Teas with mood-boosting properties are always helpful. But, with cold, dark days quickly approaching, teas that will boost your mood are a necessity. Unfortunately, we still abide by Daylight Savings Time, which means the sun is just going to continue to set at 4 pm during the winter. Since there’s nothing that makes it more difficult to stay in a good mood than less sunshine and worse weather, we’ve compiled a list of 5 teas you can drink anytime to boost your mood.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. It originated in China but its production has since spread to multiple countries throughout East Asia. Studies have shown that green tea may increase blood flow and lower cholesterol, making it a healthy drink worth sipping. Plus, it has mood-boosting properties—there are polyphenols in green tea that can improve our brain’s dopamine and serotonin levels.
2. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is known for its ability to improve your sleep habits. However, it can also improve your overall mood! Some evidence suggests that chamomile may relieve anxiety and depression. Continued use of chamomile can help manage anxiety, therefore bettering your disposition. Chamomile comes from a daisy-like flower and has been utilized as an herbal remedy for centuries.
3. Ginseng Tea
Ginseng tea, although technically not a tea, is a great mood-boosting beverage. It’s a traditional Korean drink made not from leaves but from the roots of the ginseng plant. Ginseng has antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation. Plus it may help fight against tiredness and improve energy levels. It has also been shown to improve mental functions and overall mood!
4. Ginger Tea
Like ginseng tea, ginger tea is traditionally made from the roots of its namesake plant. However, there are plenty of packaged varieties of tea that include ginger on their ingredients list. Ginger may even treat nausea, especially morning sickness. It also helps to balance dopamine and serotonin levels. Reaching for a ginger-infused drink can help you feel your best physically and emotionally.
5. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is made by infusing hot water with peppermint leaves and is beneficial for a variety of reasons. It can help freshen breath, relieve stuffy sinuses and improve sleep. It also, of course, may help improve overall energy levels and put you in a better mood.
Grace is a student at Boston University, a yoga instructor, and a beach lover. She is an editorial assistant at The Digest.
