Ease Anxiety, Sleep Better, and Soothe PMS by Sipping This Delicious Herbal Tea

Anyone with an aromatherapy diffuser has likely already felt the benefits of adding in a few drops of lavender essential oil and filling their home with its calming scent. But did you know you can get similarly soothing results from sipping tea made of the herb, too?

Lavender tea may ease anxiety and depression.

A review of several studies over the years in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine highlighted just a few of the perks you can get from a humble cup of this floral-flavored tea. The most impressive effect found in quite a few of the studies showed significant easing of anxiety and depression for participants given lavender supplements. This in turn led to improved sleep quality and duration without feeling groggy the next day when compared to prescription sleep aids and placebos.

One test even had participants consume lavender, then showed them anxiety-provoking film clips to monitor their mood, positive or negative reactions, heart rate, and stress indicators on the skin (like goosebumps). Their results led them to believe that lavender is a great option for anyone who suffers from low-level anxiety on a regular basis. For those with more severe anxiety, it might only help as an addition to other therapeutic remedies that can be discussed with a doctor. Another study showed a similar mood enhancing effect for those with mild-to-moderate depression, while yet another also saw benefits for participants dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. 

It’s noteworthy that sleep quality improved regardless of whether subjects from the various studies also suffered from mental health issues. That’s certainly something to keep in mind the next time any of us are up tossing and turning all night.

This herbal tea may soothe PMS symptoms.

In even more great lavender news: A 2016 study that observed 200 women showed that just smelling the aroma of lavender for 30 minutes a day during the first few days of their menstrual cycle greatly reduced the amount of pain they normally felt from cramps.

You know what has a strong lavender scent? Lavender tea! Plus, the warmth of actually drinking the tea will likely also feel soothing while battling the frustrating PMS problem.

So, the next time you feel anxiety rising, can’t fall asleep, or need something to soothe your “monthly visitor” symptoms, you might want to try brewing up a cup of lavender tea!

Luckily, you can easily find premade mixes that usually come with other herbal boosts, like the Buddha Organic Lavender Herbal Tea (Buy from iHerb, $6.99).

Here’s hoping we can all sip up these amazing benefits of lavender tea ASAP!