By: Kelly Graham
For centuries, cultures have harnessed the power of herbal remedies to better their quality of life.
The cannabis plant has become one of the most well known herbal remedies, with potential benefits ranging from simple stress relief to relieving serious chronic disorders.
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While cannabis may currently have the most attention in alternative wellness, almost every home has another herbal remedy right at their fingertips and may not even know it — tea.
Tea is one of the oldest held herbal traditions and its history spans across the globe.
With different flavors and varieties to choose from and a wide range of therapeutic benefits, it’s easy to see why tea has made a lasting impact on alternative wellness.
Whether you are looking for stress relief or a better night’s rest, combining the power of tea and cannabis may be just what you need.
In this guide, we’ll share a few of our favorite at-home remedies and pairings.
Cannabis and tea pairings:
Energy Boost
To get your daily caffeine boost, many have turned to tea as a healthier alternative to coffee.
Black tea often has less caffeine than coffee or espresso, and thus less of a crash as well.
In addition to an energy boost, some studies have also shown that black tea may help repair lung damage caused by smoking cigarettes and reduce the risk of stroke.
Black tea is the basis for many popular teas on the market like chai, earl grey, and English breakfast. Its rich spicy undertones make it a perfect pair for many strains of cannabis.
While weed is not always known for uplifting your energy, there are several cultivars that are known for their energizing effects.
Look for strains that have creamy or citrusy notes to not only compliment the flavors of black tea but also enhance your stamina and focus.
Strains: Orange Dream, Super Jack, Green Crack
Relaxation and Calm
Tea and cannabis are also powerful proponents of relaxation and stress relief.
Try brewing a cup of peppermint tea to find a sense of calm. Some research has shown that the minty scent may reduce stress and ease anxiety.
It has even become common practice for some students to pop a mint into their mouth before a big test to reduce any nerves and increase focus.
Nearly every strain of weed on the market today has relaxation properties and many of them feature minty or piney flavors.
Ask your budtender for strains that are high in pinene that will be sure to match perfectly with your mug of peppermint tea.
Strains: Bubba Kush, Big Smooth, Gorilla Cookies
Restful Sleep
Sipping on a cup of herbal tea has become a bedtime ritual for many. Caffeine-free herbal teas vary in flavor and variety, but chamomile is perhaps one of the best for sleep.
For years, chamomile has been used as a natural treatment for insomnia partly due to its calming effects.
However, chamomile also has antioxidants that may trigger your brain to initiate sleep. In addition, its delicate floral flavor and scent also lend itself to ease you into a restful night of sleep.
Many strains of cannabis also encourage a good night’s rest (or a solid day nap). While any indica heavy strain will certainly put you right to sleep, look for a strain with hints of lavender to compliment chamomile’s floral flavor.
Strains: Scooby Snacks, Zkittles, Do-si-dos
Final Thoughts
The power of cannabis and tea combined can be a powerful tool to combat stress, insomnia, and a lack of energy.
However, this simple guide is just the tip of the iceberg of all of the fun pairings you can try with various targeted results.
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Kelly Graham is a cannabis chef and writer who focuses on cannabis food and culture.