cancer, increase your metabolism, and much more. But did you know it can also help you fight depression? A study showed that drinking green tea reduces the symptoms of depression.
Green tea has an amino acid known as l-theanine, which enhances your cognitive functions, makes you more attentive, and helps stave off anxiety. Green tea consumption also increased the levels of dopamine and serotonin. Both of these are associated with improving your mood and cognitive abilities.
[Also Read: Foods That Help Depression ]
2. Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon Balm is an herb from the mint family, and its leaves have a mild lemon aroma. Research has shown that Lemon Balm can increase the levels of gamma-Aminobutyric acid or GABA. It also reduces the levels of cortisol. An increase in GABA levels can relax you and boost your mood.
At the same time, a reduction in the levels of the stress-inducing hormone cortisol further aids in your overall mood improvement. By uplifting your mood, relaxing and calming your mind, and reducing stress, Lemon Balm tea can effectively reduce your depression or at least reduce some of its symptoms.
3. St. John’s Wort Tea
St. John’s Wort has been used for treating mild depression for a long time. St. John’s Wort is a wild plant with yellow flowers. The tea made from its leaves has been shown to have the same effect as antidepressants.
Just like antidepressants, St. John’s Wort also increases the level of serotonin in the brain. Since a chemical imbalance causes depression in the brain that also results in the reduction of the level of serotonin, St. John’s Wort tea for depression is an effective treatment. It can also reduce anxiety, stress, and combat insomnia.
4. Lavender Tea
Lavender oil has always been used in aromatherapy to calm the senses and create a relaxing atmosphere. Even lavender tea has the same effect. The tea is made from fresh or dried flower buds and is characterized by its soothing aroma.
Studies have shown that Lavender oil is just as effective as Lorazepam in treating anxiety and depression without the side effects associated with the drug. Lavender tea also helps you get better quality sleep. Lack of sleep is one of the symptoms of depression, and this tea is a great way to deal with it.
[Also Read: Effective Herbs for Treating Diarrhea]
5. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is yet another floral tea. It is made from the flowers of the chamomile plant and has always been known for its calming and relaxing effect. It has commonly been used as a bedtime tea.
Chamomile tea is also a rich source of apigenin that directly impacts the receptors and neurotransmitters in the brain and induces relaxation.
It is very effective in reducing the symptoms of depression without any significant long or short-term side effects. When stress takes over and stops you from thinking clearly, a hot cup of chamomile might be just what you need to calm down and focus.
The Chinese have been drinking tea for over 2000 years, and it was initially considered medicine and not beverage.
6. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is yet another tea from the mint family that is known for its tingling feel and minty flavor. This pale green tea is made from the leaves of the plant and has a refreshing aroma.
It has been shown to improve the quality of sleep and reduce anxiety and stress. Peppermint tea lowers cortisol levels, and this is one of the main reasons for its effectiveness in treating depression.
The menthol present in peppermint tea can also make you more energetic. So not only does this herbal tea for depression help you with the stress and anxiety, but it also gives you the energy that you need to overcome your depression and perform daily tasks.
7. Holy Basil Tea
Holy Basil has its origins in India and is also known as Tulsi. Tulsi is commonly used for treating a range of ailments from coughs and colds to heart diseases.
Holy Basil tea for depression treatment is as effective as antidepressants. This tea can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and improve your mood.
It also improves your cognitive abilities and makes you more active. Holy Basil tea can also be used as a preventive measure against depression. Apart from mental stress, Tulsi can also be used to relieve physical and metabolic stress.
[Also Read: Activated Charcoal for Diarrhea]
8. Ginseng Tea
Ginseng is a medicinal herb that has been in use for centuries in China, Korea, and Japan. It has many health benefits, and one among them is its ability to treat depression.
Studies have shown that Ginseng is as effective as certain antidepressants. Ginseng protects the nervous system and reduces stress by reducing the cortisol levels in the brain.
Since stress is one of the significant causes of depression, Ginseng tea is an effective treatment for depression.
Drink Tea and Stay Positive
Depression is horrible but treatable. The first step in treating depression is to get help by consulting a doctor or a counselor.
Counseling and drinking herbal teas mentioned above will surely have a significant impact on your depression.
All the teas for depression treatment mentioned above have been scientifically proven to be effective. However, it is still recommended that you consult your doctor before taking them.
FAQs
1. What is depression?
Depression is a mental illness that causes you to feel sad and lonely. The persistence of such feelings, coupled with a loss of interest in regular activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating on tasks and thoughts of suicide, is indicative of clinical depression.
2. Can I use herbal tea for depression?
Herbal teas are very effective in treating depression. Teas such as chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, lavender, green tea, etc. reduce stress and anxiety and help in treating depression.
3. How do I get the best herbal tea for depression treatment?
You can easily buy these herbal teas from your local pharmacy, department stores, or online stores. It is always essential to choose a trusted seller and ensure that the product is authentic and organic.
