Best Tea for Anxiety and Depression |

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the content I create here on the blog! You can read my full Disclosure Policy for more details.

Jump to... +

Feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, or stuck in a cloud of low mood? You’re not alone — anxiety and depression affect millions of people every day. While there’s no magic potion that can make worries disappear, there is something wonderfully soothing about wrapping your hands around a warm mug of tea. The right brew can calm your racing thoughts, lift your spirits, and turn a rough day into a more manageable one.

In this guide to the Best Tea for Anxiety and Depression, we’ll explore calming herbal blends, mood-boosting green teas, and fragrant floral infusions that can help you feel more centered. From chamomile’s gentle hug to green tea’s focus-friendly lift, you’ll discover which teas to sip when stress and sadness start creeping in. So grab your favorite cozy blanket — your journey to a calmer mind and happier mood starts with a single steep.

How Tea Can Help with Anxiety and Depression

Tea is more than just a comforting beverage — it’s a mind-body experience. From the moment you heat the water to the last lingering sip, the process can slow your pace, deepen your breathing, and help you feel more present. For people struggling with anxiety and depression, these small moments of mindfulness can be powerful.

But the benefits don’t stop at the ritual. Many teas contain natural compounds that directly affect your brain chemistry and nervous system:

L-theanine — Found in green tea and some black teas, this amino acid promotes relaxation without drowsiness, helping you stay calm and focused.
Apigenin — A plant compound in chamomile that binds to certain brain receptors, creating a gentle sedative effect.
Antioxidants — Such as catechins and polyphenols, which help protect brain cells from oxidative stress, a factor linked to mood disorders.
Aromatic oils — In herbs like lavender and peppermint, which can have an immediate calming effect through inhalation.

Anxiety often comes with a racing mind, tense muscles, and disrupted sleep. Depression may bring fatigue, brain fog, and low motivation. Certain teas can target these symptoms naturally:

For calming racing thoughts → Herbal teas like lemon balm, passionflower, and chamomile can relax the nervous system.
For lifting mood → Green tea and lightly caffeinated blends can offer gentle energy and mental clarity.
For better sleep → Valerian root or lavender tea can promote deeper, more restful sleep cycles.

One of the biggest perks of turning to tea is caffeine control. If you’re sensitive to caffeine — which can sometimes make anxiety worse — herbal options are naturally caffeine-free. If you need a subtle pick-me-up, green tea offers a smoother, less jittery lift than coffee.

Best Teas for Anxiety and Depression

When it comes to soothing a restless mind or lifting a low mood, not all teas are created equal. The best tea for anxiety and depression combines calming herbs, mood-boosting compounds, and comforting aromas. Below are the top picks to add to your wellness routine.

1. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has been used for hundreds of years to help people relax and sleep better. One of its main active ingredients, called apigenin, works by attaching to certain spots in the brain that calm nerve activity. This helps lower feelings of anxiety and makes it easier to fall asleep. In fact, some research shows that regularly drinking chamomile tea can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve sleep quality in people with mild anxiety or depression.

Since chamomile contains no caffeine, it won’t keep you awake or make anxiety worse like some other teas or drinks might. Personally, I like to keep Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile Tea on hand because the whole chamomile flowers make the flavor fresher and more natural.

People often enjoy chamomile because it’s mild and soothing, making it an easy way to add a calming moment to a busy or stressful day.

2. Green Tea

Green tea is well-known for its unique combination of caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine, which work together to create a calm but alert feeling. The caffeine gives you a gentle boost of energy, while the L-theanine helps reduce the jitters and keeps your mind focused without feeling overwhelmed. This makes green tea a great choice if you’re dealing with anxiety but still need to stay productive during the day.

Green tea also contains antioxidants called catechins that support overall brain health and may help protect your mood in the long run. It’s not caffeine-free, so if you’re sensitive, you might want to enjoy it earlier in the day.

For my own daily routine, I often reach for Jade Leaf Matcha because it’s a vibrant, high-quality green tea powder that blends well into water or milk.

Green tea is perfect for mornings or early afternoons when you want to stay calm but alert, without the crash or anxiety that coffee sometimes causes.

3. Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm is an herb from the mint family that’s prized for its calming and mood-lifting properties. It contains compounds that help increase levels of GABA, a brain chemical that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. Studies have found that lemon balm can help ease stress, improve sleep, and even boost mental performance when you’re feeling foggy or overwhelmed.

Because lemon balm is naturally caffeine-free, it’s a great choice any time of day when you want to feel more balanced and calm without sedation. I personally enjoy a cup of lemon balm tea in the afternoon, especially when I need a gentle pick-me-up without the buzz of caffeine.

One of my favorite lemon balm teas is Traditional Medicinals Lemon Balm Tea — it’s herbal, fresh, and has a pleasant lemony flavor that’s really refreshing.

4. Lavender Tea

Lavender is well-known for its calming scent, often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Drinking lavender tea offers similar benefits through both its gentle flavor and aromatic properties. Compounds in lavender can help lower anxiety levels and improve sleep quality by calming the nervous system and reducing feelings of restlessness.

Since lavender tea is caffeine-free, it’s an excellent choice for evenings or any time you need to unwind. Personally, I find this Organic Lavender Tea to be a reliable go-to — it has a delicate floral taste and a soothing aroma that really helps me relax after a hectic day.

