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Can anxiety stop herbal tea from working?

We're happy to report that the short answer is no, anxiety doesn't stop herbal tea from working. That said, there are a few important nuances worth talking about.

While anxiety won't cancel out the benefits of your tea, it can influence how quickly you notice those benefits, how consistently you drink it, and even how you interpret the changes happening in your body. Let's unpack it.

 

Does Anxiety or Stress Make Herbal Tea Less Effective?

If you’re someone who is dealing with anxiety and stress, you actually might be the perfect candidate for a warm cup of tea. There are a plethora of herbs that can support these feelings, like the herbs found in our Cortisol Tea Bundle. Plus, the simple act of drinking a warm beverage can help signal to your body that it’s safe to shift out of fight-or-flight and into rest-and-digest mode, aka, your body is being reminded that it doesn’t need to run from a bear just because you got an email from your boss.

However, these feelings may still get in the way of a few things…

1. You May Not Recognize the Benefits Right Away

If you're someone who lives more in your head with an anxious monkey mind, or if stress has you burning the candle at both ends in constant go-go-go mode, you may not be as in tune with your body and the subtle changes happening within it.

During the first couple of weeks, many of the benefits of herbal tea can be gradual and easy to overlook. You might be sleeping a little better, feeling a bit less reactive to stress, or noticing improved digestion, but because these shifts aren't always dramatic, they can go unnoticed, especially if you tend to be someone who lives more in your head.

Tip:

Keep a simple journal during your first month or two.

Every day write down things like:

• Energy levels

• Sleep quality

• Digestion

• Mood

• Stress levels

Looking back often reveals progress that you didn't notice day to day.

2. You May Give Up Too Soon

Now, let's say what we talked about in point #1 does happen, you don't notice many changes after the first couple of weeks because the benefits are subtle, or you're simply not recognizing them yet.

If you're already dealing with anxiety or stress, it can be easy to jump to the conclusion that the tea isn't working, especially if you've tried other products in the past that left you disappointed. Then you read reviews from people who noticed results after just three cups, and suddenly it's tempting to write the tea off altogether.

The truth is, everyone's body is different. Factors like stress levels, sleep, hormones, and diet can all influence how quickly someone notices the benefits of herbal tea.

Consistency is key. Herbal tea works best over time, so try not to compare your journey to someone else's. 

 

3. Anxiety Can Make It Hard to Stay Consistent

If you're someone who already feels anxious and overwhelmed with life's demands, or you're in go mode most of the day, you may be more likely to simply forget to drink your tea. And while missing a cup here and there isn't going to undo all your progress, consistency is important because herbal tea tends to work best over time.

You don't need to be perfect for it to work. For example, maybe you drink your Sleek & Slender tea every morning but only remember your Bye Bye Bloat tea every other night. That's okay! Just aim for consistency rather than perfection.

One of the best ways to stay consistent is to make the process of brewing your tea as effortless as possible.

A few ideas:

• Pre-fill disposable paper tea filters for the week.

• Keep your tea next to your electric kettle.

• Set a daily reminder on your phone.

• Pair tea time with an existing habit, like reading before bed or answering morning emails.

 

 

Sleek & Slender

 

4. You May Mistake Positive Benefits for Negative Ones

As surprising as it may sound, when you're living in a state of constant stress or anxiety, it can start to feel like your new normal. So when your body begins to shift out of that state, it may feel foreign at first, and sometimes, your brain may register that unfamiliar feeling as something bad.

Think about how someone who is used to being treated badly in relationships may finally find a healthy partner, but still feel the urge to run or self-sabotage simply because the experience is new. Your body can react similarly when it starts experiencing something different.

One example may be TMI, but it's very real: digestion.

If you're always on the go, tense, and unable to fully relax, that stress may contribute to constipation. While going every day is normal, your normal may have become only going twice a week because of that tension.

So now insert a tea that helps your body relax, and let's just say... things may start moving.

This can actually be a good sign that your body is shifting. But it may feel unpleasant at first. Be patient with your body as it adjusts.

What If I'm Anxious About Trying the Tea?

This is a different kind of anxiety, and it's incredibly common. Many people who find us have already tried countless products without success.

After enough disappointments, it's understandable to wonder,

"What if this doesn't work either?"

Your expectations don't change the herbs themselves, but they can influence how you interpret your experience.

Psychologists refer to this as the placebo and nocebo effects. When we strongly expect something to help, or strongly expect it not to, it can shape what we notice and how we interpret normal day-to-day changes.

For example, if you happen to get one of your usual tension headaches after drinking tea, you might immediately assume the tea caused it, even if the headache was unrelated.

We've seen plenty of skeptics become loyal customers after trying our teas. So it's okay to be hopeful, and it's also okay to be skeptical. Just try to stay open and give your body enough time to respond before deciding whether a tea is right for you.

 

 

The Bottom Line

So, can anxiety affect how tea works?

Not directly. Anxiety doesn't cancel out the benefits of herbal tea. What it can affect is how quickly you notice those benefits, how consistently you drink your tea, and how you interpret the changes happening in your body.

A little patience, consistency, and curiosity can go a long way.

If you're looking for herbal teas for anxiety, our Cortisol Tea Bundle includes:

• Cortisol Daytime Tea for daily stress support.

• Cortisol Evening Tea, featuring ashwagandha with a smooth, earthy flavor. Or Cortisol Sleep Tea, an ashwagandha-free option with fruity, floral notes for those who prefer a different nighttime blend.

Read this blog next: A Day in the Life: Incorporating Loose Leaf Tea Into Your Busy Routine 

 

Disclaimer: The information on this website is has been compiled from published sources and is provided only as a guide. While every effort has been taken to ensure that information published on this site is correct and up to date, this is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Also, although all of our teas are generally regarded as safe, please consult your doctor before trying any herbal remedies, especially if currently using medication, pregnant or breastfeeding.