Teas and meditation go hand in hand. Whether you’re experiencing high levels of anxiety or want to explore inner peace and gain clarity, enjoying a cup of tea before you meditate will help you relax and deepen your mindfulness practice. The best teas for meditation are also beneficial for your physical health as they can boost your immune system.
Moreover, researchers have found that drinking a single cup of tea can lower cortisol levels in the body, thus reducing stress and lifting mood. In addition, those who drink at least half a cup of green tea every day are at a lower risk of developing depression and dementia.
So, what are the ingredients that give teas these benefits?
As it turns out, most teas contain polyphenol antioxidants such as EGCG and amino acids such as l-theanine. ECGC is believed to alter the mind by strengthening memory and improving attention. Meanwhile, research studies have shown that l-theanine possibly increases serotonin, dopamine, and GABA in the brain.
In other words, consuming this beverage may boost your brain health by encouraging a healthy stress response system and improving alertness.
Hence, whether you have recently become interested in mindfulness or have been practicing it for years, sipping on a cup (or two) of your favorite blend can calm your mind and enhance your focus.
To help enrich your experience, we have put together a list of the best teas for meditation. Let’s take a look.
10 Best Teas for Meditation
These are some of the most renowned teas for meditation that everyone must know about.
1. Organic Rooibos Tea
(ASIN: B07XYH57NP)
If you are looking for the best herbal teas for meditation, you can’t go wrong with rooibos tea. Made from the long needle leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant found in South Africa, this tea is known for its calming effects and other health benefits.
Those who want to enjoy this deep crimson tea should consider buying the Organic Rooibos Loose Leaf Tea by FGO. It is a USDA Organic certified product, making this drink a great option for those practicing a sustainable lifestyle. Moreover, this tea is available in a sealable bag and is enough to brew about 50 cups. You can also get this herbal blend in tea bags for added convenience.
Interestingly, rooibos tea is caffeine-free and boasts a sweet and nutty flavor with some earthy notes. The flavor also has hints of caramel and vanilla and a slight smokiness that may remind some of tobacco.
As far as its health benefits are concerned, rooibos tea is a good source of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron, among other minerals. It also contains Vitamin C, polyphenols, and antioxidants.
2. Himalayan Green Tea
(ASIN: B00R65SD4C)
It’s no secret that green tea is among the best teas for anxiety. The caffeine in this tea works with l-theanine to improve memory, enhance attention, and, most importantly, lower anxiety levels. These factors also make it a great option for those seeking to let go of their worries by immersing in deep meditation.
The Himalayan Green Tea Leaves by Vahdam is an excellent choice for finding high-quality and fresh loose-leaf tea. A 3.53 oz bag of this natural blend is enough to brew more than 50 cups. So, even if you drink a cup and a half of green tea every day, this bag will last you for an entire month.
Made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea is one of the most popular choices of beverages in most parts of the world. Drinking this tea regularly can help increase your cognitive functions and uplift your mood, beneficial for those practicing meditation. Moreover, research has proven that green tea reduces the risk of heart diseases and plays a vital role in preventing the signs of skin aging.
3. Organic Chamomile Herbal Tea
(ASIN: B00CREXUOU)
Those who meditate to fight insomnia and improve their sleeping patterns must incorporate chamomile tea into their diet. Ideally, it would help if you consumed a cup of this herbal blend an hour or 30 minutes before you begin meditating. This will give the healthy components of chamomile enough time to absorb into your bloodstream.
The Organic Chamomile Herbal Tea by Taylors of Harrogate is probably one of the best blends for those practicing mindfulness. Each box of this caffeine-free infusion includes 20 tea bags. While there is no need to add milk to this beverage, you can certainly sweeten it with honey or brown sugar.
As researchers have found, chamomile tea can induce sleep by helping people relax. Furthermore, it can also help treat cold symptoms, reduce the severity of menstrual cramps, lower blood sugar levels, diminish inflammation, and slow down osteoporosis.
If you haven’t tried chamomile tea before, start with a low dosage of this delicious beverage before progressing towards a stronger cup.
4. Organic Lavender Tea
(ASIN: B00QQTKMLQ)
The lavender tea’s aromatic fragrance and floral notes make it another brilliant option for people who meditate. It is made with the buds of the Lavandula angustifolia plant and is known for its calming effect on the mind and body. Drinking this low-caffeine tea can also help reduce your anxiety and allow you to enjoy a night of better sleep.
Keeping these benefits in mind, you should consider giving Organic Lavender Tea by Buddha Teas a try. While most brands combine lavender tea with other blends such as earl gray, this company offers high-quality lavender tea bags without additives, artificial flavors, or GMOs. One box of this tea is enough to brew 18 cups.
Moreover, this blend has an earthy flavor and is packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Scientific research has shown that lavender tea can benefit those struggling with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and fatigue. In addition, regular usage of this beverage may also soothe menstrual cramps and improve skin health.
5. Organic Ginger Tea
(ASIN: B07SQX3853)
Ginger is one of the most popular components in traditional and alternative medicine. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many consider ginger tea as one of the best teas for meditation. Along with boasting medicinal properties, it also helps improve brain function and reduce stress.
The Organic Ginger Tea Bags by FGO is a great choice for those looking to purchase pure ginger blends from an eco-conscious brand. Each hemp fiber paper bag contains 100 tea bags filled with pure ginger root. It is also caffeine-free, which means you can enjoy a cup for a calming effect at any time of the day.
