13 Best Herbal Teas For Depression

Herbal teas for Depression are natural remedies made from plants that have been used for centuries to alleviate symptoms of depression.

These teas work by interacting with the body's neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood, reducing feelings of sadness and anxiety.

Examples of herbal teas that can treat depression include St. John's Wort, which has been shown to increase serotonin levels, passionflower, which has a calming effect on the nervous system, and lavender, which has been found to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Additionally, teas like chamomile, ashwagandha, and valerian root are also used to treat depression due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

1. Valeriana officinalis tea

Valeriana officinalis tea contains bioactive constituents such as valerenic acid, valepotriates, and isovaleric acid, which are known to have anxiolytic and sedative effects, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression.

This herbal tea also possesses adaptogenic properties, allowing it to normalize the body's response to stress and promoting emotional balance.

To make valeriana officinalis tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried root in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and discard the solids.

To consume this tea for depression treatment, drink 1-2 cups before bedtime to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in individuals with depression.

2. Hypericum perforatum tea

Hypericum perforatum tea contains bioactive constituents such as naphthodianthrones (e.g., hypericin and pseudohypericin), flavonoids (e.g., quercetin and kaempferol), and phenolic acids that have been shown to have antidepressant properties.

The properties of this herbal tea, including its ability to modulate neurotransmitter levels, reduce oxidative stress, and exhibit antioxidant activity, make it a potential natural remedy for treating depression.

To make hypericum perforatum tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Hypericum perforatum leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes, then strain and discard the solids.

To consume this tea, drink 1-2 cups per day, ideally in the morning and early afternoon, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it may interact with certain medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

3. Passiflora incarnata tea

Passiflora incarnata tea contains a range of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, which have been found to have anxiolytic and antidepressant properties.

The tea's properties, including its sedative, anxiolytic, and antispasmodic effects, make it a potential treatment for depression by reducing stress and anxiety.

To make Passiflora incarnata tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink.

Consuming 1-2 cups of the tea per day, ideally before bedtime, may help alleviate symptoms of depression by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

4. Lavandula angustifolia tea

Lavandula angustifolia tea contains bioactive constituents such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which are known to possess anxiolytic and antidepressant properties.

This herbal tea is rich in calming and soothing properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

To make this tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried lavender flowers in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and enjoy.

To consume this tea, drink 1-2 cups per day, ideally before bedtime, to promote a restful night's sleep and help manage symptoms of depression.

5. Avena sativa tea

Avena sativa tea contains bioactive constituents such as avenacosides, avenalol, and ferulic acid that help to treat depression by modulating the brain's neurotransmitters and reducing inflammation.

This herbal tea also possesses adaptogenic and anxiolytic properties, allowing it to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress often associated with depression.

To make this tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Avena sativa leaves in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink as needed.

Consuming 1-2 cups of Avena sativa tea per day, ideally before bedtime, may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, ultimately contributing to a reduced risk of depression.

6. Melissa officinalis tea

Melissa officinalis tea contains bioactive constituents such as melissic acid, melissoside, and rosmarinic acid that help to treat depression by acting as a GABA receptor agonist and modulating the activity of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

This herbal tea also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that contribute to its mood-enhancing effects.

To make Melissa officinalis tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Melissa leaves in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and discard the leaves.

Consume the tea 2-3 times a day, ideally on an empty stomach, to help alleviate symptoms of depression.

7. Ginkgo biloba tea

Ginkgo biloba tea contains bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and bilobalide, which are believed to have a positive effect on treating depression by promoting blood flow to the brain and reducing oxidative stress.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this tea help to alleviate symptoms of depression by protecting neurons and reducing inflammation in the brain.

To make ginkgo biloba tea, combine 1 teaspoon of dried ginkgo biloba leaves with 1 cup of boiling water, let it steep for 5-7 minutes, and then strain the mixture.

To consume this tea, drink it 2-3 times a day, ideally in the morning and before bedtime, to help regulate mood and promote a good night's sleep.

8. Zingiber officinale tea

Zingiber officinale tea contains bioactive constituents such as gingerols and shogaols, which have been found to have antidepressant properties.

These compounds help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, thereby alleviating symptoms of depression.

This herbal tea also possesses properties that promote relaxation and improve mood, including its ability to regulate serotonin levels and enhance cognitive function.

To treat depression, one can make zingiber officinale tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried ginger root in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then straining and consuming 2-3 cups per day to promote relaxation and alleviate symptoms of depression.

9. Camellia sinensis tea

Camellia sinensis tea contains bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and amino acids, which have been found to have a positive impact on treating depression.

The antioxidant properties of this tea, combined with its ability to regulate mood and reduce stress, make it a potential natural remedy for alleviating symptoms of depression.

To make Camellia sinensis tea, steep one teaspoon of dried tea leaves in a cup of boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then strain and drink.

Consuming this tea regularly, ideally 2-3 cups per day, may help to promote a sense of calm and well-being, reducing symptoms of depression and improving overall mental health.

10. Citrus reticulata tea

Citrus reticulata tea contains various bioactive constituents such as limonoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids that have been found to have antidepressant properties, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression.

The properties of this herbal tea include its ability to modulate neurotransmitters, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation, all of which can contribute to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression.

To make citrus reticulata tea, one can steep dried citrus reticulata peel or flowers in hot water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink as a warm or iced tea.

Consuming 1-2 cups of citrus reticulata tea per day, ideally before bedtime, may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, both of which are essential for managing depression.

11. Silybum marianum tea

Silybum marianum tea contains bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids that help to treat depression by exerting anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

The properties of this herbal tea, including its sedative and antidepressant properties, help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, promote relaxation, and improve mood.

To make this tea, dry the seeds of Silybum marianum and steep 1-2 teaspoons in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and discard the solids.

Consuming 1-2 cups of Silybum marianum tea per day, preferably after meals, can help to alleviate symptoms of depression and promote overall well-being.

12. Rosmarinus officinalis tea

Rosmarinus officinalis tea contains bioactive constituents such as carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid, which have been shown to possess antidepressant properties by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase enzymes and increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in the brain.

This herbal tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce stress and anxiety, common triggers of depression.

To make this tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Rosmarinus officinalis leaves in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink.

It is recommended to consume 1-2 cups of this tea per day, ideally in the morning and evening, to help alleviate symptoms of depression.

13. Glycyrrhiza glabra tea

Glycyrrhiza glabra tea contains bioactive constituents such as glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and terpenoids that help to treat depression by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.

This herbal tea has adaptogenic properties, which enable it to help the body adapt to stress and balance the nervous system, ultimately alleviating symptoms of depression.

To make this tea, boil 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root in 1 cup of water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and discard the solids.

Consume 1-2 cups of this tea per day, ideally before bedtime, to promote a restful night's sleep and help reduce symptoms of depression.