Cortisol Tea blends ashwagandha root and holy basil into a soothing infusion designed to ease daily stress. Simmering the herbs for ten minutes releases their calming properties, while raw honey and lemon juice add gentle sweetness. Ready in under 15 minutes, this warm Cortisol Tea is ideal for quiet evenings when you need to unwind and reset.

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A warm mug of freshly brewed Cortisol Tea with herbs steeping

Ingredients for Cortisol Tea

All the dried herbs and ingredients laid out for making Cortisol Tea

For the tea base

Water – Start with fresh, filtered water for the best flavor.

Dried Ashwagandha Root – This adaptogen is the star of the show, known for its calming properties.
Dried Holy Basil Leaves – Adds a soothing, earthy note to the tea.

Dried Chamomile Flowers – Perfect for a gentle, floral sweetness.
Dried Lemon Balm Leaves – Brings a subtle citrusy aroma and calming effect.

For the finishing touches

Raw Honey – Adds natural sweetness and enhances the herbal flavors.
Fresh Lemon Juice – A splash of brightness to balance everything out.

Cook Time for Cortisol Tea Recipe

I love how quickly this calming tea comes together. Honestly, on busy evenings, I find the simple ritual of making it to be just as soothing as drinking it. Here’s the timing breakdown for this stress relief tea.

Step	Time
Prep Time	2 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	14 minutes

If you’re looking for another quick and soothing beverage, my lemon ginger tonic is another favorite for busy days.

How to Make Cortisol Tea Blend

Step 1: Bring Water to a Boil

In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a gentle boil over medium heat. The water should bubble lightly but not vigorously.

Step 2: Add Your Herbs

Add 1 teaspoon dried ashwagandha root, 1 teaspoon dried holy basil leaves, 1/2 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers, and 1/2 teaspoon dried lemon balm leaves to the boiling water. Stir briefly to ensure the herbs are submerged.

Step 3: Simmer to Infuse

Reduce the heat to low and let the herbs simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The water will deepen in color and become fragrant as the flavors infuse.

Step 4: Strain Your Tea

Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a mug, pressing gently on the herbs with a spoon to extract all the liquid. The tea should be clear and free of herb particles.

Step 5: Sweeten and Brighten

Stir in 1 teaspoon raw honey and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice until fully dissolved. The tea should have a balanced sweetness and a slight tang.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the tea cool slightly for 2-3 minutes before sipping. The tea should be warm and soothing, ready to enjoy.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Cortisol Tea even more special. Here are my favorite ways to customize this blended calming tea with honey to suit your mood and pantry.

Flavor Swap: If you don’t have holy basil, try dried lavender buds instead. They add a beautiful floral note that pairs wonderfully with the chamomile.

Diet Tweak: For a sugar-free version, swap the honey with a teaspoon of maple syrup or skip the sweetener entirely. The lemon juice still provides plenty of brightness.
Prep Fix: To make this a true no-bake soothing stress relief drink, you can steep the herbs in hot water from a kettle instead of simmering. Just let it sit covered for 15 minutes for full flavor.
Storage Tip: You can brew a larger batch of this herbal tea with lemon juice and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat individual servings as needed. For more refreshing drink ideas, check out my infused water recipes that are perfect for warm afternoons. If you love citrus flavors, my green tea lemonade offers another lightly sweetened relaxing beverage option.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

When I first started making this Cortisol Tea blend, I was drawn to how these simple herbs worked together so beautifully. Each ingredient brings its own special qualities to create a truly restorative drink that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Ashwagandha root has been used for centuries in traditional practices, and modern research on cortisol-lowering drinks supports its calming effects. Holy basil, sometimes called tulsi, adds its own soothing properties to this stress relief tea.

Here’s a quick look at what makes this herbal tea with lemon juice so beneficial:

Ingredient	Key Benefits
Ashwagandha Root	Helps balance stress response, promotes relaxation
Holy Basil	Supports calm mood, adds earthy flavor
Chamomile Flowers	Gentle calming, promotes restful sleep
Lemon Balm	Mild citrus notes, soothing properties

What I love most about this Cortisol Tea recipe is how the honey and lemon work together. The raw honey not only sweetens but also contains natural enzymes, while the fresh lemon juice provides vitamin C and helps balance flavors.

If you’re exploring other healthy beverages, my hibiscus tea recipe offers different antioxidant benefits, or try my apple cider vinegar drink for another wellness option.

A Lighter Version of Cortisol Tea

Sometimes you want all the calming benefits of this Cortisol Tea without any sweetness at all. I’ve found that on days when I’m being more sugar-conscious, a simple adjustment makes this just as comforting.

