Tea and herbs have been supportive allies in our holistic health for generations. It’s no wonder why the conversation about consuming more plants (in any and every form) has taken center stage, especially now. Given our new normal in the midst of a pandemic world, zoom fatigue and social anxiety have skyrocketed our baseline levels of stress.
We’ve highlighted the usual suspects and surprisingly nourishing ingredients to provide calmness and relieve stress and anxiety in any situation. What does it mostly come down to? The nervous system.
Adaptogens
By now you’ve probably heard A LOT about adaptogens and wondering what they really do. Adaptogens are meant to be taken long-term to help your body better physically and mentally adapt to minute-by-minute stressors - like responding to that urgent email or reacting to the driver that just cut into your lane. Adaptogens include reishi mushrooms, moringa, ashwagandha, and astragalus root. Our Above the Fog blend has the adaptogens moringa and gotu kola.
Lavender
This fragrant nervine (calming) plant can practically calm at first sniff. It supports the nervous system and has been traditionally used to calm an anxious and stressed mind. INA's Eleanor Grey is a calming, but wonderful pick-me-up to ease into your day.
Mint
Varieties of mint have nervine qualities that typically have a quicker impact than adaptogens. The common saying, “butterflies in your stomach” holds true. The nervous system is physically linked to the digestive tract. Most mint, like peppermint and catnip, are soothing to the digestive system and promote a relaxing sensation. We like to use spearmint and have it in our sleepy blend, Nightcap.
Vitamin B
The range of B vitamins are helpful in mitigating stress and producing energy. B5, sometimes referred to as “the anti-stress vitamin” works hand-in-hand with the adrenal glands. While B12 and B1 are crucial in running a normal nervous system. Sources of B vitamins include whole grains, nuts, and yeast.