Stress has different meanings for everyone. And not everyone can afford to workout or have time to meditate. But that doesn't mean there is no other option available. Herbal teas have created a demand in every sector, but not necessary for working the same way for everyone. Although, doctors do recommend Chamomile tea for relaxing mind and body.

The therapeutic medicinal effects of the various teas in the market are still inconclusive. At times I have recommended chamomile tea, known for its calming effects on the mind, but only for very mild cases of situational stress. If it helps my patients, well and good, if not, it won't cause them any harm, explains Dr. Kalpana Khatwani, Clinical Psychologist.

It is not advisable to completely rely on herbal teas, but it's definitely a temporary solution for minor cases. Herbal teas do help in eliminating dehydration, relaxation, which eventually becomes a habit—good habit. Herbal teas do have potential benefits of antioxidants that are overall good for health. To be precise, it doesn't have medicinal qualities that can cure the problem, but it will help the person to relax. As explained by Neelanjana Singh, Nutrition Consultant, Herbal teas are to a large extent healthy.

For one, they do not contain caffeine. On the downside, there are some herbal teas that tend to be lower on antioxidant content than green, white, black and oolong tea. The composition of the tea is dependant on which plant (and which part of the plant- rootstemflower) is being used to make the drink. Therefore I feel that herbal teas can definitely be used for a specific purpose. For instance, Chamomile tea (flowers are used in this case) is rich in antioxidants that are useful in stunting the growth of cancer cells and inducing restful sleep. Herbal teas that are available in the market

1. Kava This herbal tea is often consumed after meal in parts of Kashmir. It is capable of reducing anxiety symptoms without getting addicted to it. Although, one must have Kava tea in limit, as it can cause liver damage.

2. Hibiscus Scientific studies have proved that it can reduce blood pressure. It is recommended to have three cups everyday. Hibiscus flowers are also used for making Karkade, a popular drink in Egypt.

3. Passionflower It is also known as Kava-lite and claims to have given benefits similar to Kava tea. It is also used in Hawaiian punch and some soft drinks for its flavours.

4. Valerian Root This tea is best for soothing anxiety symptoms and overcome insomnia. Make sure the first consumption should be taken at night, and also advisable not to drive after drinking Valerian Root tea.

5. Peppermint Apart from solving digestion problems, it also acts as a mild sedative. It's a caffeine free tea. It can be consumed in any temperature—hot or cold. Peppermint tea will give extra benefits if consumed at night before sleep.

6. Chamomile A passable solution recommended by doctors. It helps people to overcome insomnia, hyperactivity or stress. Chamomile ranks third in demand after Green tea followed by peppermint tea.

7. Lavender Made of delicate flowers—Lavender tea helps to overcome indigestion, anxiety, irritability, tension headaches and nervous breakdown. Lavender is also used as aromatherapy for relaxation.

8. Ginseng Even though the tea tastes bitter, it helps in insomnia, nervous exhaustion and stress. It can also reduce cancer cells and help prevent obesity. Ginseng is available in three flavours—American, Siberian and Asian.

9. Skullcap This plant is also used as tea, which helps to overcome premenstrual syndrome, nervous exhaustion, muscle spasms and headache. Skullcap also helps in curing paralysis through stroke.

10. Lemon Balm People suffering from insomnia must consume Lemon Balm tea. This medical potion can also help in fever caused by cold or flu. Lemon Balm tea is also known as Melissa. It also helps people with mental disorders.

11. Lemon Verbena Made of plant with incredible properties that can help alleviate insomnia, indigestion and nausea. It also helps in breaking down of cellulites and lessening acne.

12. Linden flower The fragrant of this flower tea soothes one from nervous tension, anxiety, headaches and indigestion. Linden tea also helps to reduce irritable components in mouth or throat during sickness.

13. Hops This natural plant carries estrogens, which is an elixir for woman suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Avoid drinking Hops tea during the day at work as it is meant to attain good sleep.

Herbal teas do not have medicinal qualities and should not be taken alone. It doesn't have the ability to cope up with future stresses. Although, if the stress is under control with small efforts of staying fit, eating healthy and drinking herbal tea everyday—there is no way one can fall sick.

Source: Times of India

BDST: 1641 HRS, NOV- 21, 2015
Edited by:  Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor