From the Guidelines
Several herbal teas offer relaxing properties similar to chamomile, including valerian root tea, lavender tea, lemon balm tea, passionflower tea, peppermint tea, and holy basil (tulsi) tea, which can help with sleep issues, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. These teas work through various mechanisms, including interacting with GABA receptors in the brain (valerian), providing aromatherapeutic benefits (lavender), or containing specific flavonoids and compounds that promote relaxation 1. For best results, steep these teas for 5-10 minutes in hot water, and consider drinking them about 30-45 minutes before bedtime if using them as a sleep aid. Some key points to consider when choosing a relaxing tea include:
- Valerian root tea has sedative effects and can help with sleep issues, though it has a stronger earthy taste than chamomile
- Lavender tea provides calming effects through its aromatic compounds and can reduce anxiety and promote better sleep
- Lemon balm tea has a pleasant citrusy flavor and contains compounds that help reduce stress and improve mood
- Passionflower tea is excellent for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality due to its flavonoid content
- Peppermint tea, while refreshing, also has muscle-relaxing properties that can ease tension
- Holy basil (tulsi) tea offers adaptogenic properties that help the body manage stress. However, it's essential to note that the evidence supporting the use of these teas for insomnia is limited, and some herbal remedies, such as kava, have been associated with serious potential harms, including acute liver damage and death 1.
From the Research
Relaxing Teas Similar to Chamomile
Other relaxing teas similar to chamomile include:
- Lavender tea, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in the elderly 2
- Peppermint tea, which can help reduce abdominal pain, flatulence, and diarrhea in patients with irritable bowel syndrome 3
- Lemon balm tea, which is considered safe when used appropriately and may have a calming effect 3
- German chamomile tea, which is similar to chamomile and may have a soothing effect 3
- Star anise tea, which is also considered safe when used appropriately and may have a calming effect 3
Key Findings
- Chamomile tea has been shown to have antinociceptive, sedative, and anxiolytic-like effects 4
- Chamomile tea may be recommended to postpartum women as a supplementary approach to alleviating depression and sleep quality problems 5
- Lavender tea has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety scores in the elderly 2
Tea Options
Some other tea options that may have a calming effect include: