Need to slow down and relax? Try drinking some calming tea! The stresses of modern living mean that people are turning their backs on caffeine and are instead looking for something more relaxing, both for the body and mind. As calming teas are usually caffeine-free, organic, and made from healthy herbs with no additives or chemicals, they are a perfect choice to add some calmness to your day.
The correct blend of tea can calm nerves or anxiety, aid digestion, or help you get that all-important rejuvenating night's sleep. With so many calming teas on the market, it can be difficult to know which tea to choose and that's why we've searched the internet to find the best calming teas. Our number one pick is the Organic Chamomile Herbal Tea from Taylors of Harrogate. Reviewers love the gentle flavor in this healthy, mellow tea! Keep reading for our other favorites and a useful buying guide.
Quick List - Top Calming Teas
Tazo
Tarragon and Spearmint for a Minty, Refreshing Flavor
I am a Certified Tea Sommelier and blogger at teacachai.com with a business and fashion background. Besides drinking tea, I enjoy creating tea-infused recipes, cocktails/mocktails, teaching workshops and sharing all about tea. I got into tea at a young age and have always been super passionate about it!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
There are many things to take into consideration before you choose a calming tea. Here are some of the factors we think you should consider before making your purchase.
Although they all have a calming effect, some teas focus on certain areas more than others. For example, teas with chamomile soothe the stomach and contain apigenin, a compound that can help you sleep and reduce anxiety or depression. Lavender teas reduce stress and anxiety as well.
Passionflower increases gamma-aminobutyric acid, which reduces activity in the central nervous system resulting in a calmer mind. Peppermint contains a relaxant so it can calm you and help you sleep.
There are also lesser-known ones like kava. This is a root from the pepper family and it contains kavalactones. Kavalactones act on the nervous system to give a numbing and sedative effect. Teas that contain kava only have small amounts of this compound, but they can still help you relax.
It's important to make the distinction between tea and herbal infusions. Tea only comes from the Camellia Sinesis plant and includes teas like black, Pu-erh, Oolong, green, white, and yellow. Herbal infusions or tisanes are caffeine-free (with a few exceptions) and can be from a huge range of herbs, plants, roots, fungi, bark, flowers, fruits, and more.
Some of these infusions have pretty powerful medicinal attributes. Learning about the uses and benefits of herbs takes years and practice, but for marketing purposes, their uses are more often simplified and their benefits exaggerated.
Yes, Valerian root may help promote better sleep, but drinking one cup of tea on one single day won't do much. If you're not after the medicinal aspect of herbs, by all means, have and enjoy the ones you like!
Like any types of teas, calming teas can be bought either in tea bags or as loose-leaf teas. Consider the pros and cons of both types before you purchasing your tea!
Loose-leaf teas are usually more flavorful, and it's easier to control the tea amount and brew strength. Plus, the only waste left behind is the leaves!
Loose-leaf teas are also far messier and require a tea strainer to separate the brewed tea from the leaves. For some people, brewing loose-leaf tea is just an added step in the process and more mess. However, for a lot of people, the process of brewing tea can be calming in itself.
Loose-leaf teas and whole herbs, flowers, and such will often be of better quality than tea bags, and the process to make them is actually pretty simple.
You only need a reusable strainer to steep the herbs and, for most, you can steep them in boiling water. It is ideal to steep herbal teas for at least seven to ten minutes to extract all their benefits.
Teabags are easier to brew and more convenient, especially for travel. They’re also less messy, but some prefer not to use them due to the possibility of microplastics being released into their tea. Plus, they create more waste, too. If you want an eco-friendly alternative, look for tea bags made with sustainable or biodegradable materials.
Despite that tea bags may seem more practical, I always recommend going with the loose-leaf, whole herb, or flower option versus tea bags because, in most cases, what is used to fill them is of much lower quality (with exceptions, of course).
I also prefer not to use tea bags because I try to avoid generating unnecessary waste. Another fun option to try is to grow your own herbs and make herbal tea from freshly harvested herbs!
Calming teas are made from different herbs and plants. Some of these, such as chamomile, peppermint, and lavender, have well-known flavors. Other teas, such as kava, can be very strong and have unusual tastes. Not everyone can handle a cup of kava tea!
If you like unusual flavors or are willing to experiment, then seek out interesting combinations. You can get an idea of what flavors stand out most in blends by reading reviewer comments.
For example, if an herbal tea contains an ingredient like cocoa shells, you can expect a chocolatey note (which doesn’t always go great with everything).
You might find that some flavors go better with a little milk, sugar, or lemon rather than straight up! However, if you’re not so sure that experimentation is for you, try common flavors like single-ingredient peppermint or chamomile tea.
Some herbs have very distinct and recognizable flavors like peppermint, lavender, chamomile, and lemongrass, but not every herb has a strong or pleasant flavor. Lots of commercially available herbal tea blends have flavorings, which are not necessarily a bad thing. Try to look for natural flavorings when possible as a flavored alternative.
We might be stating the obvious, but it’s better to go with teas that are either decaffeinated or naturally free of caffeine. Herbal teas are a good option here.
Familiar flavors like black tea or Earl Grey can be comforting, which can make you reach for them right away. However, the high caffeine in these teas can heighten anxiety in a lot of people.
If you crave one of these familiar flavors, try looking for a decaf option. They still usually contain very small amounts of caffeine, but it shouldn’t have nearly the same effect as their caffeinated counterparts. Green tea is a good option as well! It contains a moderate amount of caffeine but has a high amount of theanine to alleviate stress.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tealyra Tranquil Dream | ![]() | A Delicious and Organic Loose-Leaf Tea | |
2 | Taylors of Harrogate Organic Chamomile Herbal Tea|20 bags | ![]() | Tranquility in Every Sip | |
3 | Yogi Kava Stress Relief|6 packs, 16 bags per pack | ![]() | Provides Strong Relaxation Effect | |
4 | Tazo Herbal Tea Bags For a Refreshing Beverage|6 pack, 20 bags per pack | ![]() | Tarragon and Spearmint for a Minty, Refreshing Flavor | |
5 | Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile with Lavender Herbal Tea|16 bags | ![]() | Soothing Lavender to Keep You Relaxed | |
6 | Stash Lemon Ginger Herbal Tea|20 bags | ![]() | A Full-Flavor Tea to Revitalize You | |
7 | Tazo Calming Green Tea|20 bags | ![]() | Currently unavailable | Refresh Yourself With This Caffeinated Green Tea |
8 | Yogi Soothing Caramel for Bedtime|16 bags | ![]() | A Soothing Blend of Chamomile and Skullcap Leaf | |
9 | Twinings Nightly Calm Herbal Tea|6 pack, 20 bags per pack | ![]() | A Minty Tea Made for Bedtime | |
10 | Adanim Bio Stress Release Passion Flowers - Carob |4 pack, 20 bags per pack | ![]() | A Relaxing Tea Made From Passion Fruit Flowers |
This loose-leaf tea is made up of honeybush, chamomile, lemon verbena, and linden flowers. It comes in a resealable pouch for easy storage. You can use this tea to relieve anxiety and stress, and it's especially effective before bedtime. To make the tea, brew one to two heaping teaspoons of tea in boiling water for four to six minutes.
While a few reviewers say the floral aroma is too strong for their preference, many share that the combination of flavor is spot-on. They also suggest adding sweeteners like honey and brown sugar to enhance the flavor. Also, the majority confirm that after drinking the tea, they feel calmer. Many are able to fall asleep more easily.
Taylors of Harrogate Organic Chamomile Tea offers a soothing and calming experience with every cup. This premium herbal tea is made from 100% organic chamomile flowers, carefully selected for their delicate flavor and natural calming properties. Chamomile is traditionally known for its ability to promote relaxation and restful sleep, making this tea an ideal choice for winding down after a long day or preparing for a good night's rest. The gentle floral notes of chamomile provide a pleasant and comforting taste, perfect for those moments when you need a little tranquility.
Certified by the Soil Association, Taylors of Harrogate Organic Chamomile Tea adheres to the highest standards of organic farming, ensuring that you enjoy a pure and natural product free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The tea is also packaged in environmentally friendly materials, reflecting Taylors of Harrogate's commitment to sustainability. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve sleep, or simply enjoy a flavorful and healthful herbal tea, Taylors of Harrogate Organic Chamomile Tea is a perfect addition to your daily routine, providing a moment of peace and relaxation with each sip.
This naturally sweet and spicy tea is made with carob pod, Indian sarsaparilla root, cinnamon bark, ginger root, and kava. It aims to calm the body and mind to help you sleep. To brew this tea, steep one tea bag in hot water for seven minutes. If you want stronger tea, you can use two tea bags.
Like most products containing kava, buyers say this has a harsh taste that can lead to numbing of the mouth and lips if brewed strongly. Still, most agree that this tea has a strong relaxation effect. They say it helps them sleep at night and has taken the place of some prescription drugs.
The main ingredients in this caffeine-free tea are peppermint, spearmint, and tarragon. Particularly, the tarragon spice gives this tea a little kick that's refreshing and revitalizing. The tea bags are individually wrapped, and this unsweetened tea can be drunk either hot or cold.
To brew this tea, add hot water and leave it to steep for five minutes. The majority love the minty taste of this tea, and many say that it is the best mint tea that they have tried. They agree that it is refreshing, and many say that it is also a soothing way to wind down at the end of a busy day.
