3 Tea Blends to Ring in the New Year

Jump into the new year with 3 tea blends designed to enhance relaxation while reducing stress, promote sleep health and boost energy for productivi-Tea. 

As I sit down to write this, I find myself reflecting over the past year which has been chock full of surprises. From starting a law firm, to sitting second chair in a murder trial and even getting engaged, my year has been filled with lots of stress, bouts of burnout and sleepless nights. 

In an attempt to reduce some of that stress, and channel my sleep deprived bitchiness in a more dignified manner, I’ve taken up fancy tea. Is it working? TBD. Here are three tea blends I recommend. 

Relaxing Teas

Mint, Lavender, Rose, Chamomile and Matcha are all known to possess relaxing qualities. Mint and chamomile are known to soothe the body and calm the mind, while lavender and rose are shown to promote relaxation and relieve stress. Rose and lavender have been used for centuries in many medicinal forms including essential oils, infused water and tea blends. Adding dried rose petals to any tea will also provide a nice aroma for added effect. Matcha tea, which is made from the cameillia sinensis plant contains a unique amino acid that promotes relaxation when steeped into a tea. You can learn more about these unique properties here. 

• My all time favorite tea blend for relaxation is the Lavender Citrus blend from Revival Tea Company.

Bedtime Teas

When it comes to a sleep aid, chamomile and lavender make the list again; and are often blended with magnolia tea, low caffeine green tea, valerian and passionflower. Magnolia tea is derived from the dried bark of a magnolia plant and is found in many forms of traditional medicine. The plant contains honokiol and magnolol which are two compounds that have sedative effects. These compounds promote sleep and reduce the effects of insomnia. Some studies even suggest that low caffeine green tea is known to improve sleep quality, decrease stress and reduce fatigue. Not all green tea is created equal; therefore, be sure to select green tea with reduced/low caffeine content as caffeine is a known stimulant. 

While it is unclear how Valerian root works within the body, it is linked to relaxation and can be used as a natural sleep aid. You can learn more about Valerian tea here. Passionflower is widely used in capsule form as an herbal supplement because it is known to contain powerful medicinal properties. Some studies suggest that it can be a natural aid to reduce stress and promote calmness. 

• Revival Tea Company makes a great Sleepy Chai blend that is fantastic with a splash of milk.

Productivity

Whether you’re trying to boosting productivity during the work day, or simply need a little pick me up — these tea blends are a healthy alternative to that sugary snack or can of soda. 

Green tea, jasmine tea, black tea and peppermint tea are all known to improve memory function making them great options to boost productivity. Black tea is believed to improve focus and overall alertness; and is promoted by many as a better alternative to coffee. The claim is that it serves as a more stable source of energy; however, the jury is still out on that one. 

Peppermint helps sooth a majority of everyday problems including upset stomach, digestive issues, cramping, seasonal allergies and clogged sinuses. It also smells great and tends to be caffeine free so it can be enjoyed any time of the day. More information can be found here.

• For a seasonal blend, try Twinnings Seasonal Winter Spice. 
• A tried and true is the Irish Breakfast Tea from Revival Tea Company.

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