For a truly sugar-free version, simply omit the honey entirely. The lemon juice still provides plenty of brightness, and the herbs themselves have subtle natural flavors that shine through when unsweetened.

If you prefer a hint of sweetness without sugar, try adding a cinnamon stick during the simmering process. It infuses the tea with warm, spicy notes that make it feel indulgent without any added sweeteners.

Another option I love is adding a few slices of fresh ginger root along with the other herbs. Ginger adds natural warmth and complexity that makes this no-bake soothing stress relief drink feel even more restorative.

For more sugar-free beverage ideas, my infused water recipes are wonderfully refreshing, and my cucumber mint water is particularly cooling on warm afternoons.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

When my aunt started paying closer attention to her blood sugar, I began experimenting with different ways to make our family favorites more diabetic-friendly. It surprised me how small tweaks could make such a difference while keeping all the comfort and flavor we loved.

For this Cortisol Tea, if you’re watching your sugar intake, you have several wonderful options. Instead of honey, try a tiny pinch of stevia – just enough to balance the herbal notes without overwhelming sweetness. Another sugar alternative I’ve come to appreciate is xylitol, which blends beautifully with the tea’s earthy flavors.

If you prefer to avoid sweeteners altogether, let me share what I’ve discovered: the longer you simmer the herbs, the more naturally sweet and complex the tea becomes on its own. Giving it those extra few minutes of brewing time can transform it into a deeply satisfying, no added sugar beverage that still feels like a treat.

Portion-wise, I find that making a larger batch and enjoying smaller cups throughout the day works beautifully for glucose-friendly sipping. This approach lets you enjoy the calming benefits steadily rather than all at once.

How to Serve Cortisol Tea

I’ll never forget the first time I served this Cortisol Tea to my best friend during a particularly stressful week. We sat at my kitchen table as the sun set, steam rising from our mugs, and within minutes we both felt the day’s tensions melting away. There’s something magical about sharing a warm, soothing drink with someone you care about.

A beautifully set table with two mugs of Cortisol Tea and fresh herbs for garnish

For the perfect serving experience, I love using my favorite ceramic mugs – the kind that feel substantial in your hands. The weight and warmth combine to make sipping this blended calming tea with honey feel like a true ritual of self-care.

If you’re serving this steeped adaptogenic herbal infusion to guests, consider placing a small sprig of fresh mint or lemon balm on the saucer. It adds a lovely visual touch and the scent enhances the overall experience.

This lightly sweetened relaxing beverage pairs beautifully with quiet conversation or a good book. For something more substantial, it complements my lemon ginger tonic nicely if you’re offering multiple drink options, or try it alongside my cardamom lemonade for a contrasting flavor experience.

The best time to enjoy this herbal tea with lemon juice is when you need a moment of pause – whether that’s after work, before bed, or during a busy afternoon when you need to reset. It’s become my go-to for creating intentional moments of calm in otherwise hectic days.

Mistakes to Avoid

I’ll never forget the first time I tried to rush making this Cortisol Tea blend. I was so eager for that calming feeling that I skipped the simmering step, and the result was a pale, weak tea that barely had any flavor. It taught me that some things in life, like a good cup of tea, are worth taking your time with.

One common mistake is using boiling water for delicate herbs like chamomile and lemon balm. When water is too hot, it can make these gentle herbs taste bitter instead of soothing. I’ve found that water just off the boil, around 200°F, extracts the best flavors for this stress relief tea.

Another error I see often is skimping on the steeping time. This Cortisol Tea recipe needs those full 10-15 minutes to properly release all the beneficial compounds from the adaptogenic herbs. If you cut this short, you’re missing out on the full calming potential of this herbal tea with lemon juice.

Storing herbs improperly can also affect your tea’s potency. I learned this the hard way when my ashwagandha lost its vibrant color and aroma. Always keep your herbs in airtight containers away from light and heat to maintain their effectiveness in your blended calming tea with honey.

According to the Cleveland Clinic’s stress management tips, consistency matters when using herbal remedies for stress relief. Drinking this no-bake soothing stress relief drink occasionally won’t give you the same benefits as making it part of your daily wind-down routine.

For more beverage inspiration, my green tea lemonade offers a refreshing alternative, and my charcoal lemonade provides a unique detox option. What matters most is finding what works for your body and sticking with it.

How to Store Cortisol Tea

My grandmother always said that how you store food shows how much you value it. She had this beautiful glass jar where she kept her special tea blends, and I remember watching her carefully measure out portions for our afternoon tea times. That memory inspired how I store my own Cortisol Tea ingredients today.