However, the best time to consume this beverage is shortly before meditation. The powerful antioxidant properties of ginger tea can help soothe your nerves and put you in a state of bliss, ensuring you enjoy your mindfulness meditation session.
The other health benefits of the flavorful ginger tea include alleviating sore throat and cold symptoms, soothing nausea, reducing inflammation, improving oral health, and boosting the immune system.
6. Organic Lemon Balm Herbal Tea
(ASIN: B015OGDWAO)
Looking for a rich and aromatic tea that will help relieve tension and improve your digestive system? The lemon balm tea could be an ideal option for you. The calming effects of this soothing beverage can lower stress and anxiety levels, making it an excellent hot drink to enjoy at the end of a tough day.
Traditional Medicinals’ Organic Lemon Balm Herbal Tea is one of the most highly-rated blends with a dedicated customer base. It is a USDA Organic certified product that is free of caffeine. Moreover, you have an option to buy these tea bags in packs of 16 or 32, depending on how often you plan to drink them before, during, or after your meditation sessions.
Lemon balm tea is made from the leaves of the Melissa officinalis plant, which belongs to the mint family. Hence this blend boasts subtle notes of citrus and mint, making it extremely refreshing. Additionally, along with soothing your nerves, this beverage is known for supporting brain health, improving sleep patterns, treating infections, and lowering the risks of heart attacks.
7. Organic Licorice Root Tea
(ASIN: B00DLKV6L8)
The sweet flavor and subtle earthy notes of licorice root tea add to the popularity of this delectable beverage. Traditionally, people drink this tea to reduce acid reflux and ease other digestive problems. However, it is now considered one of the best herbal teas for meditation as it also manages the level of cortisol in the body.
So, if you are looking for a pure blend free of additives and GMOs, you should consider checking out the Organic Licorice Root Tea by Buddha Teas. Each pack contains 18 biodegradable tea bags, empowering you to practice mindfulness while enjoying an environmentally friendly lifestyle. This beverage is also caffeine and gluten-free, making it a healthy option for many.
As you may already know, licorice root tea comes from the licorice or Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. Therefore, it tastes like black licorice with subtle notes of peppermint and anise. Along with improving your mood, this beverage can also help reduce heartburn and indigestion, prevent premature skin aging, soothe sore throat and cough, and reduce plaque buildup and oral cavities.
8. Peppermint Herbal Tea
(ASIN: B009L6Q2YW)
You can’t meditate until you let go of your worries and calm your mind – which is easier said than done. Therefore, if you are dealing with increased mental stress, you may want to sip on a warm cup of peppermint tea to relax your muscles. It will also help you focus and improve your concentration for meditation.
The Pure Peppermint Herbal Tea by Twinings of London is perhaps one of the best teas for anxiety. One box contains 20 tea bags containing a fresh blend made from Egyptian peppermint leaves. In addition, it is savory and boasts notes of mint, making it a refreshing beverage to enjoy before or during meditation. The tea is also caffeine-free.
A freshly brewed cup of peppermint tea can not only help you beat stress and encourage restful sleep, but it can also cure an upset stomach, promote weight loss, reduce heartburn, improve the digestive system, and combat various oral diseases.
9. Passionflower Tea
(ASIN: B004P726PG)
Did you know that drinking a cup of passionflower tea can ensure a good night’s sleep?
Whether you are meditating for sound sleep or your peace of mind, consuming passionflower tea can help you seek tranquility. This tea comes from a flowering vine and has a savory taste with light notes of earthiness.
While several brands are currently selling this blend, the Passiflora Passion Flower Tea by Tadin Tea appears to be a fan favorite. One of the best herbal teas for meditation, this beverage keeps your senses from being overwhelmed with the onslaught of worries. Moreover, the Passiflora box contains 24 decaffeinated tea bags, so buying one pack will almost last you an entire month.
According to research studies, passionflower tea can increase GABA – an amino acid that reduces activity in the nervous system. Hence drinking this beverage allows one to relax and enhance their mood. It also soothes the effects of menopause and provides relief. Furthermore, passionflower tea can also be helpful for those struggling with generalized anxiety disorder.
10. Rosemary Herbal Tea
(ASIN: B08FVV9XP4)
Known as a cognitive stimulant, rosemary tea can help you feel more alert and improve your mood. It is made from the rosemary or Rosmarinus officinalis bush found in the South American and the Mediterranean regions. This tea is also high in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial compounds.
The Organic Rosemary Herbal Tea by Alvita is a great choice for those who want to enjoy a fresh cup of rosemary tree without worrying about any harmful additives or artificial flavors. Available in a pack of three, the boxes contain a total of 72 tea bags. The distinct taste and powerful aroma will instantly allow you to relax and indulge in a world of earthy flavor.
Sipping on a cup of this tea before meditation will help strengthen your memory, protect the health of your brain, benefit your eyes, manage your blood sugar, and lower the risk of heart diseases.
Our Final Thoughts
Consuming green and herbal teas can be rather beneficial for those who practice meditation. These beverages encourage stress relief and muscle relaxation, which can have a positive impact on cognitive functions. Reduced anxiety levels can also improve your focus and enable you to find inner peace through mindfulness meditation.
These teas for anxiety and improved brain health also boast several other health benefits. From rooibos to rosemary, the rich aroma and delicious flavors of these teas also add to their popularity and high demand. However, please carefully read the labels of the products mentioned above to ensure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.
So, which of these best teas for meditation will you try next?