Green tea is a relaxing beverage valued around the world for its calming effect. It can be naturally decaffeinated at home to further combat anxiety and stress. Have you ever tried using green tea for a natural anxiety remedy?
See also: Ever wonder what else green tea is good for? Check out our article on green tea as a powerful antioxidant!
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Can You Use Green Tea for Anxiety Remedy?
Natural green tea is a first-line defense against stress and anxiety for millions around the world. Originating thousands of years ago in China, green tea has recently become popular in the West. This is thanks to its many reported health benefits. It may be effective in helping to prevent numerous conditions. These may include Parkinson’s disease and certain cancers, among others.
In addition to its preventive benefits, green tea is also an effective anxiolytic (anti-anxiety agent). It contains L-Theanine, an amino acid which promotes relaxation by affecting levels of GABA, a brain neurotransmitter which governs stress reactions. Green tea also contains numerous other phytochemical (plant-based) compounds which may play a role in promoting relaxation and feelings of well-being. However, it’s also a delicious and refreshing drink.
The Caffeine Conundrum
Green tea contains caffeine, a nervous system stimulant which can cause anxiety in some people. This creates a potential problem for those seeking stress relief. The amount of caffeine in green tea is significantly lower than the levels found in beverages such as coffee. People who have anxiety and stress issues are often highly sensitive to caffeine intake. Unfortunately, commercial decaffeination processes can destroy the L-Theanine and other natural calming compounds in green tea.
Happily, a simple process exists which can remove most of the caffeine from green tea at home quickly and easily, without destroying the L-Theanine and other natural anti-anxiety components. This process can remove up to 80% of the caffeine from a cup of ordinary green tea. This process makes green tea a great natural anxiety remedy!
Decaffeinate and De-Stress
To brew a cup of relaxing green tea anxiety remedy with very little caffeine follow this process:
- Place the tea bag(s) in a cup of very hot water, as you normally would.
- Allow the tea bags to soak for approximately 45 seconds. During this time, most of the caffeine will be released into the water.
- Dump the water and refill with fresh hot water.
- Steep the tea as normal. Little of the caffeine will remain, but the flavor and the natural anti-anxiety compounds will still be present.
By using this simple process each time you make green tea, you can enjoy its natural health and anti-anxiety benefits without the stimulating effects of caffeine. However, if you are extremely sensitive to caffeine, you may want to use caution, as a small amount does remain. A cup of normally-brewed green tea is equal in caffeine content to about four or five cups prepared with this process. Have you tried green tea as a natural anxiety remedy?