5. Passionflower Tea

Passionflower is a natural herb that’s been used for centuries to calm the mind and ease anxiety. It works by increasing levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps slow down brain activity and promotes relaxation. Research suggests passionflower can reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep quality without causing daytime drowsiness.

Because it’s naturally caffeine-free, passionflower tea is great for drinking in the evening or whenever your mind feels overwhelmed. I usually turn to this Passionflower Tea because it brews a smooth, mild cup that helps me settle down without feeling groggy the next day.

6. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is known for its refreshing taste and ability to soothe digestive discomfort, which often accompanies anxiety. While it doesn’t have sedative properties like some other herbal teas, its cool, minty flavor can help clear your mind and reduce tension. The menthol in peppermint acts as a natural muscle relaxant, easing headaches and physical stress caused by anxiety.

Peppermint tea is caffeine-free, making it a versatile choice any time of day when you want to feel refreshed and calm. I personally enjoy Bigelow Peppermint Herbal Tea because of its bold, natural mint flavor and consistent quality. It’s easy to find and brews a satisfying cup every time.

7. Valerian Root Tea

Valerian root is a powerful herb commonly used to improve sleep and reduce anxiety symptoms. It works by increasing levels of GABA in the brain, helping to quiet overactive thoughts and promote deep relaxation. Because of its strong sedative effects, valerian root tea is best enjoyed in the evening, about an hour before bedtime.

Although valerian has a strong, earthy taste that might take some getting used to, many find its calming benefits well worth it. I usually go for this Organic Valerian Root Tea, which offers a smooth, high-quality brew that helps me unwind and get a restful night’s sleep without feeling groggy in the morning.

Which Tea Is Best for Anxiety and Depression?

When it comes to which tea is best for anxiety and depression, it really depends on your specific needs and preferences, since each tea works a little differently:

Chamomile Tea is a top choice if you want gentle relaxation and better sleep without caffeine. It’s mild, soothing, and backed by solid research for easing mild anxiety.
Green Tea is ideal if you want a calm energy boost and improved focus without the jitters, thanks to its unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine.
Lemon Balm Tea offers a nice balance of calming and mood-lifting effects, great for reducing stress and clearing mental fog during the day.
Lavender Tea shines as an evening drink to unwind and support restful sleep with its calming aroma.
Passionflower Tea is excellent if you struggle with racing thoughts and want to improve sleep quality naturally.
Peppermint Tea is perfect for soothing physical symptoms like digestive discomfort and tension headaches that often accompany anxiety.
Valerian Root Tea is the strongest sedative herb on the list, best reserved for occasional use to support deep, restful sleep.

If I had to pick one “best” tea overall, chamomile wins for its balance of mild anxiety relief, sleep support, and gentle taste — plus it’s widely available and easy to enjoy daily.

That said, the best tea for you might be different depending on your symptoms, caffeine tolerance, and flavor preferences. Sometimes combining a few different teas throughout your day or week gives the best results.

How to Incorporate Anxiety-Relief Teas into Your Daily Routine

Drinking calming teas can be a simple but powerful way to support your mental health, especially when paired with other self-care habits. Here are some easy tips for making these teas a regular part of your day:

Start your morning right: If you want a gentle, focused boost, try green tea first thing or mid-morning. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine can help ease anxiety while keeping you alert.
Midday calm: Lemon balm or peppermint tea work well as afternoon pick-me-ups. They soothe stress without caffeine, so you won’t get a crash later.
Evening wind-down: Save chamomile, lavender, passionflower, or valerian root teas for later in the day to promote relaxation and prepare your body for restful sleep. Chamomile is a great all-rounder if you want just one evening tea to keep on hand.
Create a calming ritual: Turn tea time into a mindful break. Find a quiet spot, breathe deeply, and savor the aroma and flavor to give your nervous system a real moment to reset.
Listen to your body: Everyone reacts differently. Notice how each tea affects your mood and sleep, and adjust what and when you drink accordingly.

Adding these teas to your routine can be an easy, enjoyable way to help manage anxiety and depression naturally—without relying on medication.

FAQs About the Best Tea for Anxiety and Depression

Can drinking tea really help reduce anxiety and depression?

Yes, certain teas contain natural compounds that promote relaxation, reduce stress hormones, and improve sleep quality. While tea isn’t a cure, it can be a helpful part of a balanced approach to managing anxiety and depression.

Which tea is the best for calming anxiety quickly?

Chamomile and passionflower teas are known for their quick calming effects. Chamomile is mild and soothing, while passionflower can provide stronger relaxation without heavy sedation.

Is green tea good for anxiety and depression?

Green tea contains caffeine but also has L-theanine, which promotes calm focus. It’s best for those who want an energy boost without jitters but may not be ideal for caffeine-sensitive people or nighttime use.

Can I drink these teas every day?

Most calming teas like chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender are safe for daily use. Stronger herbs like valerian root should be used occasionally to avoid dependence or grogginess.

Are there any side effects of drinking herbal teas for anxiety?

Herbal teas are generally safe but can cause allergic reactions or interact with certain medications. It’s best to check with a healthcare provider if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs.