Sipping on Some Tranquili-Tea

“Relax.” “Take it slow.” With the demands of everyday life, we’re sure that you’ve either heard these words uttered to you more than once or found yourself whispering it in quiet moments.  

There may be multiple ways of winding down, but if you’re looking to catch up with friends over a slow Saturday brunch or wishing to wash away the stress at the end of a hectic day, a good cup of calming tea is the perfect choice for you.

That’s why we are spilling the tea on some special flavors that will de-stress and relax your nerves. 

Are you looking for something to add a pop of color to your home, a scent to soothe your soul, or a drink to calm your nerves? If you are, then lavender is the answer!

Lavender isn’t just a pretty face with its bright, purple flowers and delicate scent. It’s also been known to help relieve tension and promote quality sleep.

Brewing your own soothing sleep tea out of lavender is very simple. Take 1 teaspoon of dried leaves or up to 6 fresh leaves, place in a cup or a mug, then add 200 mL of boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes, then drink.  

We all know rosemary as a tasty herb that’s a great addition to any Italian dinner you might be having. But did you know that it can also be the friend that we can call on when we need to de-stress? The calming properties of rosemary can help lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety—just like talking to an old friend.

Take 1 teaspoon of dry or fresh leaves and mix with 200 mL of boiling water. Cover and leave the mixture to infuse for 15 minutes. Sip and relax. 

‘Ka·muh·mayl' or ‘Ka·muh·meel'? Whichever way you want to pronounce it, one thing’s for sure: it’s one of the most famous teas out there! Chamomile (pronounced ‘mayl’) acts as a mild sedative because of its anxiety relieving properties. It can both calm you down and lift you up with its heavenly flavor profile that has hints of apple and honey-like sweetness.

Chamomile tea can be made in two ways: with or without sugar. This part is up to you. To make it, add 1 dessert spoon of the inflorescences—a fancy word to describe those sprigs with the flowers—for 1 cup or 200 mL of boiling water. Cover the container and wait 15 minutes. Strain and enjoy. 

Did you know that there is so much more that lemongrass (or tanglad) can offer besides adding that signature flavor to your roasted chicken or pork? Not only does tanglad get rid of toxins because of its diuretic properties, but it also helps flush out anxiety and sleeplessness.

Try out this soothing lemongrass tea recipe that is mild in taste but potent with benefits. To make this, you will need 1 to 3 grams or about a tablespoon of dried lemongrass leaves and 1 cup of water—about 150 mL is good. Boil the water and place it in the container with the lemongrass. Cover and wait for about 10 minutes. Enjoy before going to bed because it’s caffeine-free!

Now for the fruitier side of life! Passion fruit tea is gaining popularity in the Philippines with coffee and tea shops usually giving it their own spin.  

If you already enjoy passion fruit juice, give its tea form a try! Prep your soothing passion fruit tea by first chopping 1 tablespoon of the plant then adding 150 mL of boiling water. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes before taking your first sip!  

Remember, while these teas are natural remedies, it's essential to consume them in moderation and consider any underlying health conditions. If you're pregnant or experiencing adverse effects, consult a healthcare professional. And if stress and anxiety become overwhelming, don't hesitate to seek support from a specialist. Let's prioritize self-care and wellness together!