For the dried herbs in your Cortisol Tea blend, glass mason jars with tight-fitting lids work beautifully. I keep mine in a cool, dark cupboard away from the stove and sunlight. This preserves the delicate oils and compounds that make this steeped adaptogenic herbal infusion so effective.

If you’ve made a larger batch of the brewed tea, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. I like to use a glass pitcher with a lid rather than plastic, as glass doesn’t absorb any flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy your lightly sweetened relaxing beverage, simply warm it gently on the stove – never microwave, as this can damage the delicate properties.

For single-serving convenience, you can freeze portions in ice cube trays. These frozen tea cubes are perfect for quickly preparing individual cups without brewing fresh each time. Just pop a few cubes in your mug, add hot water, and you’ve got instant stress relief tea.

If you enjoy preparing beverages ahead, my aloe vera juice is another great make-ahead option, and my chia citrus water stores wonderfully for quick hydration throughout your week.

Try This Cortisol Tea Yourself

There’s a moment I cherish every evening when the kitchen fills with the earthy aroma of this Cortisol Tea simmering on the stove. It signals that the day is winding down, that it’s time to breathe deeply and let go of whatever tensions accumulated. This simple ritual has become my anchor in busy weeks, and I’d love for it to become yours too.

What surprised me most about this Cortisol Tea recipe wasn’t just how it helped me feel calmer, but how it created space for mindfulness in my routine. The few minutes it takes to prepare become this sacred pause where I’m not rushing or multitasking – I’m just present with the process, watching the herbs swirl in the water, inhaling their comforting scents.

I encourage you to make this your own. Maybe you’ll enjoy it while watching the sunset like I do, or perhaps you’ll share it with a friend who needs comfort. However you choose to experience this herbal tea with lemon juice, I hope it brings you the same sense of peace it’s brought to my kitchen.

If you’re looking to expand your healthy drink repertoire, I have plenty of other options you might enjoy. My hibiscus tea recipe drink offers vibrant flavor and antioxidants, while my green tea lemonade drink recipe provides gentle energy. For something more medicinal, try my lemon ginger tonic drink recipe when you’re feeling under the weather.

You can explore all my 25 healthy drinks recipes for more inspiration, or try my grapefruit apple cider vinegar drink for another wellness option. Whatever you choose, the important thing is taking that first step toward caring for yourself through nourishing rituals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tea is good for cortisol levels?

This Cortisol Tea blend is specifically designed to support healthy cortisol levels. The combination of ashwagandha, holy basil, chamomile, and lemon balm works synergistically to help your body manage stress more effectively. I find drinking this steeped adaptogenic herbal infusion daily provides the most consistent benefits for stress management.

How to flush cortisol out of your body?

While you can’t exactly “flush” cortisol, regular consumption of this Cortisol Tea can help your body maintain healthier cortisol patterns. Combining this no-bake soothing stress relief drink with other relaxation practices like deep breathing, gentle movement, and adequate sleep creates a comprehensive approach to stress management that supports your body’s natural rhythms.

How to get rid of a cortisol belly?

This Cortisol Tea recipe can be part of a holistic approach to managing stress-related weight concerns. By helping regulate cortisol levels, this stress relief tea supports your body’s ability to manage stress without storing excess abdominal fat. Pair it with balanced nutrition and regular activity for the most effective results over time.

What herb is best for lowering cortisol?

In my experience with this Cortisol Tea blend, ashwagandha stands out for its adaptogenic properties that specifically help balance cortisol response. However, I’ve found that the combination of herbs in this blended calming tea with honey creates a more balanced effect than any single ingredient alone. Each herb brings unique benefits that work together harmoniously.

More Soothing Beverages You’ll Love

If this Cortisol Tea resonated with you, here are a few more comforting drinks that have become staples in my kitchen. Each one offers its own unique way to nourish both body and spirit.

Hibiscus Tea – A vibrant, tart tea that’s as beautiful as it is refreshing, perfect for afternoon pick-me-ups.

Lemon Ginger Tonic – Warming and invigorating, this spicy-sweet drink feels like a hug for your immune system.

Cardamom Lemonade – An exotic twist on classic lemonade with warm spice notes that make ordinary days feel special.

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink – Tangy and revitalizing, this morning tonic helps start your day with clean energy and digestive support.

Infused Water – Simple fruit and herb combinations that transform plain water into something magical and hydrating.

Cucumber Mint Water – The ultimate cooling beverage for warm afternoons, crisp and refreshing with every sip.

Refreshing Cortisol Tea To Reduce Stress