Most of us wouldn’t say no to a cup of herbal tea before going to bed or at least while watching a TV series or reading a book at night. We can say that this is due to its relaxing effect, helping us fall asleep and increasing our mental clarity. But when we dig deeper, it’s obvious that there’s something else behind it.

active ingredients

The active ingredients naturally found in many herbal teas have a calming effect on the nervous system, such as:

• Chamomile: Contains an antioxidant called apigenin. This substance can bind to certain receptors in the brain and facilitate the transition to sleep.
• Melissa (Lemon Grass): Can increase the effect of the chemical called GABA, which calms the nervous system.
• Lavender: Has mild sedative effects; can reduce anxiety.
• Linden: Increases sweating and helps eliminate toxins, has mild relaxing effects.

However, it also has a soothing effect that appeals to our physical senses. For example, even holding a hot cup in your hand can make you feel safe. Or the ritual of preparation (boiling water, pouring it into a cup, waiting) slows down the mind. The feeling of “I am taking time for myself right now” also triggers relaxation. Also, according to research conducted at Harvard, holding something hot in our hands increases our trust in the person in front of us.

plasebo effect

We drink herbal tea because our mothers did, our grandmothers used to say, “Drink a linden tea, it will pass.” And yes: it does.

Because our brain thinks:

“There is tea → there are childhood memories → there is a safe environment → I am not angry anymore.”

So sometimes it is not the chamomile but the tone of your mother’s voice that calms you down. But of course, tea is also an excuse.

a different meditation

Drinking herbal tea is actually meditation in itself. Waiting for the water to boil = patience. Dipping the bag in = focus. Blowing on it = an effort to slow down life. When we make linden tea every evening, we unconsciously increase our own awareness.