Can cup of tea be secret to beating stress?
Plants, herbs called 'adaptogens' can reduce stress, some say
Could the key to easing stress be as simple as what you put in your cup of tea?
Brookline herbalist Katja Swift thinks so. At her school, Commonwealth Center for Holistic Herbalism, she teaches pharmacy students about plants and herbs known as adaptogens.
Extra: What 'adaptogens' are right for you?
"They are a category of plants that have been shown through study that they help the body tolerate general stress, all kinds of pressure," she said.
Studies in the journals, Pharmaceuticals and Current Clinical Pharmacology, find adaptogens can help the body fight fatigue and symptoms of stress.
A recent study focused on tulsi, a plant found in India and commonly made into tea, finds it can help the body build up energy reserves and, over time, protect it from the effects of stress.
Swift said another adaptogen, schizandra, could be the answer to a really bad day.
"One of the things schizandra is really excellent for is when you are stressed out and you're kind of angry about it. They are like Pop Rocks, like the natural version of Nerds. Like with crazy flavor," Swift said.
Swift says it's important to keep in mind adaptogens are not a quick fix but can supplement your lifestyle along with other proven stress relievers like exercise and sleep.
Swift recommends checking with a doctor before adding adaptogens to your diet.
Tulsi tea is sold at various retailer, including Whole Foods.