This tea is made from three aromatic herbs: chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm. Drinking this tea should help settle nerves and ease tension, as it acts on your nervous system and digestive system. To brew the tea, pour boiling water over two tea bags and steep for 10 minutes. You can drink three to four cups a day.
Reviewers are divided into two distinct camps when it comes to this tea: those who like lavender, and those that don't. But the majority of reviewers who like lavender really enjoy the strong flavor of this tea. Some reviewers who suffer from anxiety report that drinking this tea does make them feel more relaxed.
The main ingredients in this tea are ginger root, lemongrass, and hibiscus. The combination of ginger and lemon acts together to refresh and rejuvenate without the need for caffeine. To brew the tea, steep one tea bag in boiling water for three to five minutes. The tea bags are individually wrapped in foil packets to keep them fresh.
Some reviewers question the quality of these tea bags and say that they have had problems with the strings coming loose. On another note, many reviewers state that the tea has a strong flavor and is a good substitute for caffeinated beverages. Some have tried it cold and say that it makes for a great iced tea as well.
Tazo Zen tea is a green tea with lemon verbena, lemongrass, spearmint, and mint. The tea bags are individually wrapped. Unlike the other teas on this list, it is slightly caffeinated. This tea is designed to be drunk in the morning or afternoon as a way to calm and refresh. To brew this tea, add hot water and let it steep for three minutes.
Many reviewers love that this green tea doesn't taste bitter and single out the extra flavor the lemongrass and spearmint give it. They say it can be drunk either hot or iced too. Some reviewers flavor their tea with honey, but most drink it without any extras. Most agree that the tea is relaxing and helps them get through their day.
This soothing bedtime tea features a combination of chamomile flower, skullcap leaf, and L-theanine, all of which act together to help calm the mind and body. The ingredients are organic without artificial flavors or sweeteners. The material of the tea bags is compostable, too. For a more robust flavor, use two tea bags.
Although some buyers complain that the tea doesn't taste anything like caramel and has an overwhelming chamomile taste, many others praise the smooth, flavorful taste. A lot of users love adding a touch of honey or creamer to the tea. Those who have drunk this tea before bedtime believe that it does make them feel more relaxed.
Twinings Nightly Calm has the flavors of camomile, spearmint, and lemongrass. It is caffeine-free and contains no artificial ingredients. As the name suggests, this tea is aimed at helping you relax before bedtime. To brew the tea, steep a tea bag in boiling water for three to five minutes.
One review thinks the flavor is too light. But the majority find it relaxing and say it's truly effective in getting them to sleep. Reviewers liked the refreshing taste of this tea and say that it works well as an iced tea too! Many also enjoy the taste of this tea without anything else.
The ingredients in this tea include carob pods, cinnamon bark, ginger root, and passion fruit leaves and flowers. This stress relief tea is especially good for sleep, insomnia, and night anxiety.
Some buyers were disappointed to find that this tea is made from the flowers of passion fruit, and not with actual passion flowers. This is an easy mistake to make due to the way the box is labeled. Many do like the taste, however. It has a hibiscus-like flavor and makes an appealing red brew. They also find that it does relax them.
Daniela is a certified tea sommelier and blogger at teacachai.com with a business and fashion background. Besides drinking tea, she enjoys creating tea-infused recipes, cocktails/mocktails, teaching workshops and sharing all about tea.
When it came to the topic of calming teas, we wanted to ask a pro, so we asked Daniela for some tips on how to choose the best one.
Most calming teas can be used regularly and long-term without any issues. If you find that you’re becoming reliant on their calming benefits, however, you should see your doctor. Calming teas shouldn’t be taken in place of medication without prior approval from your doctor.
One example would be kava tea, which many use to help them relax or in place of anti-depressants like Xanax. Yet, using this in combination with current medications or other sedatives could have negative side effects. It's important to consult your doctor before self-medicating if you're already on different medications.
Never take any type of medicinal herbal tea without consulting your physician, especially if you have an underlying condition or are currently taking medications.
Herbalists study herbs for years in order to be able to recommend specific ones to different individuals. With herbs, it's not always a "one size fits all" solution, so be mindful of this before referring to them to address any health issues.
Teas can serve many different purposes other than to calm us. If you're looking for teas to help with a cold or simply to sit back and enjoy drinking, here are some more suggestions!
No. 1: Tealyra|Tranquil Dream
No. 2: Taylors of Harrogate|Organic Chamomile Herbal Tea|20 bags
No. 3: Yogi|Kava Stress Relief|6 packs, 16 bags per pack
No. 4: Tazo|Herbal Tea Bags For a Refreshing Beverage|6 pack, 20 bags per pack
No. 5: Traditional Medicinals|Organic Chamomile with Lavender Herbal Tea|16 bags
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Health
Beauty
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices