Evidence supporting the use of: Green tea
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has gained attention for its potential anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, supported by both traditional use and emerging scientific evidence. Traditionally, green tea has been consumed for its calming and health-promoting properties, particularly in East Asian cultures. Scientifically, the focus has been on two key components: L-theanine, an amino acid unique to tea, and moderate amounts of caffeine. L-theanine has been shown in several small-scale clinical studies and animal models to promote relaxation, reduce perceived stress, and improve focus without causing drowsiness. The mechanism is thought to involve modulation of neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, as well as influencing alpha brain wave activity associated with a relaxed, alert mental state.

Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials have found that L-theanine supplementation may reduce stress and anxiety in both healthy individuals and those with mild anxiety, though the effects are generally modest. Green tea as a beverage provides lower concentrations of L-theanine than those used in most studies, so its anxiolytic potential from regular consumption is less clear. Green tea’s low caffeine content compared to coffee may also make it a gentler option for those sensitive to stimulants. However, more robust, large-scale studies are needed to confirm its efficacy for clinical anxiety disorders. In summary, while green tea and its components have some scientific backing for supporting mild anxiety, evidence is preliminary and not sufficient to recommend it as a primary treatment for anxiety disorders.

More about green tea
More about Anxiety Disorders

Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
amino acids
ashwagandha
Waterhyssop
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium longum
Cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
citrus oil
curcumin
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
hemp oil
inositol
kava
L-glycine
L-taurine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
Matcha
Melatonin
Motherwort
Muira puama
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
Rhodiola
SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
Valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
Zinc
catnip
shen-chu
St. John's Wort
herbal blend (proprietary)
cocoa
star of Bethlehem
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
apigenin
Albizia
Aconite
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bacopin
brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Clary sage
Cymbopogon martini
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
cowslip
cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus pluricaulis
essential oil blend
Gelsemium
Griffonia simplicifolia
Ginkgoside
gastrodin
Honokiol
Hypericum
hyperforin
hericium mushroom
hemp
jujubosides
kavalactones
Kefir
lemon balm
linden
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lavandin
Large-leaved linden
Lactobacillus
linalool
Mimulus
Monoterpenes
magnolol
Mulungu
Mesembrine
Pulsatilla
probiotics
Passionfruit
Polygala
Purple Monkeyflower
rosavins
rosmarinic acid
Spikenard
Scleranthus annus
Shankhpushpi
Sandalwood
Safranal
Terpenoids
Tea
Trichilia catigua
Tetrahydropalmatine
Valerenic acid
Vervain
Vitexin
Wogonin
Yohimbine

Other health conditions supported by green tea

Abdominal Pain
Abscesses
Acne
Addictions (coffee, caffeine)
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (excessive)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autoimmune Disorders
Belching
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (internal)
Blood in Urine
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Odor
Breast Lumps
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cellulite
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Concentration (poor)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Cytomealovirus
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Down Syndrome
Endometriosis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Hemochromatosis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Oral Surgery
Parkinson's Disease
Perspiration (excessive)
PMS (general)
Polyps
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Skin (oily)
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wrinkles