Learn how to use herbal teas for mental health. Discover blends for reducing anxiety, boosting the mood, and supporting the nervous system.
Nervines are herbs and plants which promote feelings of wellness and treat mental health/ nervous system issues.
There are four main types: relaxant nervines which have a calming effect and can reduce anxiety and tension, sedative nervines which can support sleep, adaptogenic nervines which help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance, and stimulant nervines which can help improve focus, concentration, and mental clarity.
In this article, we look at examples of each type of nervine and explore how powerful blends make great herbal teas for mental health. We look at the best herbal tea for anxiety, depression, and more.
Herbal teas for anxiety
If you’re looking to use herbal teas for calm and relaxation, you should explore blends which include relaxant nervines. These help soothe the nervous system, reducing tension in the body and promoting feelings of wellbeing and ease.
Examples of relaxant nervines include chamomile, lemon balm, hawthorn berry, passionflower and lavender. And NutraRelax contains all three. Here’s how each of the ingredients can support mental calm:
- Chamomile has been used for centuries to relax the nervous system and soothe the mind. In one study, it was even used as a treatment for Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
- Lemon balm contains terpenes that can help calm agitation. One piece of research showed that it significantly improved symptoms of increased anxiety.
- In recent years, scientists have been looking at hawthorn berries as a treatment for anxiety disorders. They show the potential to treat feelings of restlessness and nervousness.
If you’re looking for a tea that reduces anxiety but doesn’t make you tired, take a look at NutraHead. This contains no sedatives, only ingredients that are great for relaxation. Here’s what each of the ingredients do:
- Lavender can stop the body’s fight or flight response and stabilise the mood.
- Cinnamon has been shown to have a positive effect on anxiety and depressive disorders.
- Peppermint has a refreshing, awakening aroma.
- Willow bark can reduce oxidative stress which can affect cognitive function.
- Ginger has been used for centuries to boost the mood because of its warm, aromatic smell.
- Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb. We explore more about these later in the article.
- Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to promote relaxation.
- Feverfew shows the potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in early studies.
Herbal teas for sleep
Sedative nervines have a more pronounced calming effect on the body and, as such, they can help induce sleep. Some examples include valerian root, skullcap, and California poppy.
NutraTea’s Chamomile and Valerian tea is a great example of a blend that can help you unwind and relax before bed. Valerian is proven to not only make it easier to fall asleep but to get a better quality of sleep too.
Herbal teas which help your body adapt to stress
Adaptogenic nervines work by regulating the body’s stress response system, helping you adapt better to physical or mental stressors. If you’re looking for a herbal tea for mental health, these are great options because they support mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being.
Two of the main adaptogenic nervines are ashwagandha and holy basil. Ashwagandha can help reduce the stress level cortisol to regulate your emotions and stress levels. Meanwhile, holy basil can balance the adrenal glands which are responsible for producing such stress hormones. You can find both of these ingredients in NutraBoost.
Herbal teas for focus
Stimulant nervines are perfect for treating brain fog, low mood, and low energy. They’re also effective herbal teas for depression. This is because they stimulate the nervous system, promoting a more uplifted and alert state of mind.
As well as NutraHead which we explored earlier in the article, you could try our Ginger and Ginseng blend if you’re looking to boost mental clarity and focus. These two stimulant nervines can support concentration, coordination and feelings of vitality.
Your new favourite herbal tea
Explore our range of herbal teas to support your mind and nervous system. Just one cup a day could reduce anxiety, stress, insomnia and lack of focus.