Researchers have shown that matcha green tea effectively reduces anxiety by using an anxiety maze test on mice. What makes matcha so good at reducing anxiety?

Researchers found that matcha activates the dopamine DR receptors and specific serotonin receptors in mices' brains, which suggests just drinking a little matcha tea every day can help alleviate anxiety and improve overall mood. More frequently than ever, study suggests that qualified healthcare professionals are recommending natural offerings to those with anxiety.

In fact, matcha powder a form of Japanese green tea is a frontrunner in the natural anxiety-relief space due to broadscale health properties! Even extending kindly to those with conditions comorbid to anxiety e. OCD, depression , ADHD. Much of these benefits come down to the key compounds found in matcha tea like EGCG and L-theanine more on these below.

However, researchers believe the combined properties of all health compounds and nutrients in matcha green tea there are dozens may represent a more complete effect, working for mental health and overall wellbeing.

Matcha tea is also a great beverage to enjoy before any meditation practice. Often these anxiety-related conditions share underlying mechanisms, and it might surprise you that for many of them, matcha has been researched to either target directly or indirectly, and in some cases — both! There is not just one cause to anxiety, individuals experience it in different ways and for different reasons.

As we show below, looking how to address the whole body and underlying chemistry may pose the best outcome for those interested in integrative health for their anxiety.

This is where matcha, one of the safest natural products , appears to offer many layers of beneficial activity against root causes of anxiety. Green tea and anxiety. Direct from Japan, the best matcha for stress-relief has both 1 high levels of brain-helping aminos, and 2 strong antioxidants which have a physically-relaxing effect on the body.

In terms of mental stress-induced anxiety, Japanese green tea powder provides a calming effect primarily due to the synergy of L-theanine and caffeine [9].

That natural mix of stimulating compounds in high-quality matcha increases alertness in key areas of the brain, while providing a valuable control against overactivity. Also — part of that control comes from the activation of GABA in the brain; theanine is able to help release this neurotransmitter which actually calms both the body and mind [9].

Pro tip : This is one reason matcha may boost sleep health as well. One of the least suspecting reasons that matcha may help you fight anxiety is due to its dense nutritional profile. This is because of the specialized care that goes into growing each tea leaf that becomes stone-ground into matcha.

At the very least, you can imagine this as an added-bonus of that great vibe you get from drinking it everyday. Containing key calming minerals like magnesium, matcha tea also offers trace minerals like copper and zinc. Offered in just the right amount, a daily matcha habit may boost your overall nutritional status.

Read more about matcha and its nutritional benefits here. Matcha is easy and healthy addition to any of your favorite smoothie or baking recipes — even Sunday morning matcha pancakes! The other side of the diet-equation has to do with potentially getting too much of one nutrient than your body and mind would prefer.

This is articulable in the case of diets particularly high in glutamate e. meats, cheeses. Since matcha from Japan is very high in L-theanine, this amino-acid is able to fight against high levels of glutamate and calm the overactivity often caused by it e.

feeling of being wired or anxious. Simply put, as observations point out, L-theanine is very similar structurally to glutamate and competes inside the brain with it in a positive way.

Get to know how matcha makes our brain calm in this article. This is a great segue to all the ways that matcha green tea may counteract unnecessary anxiety levels in the brain. Improved learning, reaction time , memory, and overall focus are examples of these effects; anxiety-relief may stem from this same fundamental scope of brain-optimizing power [].

Example : Matcha may help prevent excessive signalling e. worrying, racy heart, etc associated with anxiety, all while naturally increasing GABA and NMDA-receptor activities — associated with reduced anxiety,. But what, exactly , is the root? This may lend to a cycle of anxiety and restlessness as the mind tries to find a resting place.

So — natural compounds found most concentrated in Japanese matcha powder appear to offer help in type of anxiety by aiding a presence of mind, arguably without aggravating those areas which are already- overactive. In the process, matcha green tea may also help release feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine as part of a deep mood-balancing effect [15].

In fact, this is one of the most exciting areas of research now. The catechin antioxidants like EGCG found in matcha, as well as L-theanine and caffeine work as a trifecta to encourage serotonin and dopamine release [].

This trifecta of greatness allows matcha to boost these feel-good neurochemicals both directly and indirectly. In many cases there is a chain-reaction that happens where one effect leads to another more on this below. Ultimately it is for this reason that many people consider matcha green tea an adaptogen for mental health, as it encourages a healthier balance through its gentle and energizing nudge, with massive potential for those with anxiety!

On a related note, one of the most compelling possibilities of using matcha for mental health e. anxiety is due to the multiple angles of influence. Here's why. While we don't fully understand why, developing anxiety as a long COVID symptom is common.

However, we do know how to treat it. AVPD and SAD overlap in symptoms, both impairing social functioning. If the anxiety of an upcoming surgery is disrupting your sleep and day-to-day life, it may be time to talk with your doctor about medications.

Anxiety can lead to tooth pain through increased jaw clenching and other mechanisms. Addressing the cause of your anxiety, as well as maintaining good…. Shadow work is a concept developed by Swiss psychoanalysis Carl Jung in the 20th century.

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. The 20 Best Teas for Anxiety.

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. On this page Benefits Peppermint Chamomile Lavender Valerian Gotu kola Lemon balm Passionflower Green tea Ashwagandha Holy basil Fennel Hops Licorice Catnip St. Share on Pinterest. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process. Was this helpful? Benefits of tea. Peppermint Mentha piperita. Shop now at Amazon. Lavender Lavandula officinalis. Valerian Valeriana officinalis.

Shop now on Amazon. Gotu kola Centella asiatica. Lemon balm Melissa officinalis. Passionflower Passiflora incarnata.

Green tea Camellia sinensis. Ashwagandha Withania somnifera. Holy basil Ocimum sanctum. Fennel Foeniculum vulgare. Hops Humulus lupulus. Licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra. Catnip Nepeta cataria. Herbal blends to try. Shop for Yogi Kava Stress Relief Shop for Yogi Honey Lavender Stress Relief.

A comparison of the best teas for anxiety. Tea Caffeine-free? Best for peppermint yes stress-relief, fatigue chamomile yes relaxation, stomach upset lavender yes anxiety-relief valerian yes insomnia gotu kola yes anxiety-relief, insomnia lemon balm yes insomnia, depression, anxiety passionflower yes insomnia, anxiety green tea no anxiety, stress ashwagandha yes anxiety, combatting inflammation holy basil yes anxiety, stomach issues, joint pain fennel yes digestion issues, period cramping hops no depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress licorice yes stress, anxiety catnip yes anxiety, sleep issues St.

When to talk with a doctor. Frequently asked questions. Bottom line. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Jun 23, Written By the Healthline Medical Network, Steph Coelho. Start by doing a quick burst of physic Waking up feeling refreshed and full of energy is easier than you might think—the secret lies in a combination of good sleep hygiene, balanced nutr Waking up tired and with no energy is often the result of several overlooked factors in our daily lives.

Poor sleep quality, rather than just lack Blog Chaga Cordyceps Lions Mane Maitake Reishi Turkey Tail. Our story.

Currency USD CAD INR GBP AUD EUR JPY. Order Today. Home BrainFood. Previous Next. Tags: Energy Boost. This article has been vetted by the Onnit Advisory Board. Read more about our editorial process. by Sony Sherpa Medically reviewed by Sony Sherpa.

Learn More. Energy Boost. Evidence Based. Table of Contents. L-Theanine: The Relaxation Amino Acid Ah, L-Theanine, the unsung hero hiding in your green tea leaves! It's not just about feeling relaxed; it's about enjoying a calm, alert state that keeps you in the game without the stress: Anxiety Relief Superstar: Think of L-Theanine as your personal anxiety whisperer.

It gently nudges your brain towards relaxation, helping to reduce anxiety levels 2 and making those moments of stress feel like a distant memory. Sleep Disorders' Nemesis: Struggling with tossing and turning at night? L-Theanine is here to help. Promoting relaxation can help combat sleep disorders, leading you towards a more restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Mental Health Ally: This amino acid isn't just about calming you down at the moment. It's a long-term ally for your mental health, helping to improve focus and provide an anti-stress effect that's like a breath of fresh air for your brain. This makes green tea a perfect addition to a morning routine for mental health.

Catechins: The Antioxidant Warriors Catechins, ever heard of them? Combat Stress, Naturally: Catechins are like the ninjas of the antioxidant world, stealthily reducing inflammation and helping to reduce stress 3.

They're all about naturally keeping you calm, cool, and collected. Mental Health Boosters: These antioxidants are serious about supporting your mental health 4.

By fighting oxidative stress, they help maintain a balanced mind and can even offer support in conditions like bipolar disorder, making your journey toward well-being a little smoother.

Heart Health Heroes: While busy giving anxiety the boot, catechins also look out for your heart 5. Drinking green tea with its rich catechin content is like giving your heart a little hug, promoting better cardiovascular health and overall inflammation reduction.

Balanced Caffeine: The Gentle Pick-Me-Up Caffeine and green tea? Balanced Energy Boost: Green tea provides a lower caffeine content that's just enough to wake up your brain, giving you a smooth, sustained energy boost. The boost says, "Let's do this," not "Let's panic!

Together, they create a synergistic effect that leaves you feeling alert yet relaxed—a state of mindful energy. No More Jitters: Wave goodbye to the shaky hands and nervous energy you might get from coffee. The moderated caffeine in green tea ensures you get the anti-stress effect and mental clarity without worsening your anxiety or disrupting your well-being.