Which teas help with relaxation and stress relief? What NIH says

Does tea help you relax?

We found no official statement that any tea reduces stress. The one tea herb we checked with an official source is chamomile, and the evidence is limited.

What does NIH say about chamomile for anxiety?

NCCIH states that some preliminary studies suggest a chamomile dietary supplement might help generalized anxiety disorder. That refers to a supplement, so it does not show the same result from a cup of tea.

Does chamomile tea help with sleep?

NCCIH says there is very little information on chamomile’s effect on insomnia, and one study on insomnia found no benefit.

Is chamomile tea safe?

• Taken orally in food-like amounts it is considered likely safe.
• Side effects are uncommon but can include nausea, dizziness and allergic reactions, which can be severe.
• People allergic to ragweed, daisies or marigolds are more likely to react.
• It may interact with warfarin, some liver-metabolized drugs and possibly sedatives.
• Little is known about safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What about green tea, black tea and others?

We did not find a current official page that supports relaxing effects for other teas, so we do not rank them. Black and green tea contain caffeine. Pick a tea you enjoy, and make a calm routine of drinking it; that is our opinion, not a finding. If stress or poor sleep continues, ask a doctor.