In our fast-paced world, finding peace can feel like a rare treasure. But nature, in her infinite wisdom, offers us simple, soothing remedies in the form of herbal teas for relaxation. In this post, we’ll share my favorite five calming herbal teas for relaxation. Each one is a comforting blend designed to nurture your spirit and bring a sense of inner peace.
After a busy day or during a chaotic moment, these carefully selected tea recipes offer the comfort and tranquility you need. Each blend nurtures your nervous system, eases stress, and brings balance to your daily life. Having relied on the wisdom of herbs for years, I can personally attest to the profound impact these teas have on overall well-being.
This post is all about discovering the soothing power of herbal teas for relaxation.
How to Measure Ingredients
These herbal tea recipes use “parts” for measurements, giving you flexibility in your blends. For instance, if a recipe includes 1 part Herb A, 1 part Herb B, and 1 part Herb C, you’ll use equal portions of each herb, such as one tablespoon of each. When using fresh herbs, double the amount compared to dried herbs—1 teaspoon of dried herb equals about 2 teaspoons of fresh herb per cup of water. Typically, a standard serving size is 1 teaspoon of the herbal blend per cup of water or 1 ounce per quart. Since the strength, flavor, and color of your tea can vary, feel free to adjust and experiment to suit your taste.
Pro Tip: Always use the purest water available when making tea to ensure the best flavor and therapeutic benefits.
5 Calming Herbal Teas for Relaxation
1. Soothing Tea Blend
This gentle herbal tea blend is crafted to relax the nerves and promote a sense of tranquility. It’s perfect for sipping during the day to calm the mind or in the evening to prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
Ingredients:
1 part chamomile flowers
1 part oatstraw
1 part red clover blossoms
1 part skullcap leaves
½ part spearmint leaves
½ part violet leaves and flowers
1/8 part organic rose petals
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients well.
Use 1 teaspoon of the blend per cup of water or 1 ounce per quart.
Steep in boiling water for 15-20 minutes to enjoy its full calming effects.
2. Supreme Calming Tea
This soothing and nourishing herbal blend features a delightful apple-like flavor from chamomile, making it an ideal choice for both daytime relaxation and pre-bedtime unwinding. Its calming properties help support emotional balance and relaxation.
Ingredients:
1 part chamomile flowers
1 part oatstraw
1 part red clover blossoms
1 part skullcap leaves
½ part spearmint leaves
½ part violet leaves and flowers
1/8 part organic rose petals
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients well.
Use 1 teaspoon of the blend per cup of water or 1 ounce per quart.
Steep in boiling water for 15-20 minutes to enjoy its full calming effects.
3. Soothing Nervine Blend
This mineral-rich herbal blend is crafted to support the heart, blood, liver, and nerves, making it a fantastic choice for regular use to promote overall health and well-being. Its nourishing properties provide a gentle, supportive boost to your nervous system.
Ingredients:
1 part dandelion root and leaves (for decoction)
1 part hawthorn leaves, flowers, and berries
1 part horsetail
1 part linden blossoms
1 part nettles
1 part oatstraw
1 part red clover blossoms
Instructions:
Begin by decocting the dandelion root and leaves in simmering water for 30 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Stir well, cover, and steep for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors and benefits to meld.
4. Kava Soothing Blend
This potent herbal blend is designed for occasional use, ideally a few times a month, to provide significant stress relief and deep relaxation. For optimal results, use fresh valerian and yerba Buena leaves to enhance the blend’s effectiveness.
Ingredients:
1 part kava-kava root
1 part lemon balm leaves
1 part oatstraw
1 part Passiflora leaves
1 part valerian leaves and roots
½ part yerba buena or apple mint
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Use 1 teaspoon of the blend per cup of water or 1 ounce per quart.
Steep in boiling water for 15-20 minutes to release the full calming benefits.
5. Lemon Lovers Stress Relief Tea
This invigorating tea blend is designed to be enjoyed hot or iced, making it versatile for daily use. It supports and nourishes the nervous system, providing a refreshing and uplifting experience that fits seamlessly into any routine.
Ingredients:
1 part lemon balm leaves
1 part lemongrass
1 part lemon verbena leaves
1 part oatstraw
1 part Passiflora leaves
1 part organic rose hips
1 part skullcap leaves
1/8 part organic orange peel
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients well.
Use 1 teaspoon per cup of water or 1 ounce per quart.
