10 Teas and Herbs for Brain and Mental Health
When it comes to mood, mind, and mentality, a whole-person, integrative approach is ideal. However, did you know that sipping a cup of tea a day may provide a daily dose of self-care that’s not only good for the body but your brain?
Several teas and herbs are known for their potential benefits to brain health and mental well-being. Here are a few noteworthy options:
1. Green Tea: This tea is rich in antioxidants and contain a modest amount of caffeine balanced with the amino acid L-theanine which helps to provide a calm focus. Green tea may enhance brain function, improve focus, and provide a gentle energy boost. Check out VIP Wellness Tea® Jasmine Green Tea.
2. Ginkgo Biloba: This herb is believed to enhance blood circulation, which can potentially improve cognitive function, memory, and concentration. It’s one of the top herbs being studied for memory and brain health conditions. Check out VIP Wellness Tea® Perfect TriniTea.
3. Turmeric: Known for its active compound curcumin, turmeric possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may support brain health and protect against conditions in the brain that cause cells of the brain or nervous system to lose function or die. Check out VIP Wellness Tea® Turmeric Ginger Peach.
4. Chamomile: Often consumed as a calming tea, chamomile may promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality, indirectly benefiting mental well-being. Check out VIP Wellness Tea® Be Still.
5. Lemon Balm: With its soothing properties on the nerves, lemon balm tea may help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote a calm state of mind. Check out VIP Wellness Tea® Immune.
6. St. John's Wort: This herb is often used to alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression and improve mood. Check out VIP Wellness Tea® Sunshine & Blues.
7. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an adaptogen herb (plant substances that has the potential to help your body manage the impact of stress and restore balance) is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. It may also support overall well-being and promote a sense of calm. Check out VIP Wellness Tea® VitaliQi.
8. Lavender: Often used for its calming and relaxing properties, lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy and can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Check out VIP Wellness Tea® Natural BeauTea.
9. Valerian: Valerian root is commonly used as a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and stress reduction. It may promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
10. Holy Basil (Tulsi): Often used in Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil tea is believed to reduce stress, promote mental clarity, and support overall well-being. Check out VIP Wellness Tea® Perfect TriniTea.
Herbal teas may offer an excellent addition to any self-care routine and ideal for stress relief and relaxation. It’s encouraged to make the tea yourself and use the time to engage in a mindfulness routine that encourages a relaxing ritual. The ritual of tea making and tasting provides an opportunity to slow down, focus, and connect with yourself and your environment. To be present in the moment. Consider setting a time of day that includes setting your intentions for the day, visualization, praying, or meditating.
Teatime can also be used to take a mindful break in the middle of your workday and may offer what you need to promote productivity and give you renewed energy to complete your day. Be sure to take time to appreciate the appearance, taste, and aroma of tea to gain its full benefits.
It's important to note that while most of these teas and herbs have been used for centuries with research supporting several potential benefits for brain health and mental well-being, individual results may vary. Studies are ongoing and there is a need for more evidence-based research on herbs. Nevertheless, medicinal herbs have been an essential and important source of information for the development of pharmaceutical drugs and are generally regarded as safe.
Dr. T’s Tea Talk Tips
1. Adding specific herbs and teas to your self-care routine may help to promote brain and mental health.
2. Seek help from a professional health care provider if you have concerns about your brain or mental health. Talk to someone (friend, family, co-worker, helpline) if you need help figuring it out.
Consult with your medical provider if considering adding any supplement to your diet, especially if you are taking medications. Some supplements may interact with medications.
3. Eat plenty of plants. Focus on “eating the rainbow” which means foods should be colorful and a variety (mainly fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts). Plants are packed with antioxidants and nutrients. Tea leaves provide a rich source of antioxidants which may help protect against cell damage and inflammation in the body.
4. Practice good gut hygiene. The brain and gut are intricately connected; one impacts the other (brain-gut connection). Eat to support digestion. More plant-based whole foods, less processed or sugary foods. Brain health foods include dark-colored berries, walnuts, fish high in Omega-3 (salmon), dark leafy greens.
5. Take time to do things you enjoy! Put “yoU” in your schedUle!
6. Stay active! Moving your body helps stress by increasing endorphins and helps with digestion promoting brain-gut health.
7. Where your mind goes your energy flows. Focus your attention to bring intention!
Be well. Live well. Sip Well.
Dr. T
Resources
Gregory J, Vengalasetti YV, Bredesen DE, Rao RV. Neuroprotective Herbs for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules. 2021 Apr 8;11(4):543. doi: 10.3390/biom11040543. PMID: 33917843; PMCID: PMC8068256.
Malík M, Tlustoš P. Nootropic Herbs, Shrubs, and Trees as Potential Cognitive Enhancers. Plants (Basel). 2023 Mar 18;12(6):1364. doi: 10.3390/plants12061364. PMID: 36987052; PMCID: PMC10056569.
Koulivand PH, et al. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/
Kim J, Kim J. Green Tea, Coffee, and Caffeine Consumption Are Inversely Associated with Self-Report Lifetime Depression in the Korean Population. Nutrients. 2018; 10(9):1201. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091201
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither VIP Wellness Tea®, its associates, nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.