Holiday 2020
Warm Drinks to Soothe Stress
There’s a reason the English solve just about any problem, in part, with a cup of tea. A warm beverage can often soothe stress and worry, at least a little.
Try the following suggestions for a cup of winter cheer over finals and beyond:
- Chamomile tea: Known in Latin America as “manzanilla,” chamomile tea has been used for hundreds of years there to help soothe a host of ailments, from stomachaches, to colds, to insomnia. Chamomile is especially known for its relaxation properties, so it’s great for reducing stress. In addition, an article in Medical News Today notes that some studies show chamomile may help lower blood sugar, lessen menstrual cramps, slow or prevent osteoporosis, and maybe even target cancer cells.
- Peppermint Tea: If you want a more flavorful tea than chamomile, peppermint tea also helps with sleep and stomach problems.
- Green Tea: Instead of reaching for a Red Bull when you’re cramming for exams, try a cup of green tea. It’ll give you a caffeine boost, plus a shot of cancer-fighting antioxidants and stress-reducing theanine. If you don’t need the caffeine, drink a decaf version.
- Mulled Cider: The scent alone is enough to send you to your happy place, but mulled, or spiced, cider tastes as good as it smells. See the “Cooking at Home” section for a delicious mulled cider recipe.
- Almond and Maple Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate is always a sweet treat. For a slightly healthier version than the norm, try this recipe, made with almond milk and maple syrup.
- Cold Formula Blended Teas: Some tea companies, like Traditional Medicinals or The Republic of Tea, offer tea blends made with cold-soothing herbs like hyssop, ginger, yarrow, or slippery elm bark.
- Echinacea Tea: Research shows that echinacea helps support the immune system, which can only be a good thing during the challenging winter months to come. Look for teas that include echinacea purpurea, the most beneficial type, according to several scientific studies.