The Best Teas for Headaches

Five teas that are great for calming the mind and easing headaches.

The antioxidant and wellness benefits of tea are widely acclaimed, making this beverage one of the most popular ones to exist. The possible health benefits ascribed to the consumption of teas may be attributed to the high content of bioactive ingredients such as polyphenols, in particular catechins and epicatechins, present in it. Polyphenols contain antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The benefits of tea have been utilized for centuries to alleviate a range of concerns.

Speaking of health concerns, headaches are one of the most common and unpleasant issues that the majority of us face quite often owing to our lifestyle and the stress that comes with it. Headaches can range from minor ones to more debilitating migraines that prevent us from getting any work done or go about the day as normal. The antioxidant and hydrating properties present in tea may provide comfort and relief. The best teas for headaches include moringa, earl grey, green, rooibos and oolong among others. Let’s look at the benefits of these teas and why they are considered the best teas for headaches.

Moringa tea

Moringa tea, made from ground and dehydrated moringa leaves, is known to be one of the most nutritious teas. It is credited with the presence of multiple essential vitamins and minerals. It is rich in antioxidants, which may help boost immunity and provide energy, it also may help alleviate a range of headaches, including symptoms of cold and flu, which often accompany such headaches. Moringa leaves are also rich in quercetin, which is an antioxidant that may help lower blood pressure that is often a purported cause of headaches. The leaves of this ‘miracle tree’ are also anti-inflammatory in nature due to the presence of isothiocyanates, which may alleviate low-grade inflammation associated with chronic diseases.

Earl Grey tea

Bergamot tea, popularly known as Earl Grey, contains high concentrations of many types of antioxidants that make it one of the best teas for headaches, cold and flu.  It contains caffeine in safe quantities that will energize you without the side effects that cause headaches. It also keeps you hydrated unlike coffee, which dehydrates you and worsens headaches. Bergamot oil, present in this tea, may be effective in boosting the immune system and fighting oxidative stress. Moreover, bergamot has natural aromatherapy properties that may help calm and relax you.

Green tea

Green tea has more antioxidants than black tea due to its lack of processing. Among all tea polyphenols, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been found to be responsible for much of the health-promoting abilities of green tea. It contains small amounts of caffeine, which acts as a mental stimulant and also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which creates a relaxing effect by increasing the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Green tea is a great option for heart-healthy beverages and is considered to be one of the healthiest options to alleviate headaches.

Rooibos tea

Rooibos or ‘red’ tea, is obtained from Aspalathus Linearis, a plant native to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. The main nutritional benefit of this tea is its antioxidant content which is said to be 50 percent more than green tea. This is because it is a caffeine-free beverage so its rich polyphenol content remains unaffected. It also contains some unique polyphenols, including aspalathin, which makes it an excellent choice for helping with headaches and other symptoms of cold and flu. Red tea also has several micronutrients such as iron, zinc and copper that helps boost immunity.

Oolong tea

Oolong tea is derived from partially fermented tea leaves and has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for centuries to treat a range of health concerns. It contains similar amounts of caffeine as white and green tea which acts as a mental-stimulant. Oolong tea is a heart-healthy tea that also improves cognitive function without side effects such as jitters. L-theanine is a unique compound found primarily in this tea that reduces stress and produces a state of mental calm and clarity. Together with caffeine, this combination makes Oolong one of the best teas for headaches.

Consider consuming one of these five teas for calming and soothing the throbbing tension and ache in your head if you feel uncomfortable. Given their multiple benefits, any of these teas will be your healthiest option in alleviating a headache.