According to an article by James Quirk, natural green tea can reduce stress and anxiety and may also help prevent conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and some cancers. The article, says that green tea contains L-Theanine, which is an amino acid that promotes relaxation by affecting a brain neurotransmitter that governs stress reactions. Green tea also contains plant-based compounds that can improve relaxation and over-all feelings of well-being.

However, green tea also contains caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system and can counteract some of the relaxing effects.

Although green tea contains much lower levels of caffeine than in coffee, the article describes an easy process by Dr. Weil to remove up to 80 percent of the caffeine in a cup of green tea.

Dr. Weil’s directions:
1. Place the tea bag(s) in a cup of very hot water, as you normally would.
2. Allow the tea bags to soak for approximately 45 seconds. During this time, most of the caffeine will be released into the water.
3. Dump the water and refill with fresh hot water.
4. Steep the tea as normal. Little of the caffeine will remain, but the flavor and the natural anti-anxiety compounds will still be present.