12 Teas That Boost Your Mood (Slideshow)
Sage tea has been shown to elevate mood, cognition, and mental performance.
Saffron Tea
The radiant orange spice, saffron, has been studied and shown to be as effective as certain antidepressant drugs such as imipramine and fluoxetine. Saffron also helps with mood swings and depression associated with PMS. Give your tea a pinch of saffron and experience these amazing effects.
Turmeric Tea
The golden spice, turmeric, has been extensively studied and shown to improve depression and mood. It can influence the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine which are responsible for creating a good mood. Add a little turmeric to your tea and you won't be sad, no pun intended.
Chamomile Tea
This herbal plant from the daisy family can relieve depression, anxiety, panic, while promoting healthy sleep.
Lemon Balm Tea
Derived from dried lemon balm leaves, the aromatic scent of this plant provides a sense of calmness and the citrus oils further lower blood pressure, especially when under stress.
Green Tea Recipe
Native to China and India, the leaves of Camellia sinensis are unfermented, and the polyphenols in green tea can influence the availability of dopamine which creates a "happy" state in the brain.
Yerba Mate Recipe
Found in the rainforests of South America and related to the holly species, this tea can improve sleep, stall Alzheimer's dementia, and benefit the immune system while improving mental clarity and mood.
Masala Chai Recipe
This spiced black tea has its roots in Ayurvedic medicine. Packed with valuable spices, you're not at a loss for mental and physical health benefits: everything from mood stabilizing to immunity boosting.
Lavender Tea
This is a small, aromatic evergreen mint shrub that makes you feel calm and relaxed and induces restful sleep while lifting your mood.
Fennel Tea Recipe
This aromatic plant, part of the parsley family, is a complex carbohydrate that provides stable glucose levels which helps prevent mood swings. It helps boost serotonin and endorphin levels.
Ginseng Tea Recipe
This plant tuber found in East Asia helps with the production of serotonin, which is often low in people with depression.
Rooibos Tea Recipe
Also called rooibos, this tea hails from the desert area of Southern Africa. The evergreen shrub of the pea family reduces anxiety and stress while elevating your mood and encouraging restful sleep.