15 Best Teas For Relaxing Muscles

If you’ve ever sat in your chair for a long time, you likely would have felt a stiff neck or lower back. Or exercised too hard and felt muscle soreness or tension. It’s common for many of us to have tense muscles, but instead of getting an icepack, drink a warm cup of tea instead.

Tea has numerous potential health benefits because its packed full of antioxidants. When consumed regularly, tea can aid digestion, relieve illnesses and fight off free radicals in your body. Additionally, tea can help relax your muscles due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

This blog will point you in the right direction by listing the best 15 best teas for relaxing muscles. Try some popular tea blends when dealing with an achy or tense muscle.

What Causes Muscle Tension or Tightness?

Muscle tension affects many people and can come in the form of stiffness or tightness in a part of your body. Literally, it’s a pain in the neck for some people.

People get muscle tension for multiple reasons, such as repeatedly doing the same movements or overworking muscles. One of the most common reasons is that your body gets stiff when you sit or stand in the same position for a long time. Also, mental stress can cause muscle tension.

Poor posture caused by slouching is also a common cause. Your muscles can get stiff and weak when you don’t move around enough. Sometimes, injuries or overuse can cause muscle tension too.

Muscle tension is a warning signal that protects your body from getting hurt. However, if it happens too often, it can make you tired, have headaches, and hurt your muscles. If you’re overusing your muscles, it’s important to stretch and do strength exercises daily to support your body. 

The Benefits of Drinking Tea For Relaxing Muscles

Tea is more than just a nourishing and tasty drink. It also has fantastic health benefits for our body, such as relaxing muscles. 

The secret lies in the compounds found in tea, such as theanine and catechins. Theanine is an amino acid that is found mainly in tea. It helps to promote a calm and relaxed feeling in your body. Catechins are antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation and tension in our muscles.

These compounds work together when we drink tea to help our muscles relax and reduce pain. 

Studies have shown that drinking tea minimizes muscle damage and oxidative stress after exercise. Not only that, but it can prevent cartilage degradation in joints. So next time you feel stressed or have sore muscles, try brewing yourself a cup of tea and relax!

15 Best Types of Teas For Relaxing Muscles

1. Green Tea

Green tea is known to promote muscle relaxation. It’s made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and has high levels of antioxidants. Green tea has active compounds, such as theanine and catechins, which work together to help reduce inflammation and muscle tension.

One of the catechins in green tea, EGCG, is particularly effective in helping muscles relax. Studies have shown that it’s an effective tea for relaxing muscles, decreasing soreness, and improving overall physical function. 

The taste of green tea is light and grassy and has an astringent aftertaste. It’s often described as refreshing and not as strong as darker teas.

2. Black Tea

Black tea is known for its bold and rich flavor. Like green tea, it’s made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It has theanine and catechins, which greatly reduce inflammation and muscle tension.

The flavor of black tea can vary widely depending on the type. Black tea is often described as full-bodied, robust, and slightly astringent. Some popular black teas, such as Darjeeling, Ceylon, and Earl Grey, have a more floral or citrusy note.

3. Turmeric Tea

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When consumed as tea for relaxing muscles, it can help to reduce inflammation and release tension.

Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric. It’s a powerful antioxidant that can help to reduce muscle soreness and improve overall physical function. Research has found that turmeric can help with athletic recovery by reducing muscle soreness caused by exercise.

The flavor of turmeric tea is usually described as earthy, warm, and slightly bitter, with a hint of ginger.

4. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a way to relax your muscles. The ginger root is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Its active compounds work together to reduce inflammation and muscle tension. 

Drinking ginger tea can help to improve circulation, which can reduce muscle stiffness and improve mobility. Research has shown that taking ginger before exercise can reduce muscle pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a great way to warm up and prepare your muscles for physical activity or as a way to unwind and relax after a workout. 

The flavor of ginger tea is warm and spicy with a zesty kick that can be quite energizing. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a versatile and delicious way to promote muscle relaxation.

5. Dong Quai Tea

Dong Quai, also known as “Angelica sinensis” is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Studies have found that Dong Quai can help with inflammation and has pain relief and muscle relaxation effects.

Women most notably use it to help with menstrual cramping and muscle spasms. Dong Quai contains compounds such as phytoestrogens, ferulic acid, and ligustilide, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

The flavor of Dong Quai tea is often described as slightly bitter and sweet, with slightly earthy and woody notes.

6. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea can help your muscles relax and improve overall physical function. This tea for relaxing muscles is made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant.

It’s packed with flavanoids such as apigenin, luteolin, and bisabolol, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to reduce muscle soreness.

Chamomile tea doesn’t have caffeine, so it’s a great way to unwind after a long day. It also has natural sedative properties, which can help you sleep better, and as we all know, sleep is important for muscle recovery and overall health.

The flavor of chamomile tea is usually described as mild, soothing, and slightly sweet, with a hint of apple and honey. It’s an excellent option for the evening because it doesn’t contain caffeine.

7. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is made from the leaves of the peppermint plant and is known for its refreshing, invigorating flavor and natural healing properties. 

Research has found that active compounds in peppermint, such as menthol, have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help to reduce muscle soreness and tension. Peppermint tea is also a natural pain reliever and can help to reduce headaches and muscle pain. 

The flavor of peppermint tea is usually described as refreshing, with a cool and minty taste.

8. Lavender Tea

Lavender tea is made from the dried flowers of the lavender plant and is known for its soothing, calming flavor and natural healing properties. 

The active compounds in lavender, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, have anti-inflammatory and have a history of healing wounds.

Lavender has natural sedative properties that can help to promote better sleep also. The flavor of lavender tea is usually described as soothing and floral, with a slightly sweet and herbaceous taste.

9. Valerian Root Tea

Valerian root tea is made from the dried root of the valerian plant and is known for its calming and sedative properties. 

The active compounds in valerian root, such as valerenic acid and valepotriates, have natural sedative properties that act as a muscle relaxant. Like other herbal teas, valerian root tea has sedative properties that can improve sleep.

The flavor of valerian root tea is usually described as earthy and slightly bitter, with a hint of sweetness. To be fair, it may not be the most pleasant taste.

10. Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea, also known as red bush tea, is made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant and is known for its unique, earthy flavor and natural health benefits. 

The benefits of rooibos include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to reduce muscle soreness and tension. Along with muscle relaxation, Rooibos tea protects the body against free radical damage such as diabetes and cancer.

The flavor of Rooibos tea is usually described as unique and earthy, with slightly sweet and nutty notes.

11. Fennel Tea

Fennel tea is made from the seeds of the fennel plant and is known for its unique, sweet, and licorice-like flavor and natural health benefits. 

It can help improve digestion, muscle cramps and bloating when consumed as a tea. It’s a natural diuretic that can help to reduce water retention and muscle swelling. 

The flavor of fennel tea is usually described as sweet and licorice-like, with slightly woody and anise notes.

12. Raspberry Leaf Tea

Raspberry leaf tea is made from the leaves of the raspberry plant and is known for its ability to promote muscle relaxation. 

The tea has high magnesium levels, a mineral that plays a vital role in muscle relaxation. Magnesium helps relax muscles by reducing the amount of calcium available for muscle contraction. This can help to reduce cramping and spasms, making raspberry leaf tea a great choice for those who suffer from muscle tension.

In addition to its muscle-relaxing properties, raspberry leaf tea is also known for its delicious flavor. It has a subtle, sweet taste with a hint of tartness. It’s a gentle and soothing tea that can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a versatile choice for any time of day.

13. Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon tea is a delicious and aromatic beverage made from the cinnamon tree’s bark. 

It’s known for its warming properties, making it a popular choice during colder months. Additionally, it’s a common tea for relaxing muscles because it can help promote relaxation. Studies have found that cinnamon can reduce muscle soreness, especially for athletes looking to recover quicker. Cinnamon’s warming nature can help increase blood flow to the muscles, which can also help reduce muscle tension.

Cinnamon tea has a warm, sweet, and spicy taste that many love. The aroma is also very pleasant, filling the room with a comforting, homey feeling. It’s a perfect tea to enjoy after a long work day or warm up in winter. 

14. Cardamom Tea

Cardamom tea is flavorful, aromatic, and made from the plant’s seeds. 

This tea is known for promoting digestion and relieving stomach discomfort. It also has properties that can help promote muscle relaxation. Cardamom is highly effective in helping muscle and joint pain. Research has shown that cardamon plays an important role in relaxing muscles caused by spasms.

Cardamom tea has a unique and fragrant flavor described as floral and citrusy. It has a spicy undertone which gives a warm herbal feeling.

15. Matcha Tea

Matcha is made by consuming the entire ground tea leaf in powder form. 

It can reduce tooth decay, provide energy, and relieves muscle tension. It has high levels of antioxidants, amino acids, and caffeine, providing various health benefits. Matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can help to promote muscle relaxation by reducing stress and anxiety. L-theanine can also help to improve focus and concentration, making matcha a great choice for those looking to relax and unwind.

Matcha has a grassy, vegetal, and slightly sweet taste with a smooth and creamy texture. It’s a perfect drink for those who love green tea but want a stronger taste. Matcha powder is very distinct because of its bright green. A vibrant green means it’s of higher quality. It can make various drinks, like traditional hot or cold tea, latte, or even ice cream.

Final Thoughts On Teas For Relaxing Muscles

Drinking tea can be a simple and effective way to relax your muscles and reduce tension. It’s a natural option to help your body recover from a tough workout. Not only do these teas relieve muscle tightness or soreness, but they also contain other additional health benefits.

There are a handful of different teas, such as matcha, turmeric, and chamomile tea. All of these have unique tastes and provide various health benefits. Green tea, chamomile, or lavender tea are best if you like subtle flavors. But if you like your tea with spice, ginger, turmeric, or cinnamon are great options.

Try different types of tea and natural ingredients to find the perfect combination for your needs.