Why Is Herbal Tea So Relaxing & Which Blends Work Best?

Oh Tea, How You Soothe Me

There's something incredibly soothing about a cup of tea. Maybe it’s the ritualistic act of preparation, the feeling of warmth in between your hands, or inhaling the sweet aroma. But with herbal blends in particular, there’s a bit more to it. There are actually properties within many herbal infusions that can help to physically relax your body and mind.  While herbal blends cannot cure stress, they can be a wonderful way to help promote a more relaxed mental state. 

So, which herbal teas are the most soothing? Keep reading to discover! But first, let's break down exactly why and how herbal tea is herbal tea so relaxing in the first place.

Why Is Herbal Tea So Relaxing? 

Did you know that herbal tea technically speaking is not considered tea? It’s actually officially called a herbal infusion or tisane (pronounced ti-zann).

Traditional teas (black teas, white teas, green tea, oolong) are all made from leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Herbal teas on the other hand are made from an infusion of herbs, dried fruits, barks, spices, or flowers. This difference is why herbal tea is sometimes seen as a healthier alternative to traditional teas, especially for inducing that relaxing effect. Here’s why: 

1. Herbal Teas are Made From Nutritious Ingredients

Herbal infusions can include:

• Leaves
• Bark
• Roots
• Berries
• Seeds
• Spices
• Mint
• Chamomile
• Verbena
• Rooibos

This list sounds pretty healthy, doesn’t it? Herbal Medicine (the use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes) exists for a reason! It’s the oldest form of medicine and still the most widely practised across the world, according to the Canadian Herbalists Association. 

Not only do many of these ingredients have a calming effect on the body, they are also packed with vitamins and nutrients. We’ve listed all the specifics from some of our favourite blends below, so keep reading! 

2. They are Completely Caffeine Free

If you’re looking for tea to help you feel relaxed, you’re going to want to avoid anything caffeinated. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, making you feel more alert, which can often stimulate feelings of stress. Luckily, almost all herbal tea is always caffeine free! The only exception to this caffeine rule is Yerba Mate – which on another note, is an amazing alternative to coffee.

Now that we know why herbal teas are so comforting and calming, let’s discover some of the best relaxing blends below. 

What Are The Best Herbal Blends for Relaxation?

1. Relaxation Blend

When you’re looking to relax, drinking a tea called the “Relaxation Blend” is bound to be a good place to start. This blend is a wonderful combination of flavours, so let’s break down exactly what ingredients make this infusion so therapeutic: 

• Verbena Leaves: These leaves have a lemony flavour and have long been used in herbal medicine as a relaxant. One study showed verbena had an anxiety-reducing effect. The plant’s flavonoids and tannins are known to possess anti-anxiety and sedative properties.
• Fennel: licorice-like taste, with a relaxing scent and ability to help regulate hormones and assist with sleep
• Anise: licorice-like sweet and mildly spicy taste, rich in nutrients 
• Hibiscus: tart flavour similar to cranberries, high in vitamin C and antioxidants
• Rosehip: delicate, floral flavour that’s slightly sweet and tart, thought to boost immunity 
• Apple Pieces
• Cinnamon

These hand-picked herbs and fruits each have calming and sedative properties. And when combined together, they create an easy and delicious way to relax and reset. 

SHOP THE RELAXATION BLEND HERE >>

2. French Lavender 

Most items that make up your chill-time arsenal — candles, pillow spray, lotion — are lavender-scented for a good reason: lavender delivers the ultimate calming sensation. Researchers confirmed the scent of lavender produces soothing and sedative effects that can help with sleep promotion, reduction of anxiety, and meditation.  You can learn more about the health benefits of Lavender here. 

Our lavender is sourced from France, is rich in essential oils and provides a cup of slightly sweet floral scent. 

Bonus: You can add Lavender tea as an ingredient to a variety of recipes, ranging from cookies, to lemonade, jams and more. 

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3. Organic Tulsi

Ever heard of “Holy Basil”, the “Elixir of Life” or “Queen of the Herbs”? Its Tulsi – an Ayurvedic herb that has been used in Indian culture for religious, spiritual and healing purposes for more than 5,000 years.

With a description like that, this tea is bound to have some special properties. These include:

• Antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties
• May help to regulate cortisol levels (the stress hormone) 
• Thought to relieves headaches
• Can sometimes even lead to a better sleep

Dried Tulsi leaves steep to create an invigorating herbal infusion. Our Tulsi blend yields a minty, slightly spicy flavour, so we suggest adding a splash of honey and a squeeze of lemon. All together, this flavourful infusion definitely makes our favourite list in the colder months.

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4. Lemon Balm 

Hit reset with a tension-soothing cup of lemon balm. It’s another calming herb that is great for relaxing muscles, relieving stress, sleeplessness and feelings of depression. Studies have shown that lemon balm may help increase GABA levels, a neurotransmitter that can reduce stress and anxiety while producing a calming effect.  

Add a teaspoon of honey and you’ll have an ideal cuppa whenever you feel the onset of stress, or before bedtime. 

*Note that Lemon balm may interact with medications so always talk to your doctor prior to drinking.

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5. Camelito Blend

As we learned from Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit, Chamomile makes the perfect beverage at the end of a long day. 

Chamomile is a flower known for its relaxing qualities. It contains apigenin, anantioxidant with calming effects. It’s known to help induce sleep and relaxation, while also helping to naturally decrease anxiety. 

Meet our Camelito Blend:  an upgraded version of your favourite chamomile tea. ALL the same benefits of the classic chamomile, plus additional yummy flavours of: 

• Rosehip
• Hibiscus
• Orange peels
• Lemon grass
• Orange blossom
• Natural orange  flavour
• Natural vanilla flavour

All in all, the taste comes off sweeter with subtle hits of orange and vanilla. 

*Note: Chamomile should be avoided if you have a ragweed allergy or are pregnant. 

SHOP THE CAMELITO BLEND HERE >>

6. Goodnight Irene

Looking for the ultimate relaxation tea that will put you to sleep? Say hello to Goodnight Irene – a valerian root infusion. People consider Valerian root to be a sleeping aid due to its mild sedative properties. It may also help with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. In addition, this blend includes: 

• Anise
• Fennel
• Lemon verbena leaves (The main sedative ingredient in the Relaxation Blend) 
• Blackberry leaves
• Sunflowers
• Red rose petals

When mixed together, it becomes a thoroughly calming and soothing infusion. Drinking this tea half an hour before bed can help settle your nervous system and battle restlessness. 

Interested in more teas for better sleep? Browse our full list here. 

SHOP GOODNIGHT IRENE HERE >>

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So, the next time you’re feeling a little (or a lot!) frazzled, try taking the time to sip on the warm, wholesome beverage. It can do wonders. Now, your cup of relaxation awaits…

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Want to Learn More? Check Out a Few Related Articles Here:

• Healthiest Teas Available 
• Teas to Relieve Stress and Anxiety
• Best Tea Alternatives for Coffee 
• Best-Selling Blends in Each Category