BY: CLAIRE KIM
From a young age, I have been drinking tea of all sorts to calm my senses and mind. My childhood favorite is a traditional Korean tea called “oksusu cha” made up of roasted corn granules and a blend of dried grains. Drinking this tea, cold or hot, but preferably hot, I feel a soothing sensation that, quite literally, comforts my soul. Tea has always been a natural remedy for me and my family, and perhaps, for people all over the world who struggle with internal or mental aches.
According to research cited by nature, “researchers have found, for instance, that drinking tea lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol. And evidence of long-term health benefits is emerging, too: drinking at least 100 milliliters (about half a cup) of green tea a day seems to lower the risk of developing depression and dementia.”
Though probably nowhere near as impactful as prescribed medication or pills, tea is a remedy to consider when one is in need of minimal, yet long-lasting relaxation for the mind in particular.
Depending on the condition of the mind, however, certain teas tend to be more effective in treatment than others in the market. Below, I have curated a list of common mental health conditions with the corresponding teas that, from research, seem to work well together. I hope this helps!
1. Anxiety
- Peppermint
- Green
- Lavender
- Ginseng
2. Depression
- St. John’s Wort
- Chamomile
- Lemon Balm
3. Stress
- Linden
- Valerian Root
- Oat Straw
Upon creating this list, I have to mention that Chamomile and Green Tea seem to be the most universal, effective tea out of the entire list.
claire kim. 