Steep in boiling water for 15-20 minutes. To preserve maximum vitamin C, steep the rose hips rather than decocting them.
Herbal Glossary
Catnip Leaves: Known for its calming effects, catnip helps ease tension and anxiety, promoting relaxation.
Chamomile Flowers: Chamomile is well-known for its gentle calming effects, aiding in relaxation and improving sleep quality.
Dandelion Root and Leaves: Dandelion is rich in vitamins and minerals that support liver health and detoxification, while its soothing properties benefit the nervous system.
Hawthorn Leaves, Flowers, and Berries: Hawthorn is renowned for its cardiovascular support, promoting heart health and enhancing circulation while soothing nervous tension.
Horsetail: High in silica and minerals, horsetail supports connective tissue health and provides nourishing support to the nervous system.
Kava-Kava Root: Kava-kava is renowned for its powerful calming effects, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation without causing drowsiness.
Lemon Balm Leaves: Known for its calming properties, lemon balm soothes the nervous system, reduces stress, and promotes a sense of tranquility.
Lemon Verbena Leaves: Enhances the lemony flavor and contributes to relaxation and stress relief.
Lemongrass: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor while offering mild relaxing effects that support mental clarity.
Linden Blossoms: Linden flowers are traditionally used to alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
Nettles: Nutrient-dense nettles support overall health and vitality, offering a calming effect on the nervous system.
Oatstraw: Rich in minerals, oatstraw supports the nervous system, helps alleviate stress and fatigue, and promotes relaxation.
Organic Orange Peel: Offers a hint of citrus and supports digestive health, complementing the stress-relieving properties of the blend.
Organic Rose Hips: Packed with vitamin C, rose hips support immune health and add a slightly tart flavor.
Organic Rose Petals: Rose petals are known for their soothing and anti-anxiety properties, adding a delicate floral note to the blend.
Passiflora Leaves: Also known as passionflower, passiflora reduces anxiety, calms the mind, and improves sleep quality.
Red Clover Blossoms: Red clover supports overall well-being with its soothing properties and helps ease nervous tension.
Skullcap Leaves: Skullcap is revered for its ability to calm the mind, ease tension, and alleviate anxiety, promoting a peaceful state of mind.
Spearmint Leaves: Spearmint adds a refreshing taste while providing mild calming effects and aiding digestion.
St. John’s-Wort Flowers: While often used for mood support, St. John’s-Wort also helps ease nervous tension and supports emotional well-being.
Valerian Leaves and Roots: Valerian provides a strong calming effect, ideal for significant stress relief and enhancing relaxation.
Yerba Buena or Apple Mint: These herbs contribute a soothing minty flavor while adding a calming effect that supports overall relaxation.
Violet Leaves and Flowers: Violet has a soothing influence on the nervous system and helps to ease emotional stress.
General Safety and Contraindications
While herbal remedies can be a gentle and effective way to support your well-being, it’s important to approach their use with care. The information provided in these recipes is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Before incorporating any herbal formulas into your routine, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have underlying health conditions, consult with a healthcare provider.
- Allergies: Some herbs may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have known allergies to certain plants, check the ingredient list carefully.
- Medication Interactions: Herbs can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or causing adverse reactions. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining herbs with medications.
- Dosage: Adhere to the recommended dosages in the recipes. Overuse of certain herbs may lead to unwanted side effects or toxicity.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Certain herbs may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal products if you are pregnant or nursing.
This post was all about some of the best calming herbal teas for relaxation.
Sources
Castleman, M. (2009). The new healing herbs: The essential guide to more than 125 of nature’s most potent herbal remedies. (3rd ed.). Emmaus, PA: Rodale, Inc.
Hoffmann, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Holmes, Peter. (1997). The Energetics of Western Herbs, Volume 1, Revised Third Edition. Boulder, CO: Snow Lotus Press.
LaPorte, E., Sarris, J., Stough, C.,and Scholey, A. (2011). Neurocognitive effects of kava (Piper methysticum): A systematic review. Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental 26, pp. 102-111. doi: 10.1002/hup.1180.
Red clover. (2007). In Physician’s desk reference for herbal medicines (4th ed., pp. 693-697). Thomson Healthcare.
Romm, A. (2017). Botanical medicine for women’s health. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Wood, M. (1997). The book of herbal wisdom: Using plants as medicines. North Atlantic Books.
