If you’re searching for a natural way to ease tension and improve your sleep, Cortisol Tea may be just what you need. This herbal tea combines a gentle blend of calming ingredients such as chamomile, lemon balm, turmeric, and ginger. The recipe is designed to support the body’s stress response, especially during busy or high-anxiety times. With minimal effort, you can prepare a cup that relaxes your mind and body before bed or anytime during the day.

Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something special about a cup of tea that does more than warm your hands. This Cortisol Tea recipe provides multiple benefits in one easy drink. The combination of chamomile and lemon balm can help settle your nerves and promote restful sleep. Ginger and turmeric add comforting warmth while supporting digestion and reducing inflammation. If you include ashwagandha, you’ll also be getting the benefit of an adaptogen known for balancing cortisol levels. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to source, making it a smart, supportive addition to your wellness habits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this tea has a role to play. Together, they form a soothing, functional blend.
1 cup of hot water (just below boiling, around 90°C)
This is the base for your infusion. Be sure not to use boiling water, as that can damage the herbs’ beneficial compounds.
1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers or one chamomile tea bag
Chamomile has long been used to promote calm, reduce anxiety, and aid sleep.
1 teaspoon dried lemon balm leaves or a small handful of fresh leaves
Lemon balm brings a fresh, citrusy flavor and is believed to have mild mood-lifting properties.
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (organic preferred)
Turmeric delivers earthy depth and anti-inflammatory properties.
1 thin slice of fresh ginger (about 1 cm)
Ginger adds a slight heat and supports digestion, circulation, and overall warmth.
1/2 teaspoon ashwagandha root powder (optional)
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that can help your body cope with stress and regulate cortisol levels.
1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup (optional)
This brings a gentle sweetness that balances the more bitter or spicy ingredients.
Lemon slice or a sprig of mint for garnish (optional)
These final touches add flavor and elevate the tea’s visual appeal.
Tools: Use a tea strainer or infuser, and a mug that can be covered to hold in the steam.
How to Make Cortisol Tea
Preparing this tea is fast and uncomplicated. Begin by heating your water to just below the boiling point. Place the chamomile, lemon balm, turmeric, and ginger into your mug or infuser. Pour the hot water over the herbs and cover your mug to allow everything to steep. After eight minutes, remove the herbs or strainer, mix in the ashwagandha powder thoroughly, then sweeten and garnish as you like. Sip slowly while the tea is still warm for the best effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Warm the water
Heat one cup of water to just under a full boil, about 90°C. - Add chamomile and lemon balm
Place the dried chamomile and lemon balm in an infuser or directly into the mug. - Include turmeric and ginger
Add the turmeric powder and fresh ginger slice into the mug with the herbs. - Pour in hot water
Gently pour the hot water over the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are covered. - Cover and steep
Place a lid, small plate, or saucer over your mug and let it steep for eight full minutes. - Strain the tea
Remove the tea bag, infuser, or strain the tea if herbs were added loose. - Stir in ashwagandha
Add the ashwagandha powder and stir well so it dissolves fully. - Sweeten and garnish
Mix in honey or maple syrup if desired. Finish with a lemon slice or mint. - Serve and enjoy
Sip slowly while warm and let the soothing ingredients do their work.
Helpful Tips
Fresh herbs, when available, tend to produce a more vibrant flavor. Keep the water below boiling to protect the herbs’ natural oils. Mix ashwagandha powder thoroughly to avoid any clumps. You can adjust the ginger or turmeric to suit your taste preference. If you enjoy this tea regularly, consider creating a small dry mix of turmeric, ginger, and ashwagandha to save time. Using a covered mug during steeping helps preserve the aroma and active compounds. For best results, enjoy this tea regularly, especially during your evening wind-down.
Details
Flavor: Lightly floral with a hint of spice and earthiness
Texture: Smooth and warm
When to enjoy: Ideal before bedtime or during high-stress hours
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Steep Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Notes
This recipe is adaptable. If ashwagandha isn’t available or preferred, you can still enjoy the tea’s calming benefits without it. You may also increase or reduce the amount of ginger or turmeric to find your ideal flavor balance. Sweeteners can be added to taste or left out for a more herbal experience.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 25 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Sugar | 4g (with honey) |
| Protein | 0g |

Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are commonly used in cortisol tea?
The most common ingredients include chamomile, lemon balm, ginger, turmeric, and sometimes ashwagandha. These are chosen for their calming and balancing effects.
Can cortisol tea really help lower stress levels?
Yes. The herbs in this tea are known to promote calm and may support reduced cortisol levels when consumed regularly.
When is the best time of day to drink cortisol tea?
Most people find it most helpful in the evening, especially before sleep. However, it can be enjoyed whenever you feel overwhelmed or tense.
Are there any side effects of drinking cortisol tea daily?
For most people, daily use is safe. Still, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.
Storage Instructions
If you make more than one serving, you can refrigerate the extra tea in a sealed glass jar for up to 24 hours. When ready to drink, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave for 30 seconds. Freezing is not recommended, as it may affect the flavor and texture. If you’re planning to make this often, pre-mix the dry spices for quicker brewing.
Print
Cortisol Tea Recipe | Calm Your Body Naturally
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Description
This relaxing Cortisol Tea blends calming herbs with warming spices and optional adaptogens. It’s an easy-to-make beverage designed to help manage stress and promote better sleep.
Ingredients
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1 cup hot water (90°C)
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1 tsp dried chamomile or 1 chamomile tea bag
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1 tsp dried or fresh lemon balm
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1/2 tsp turmeric powder
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1 slice fresh ginger
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1/2 tsp ashwagandha powder (optional)
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1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup (optional)
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Lemon slice or mint leaf (garnish)
Instructions
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Heat the water until just below boiling.
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Add chamomile and lemon balm to your mug or infuser.
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Add turmeric and ginger to the mug.
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Pour in the hot water.
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Cover and steep for 8 minutes.
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Strain or remove herbs.
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Stir in ashwagandha powder thoroughly.
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Add sweetener and garnish if desired.
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Enjoy warm.
Notes
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Use high-quality herbs for better flavor and aroma.
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Stir thoroughly after adding ashwagandha to prevent clumping.
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Adjust the amount of ginger and turmeric to your taste preference.
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Consistent daily use may increase calming effects
- Prep Time: 2
- Cook Time: 8
- Category: Drinks
- Method: steeping
- Cuisine: herbal wellness
Nutrition
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Protein: 0
Conclusion
Cortisol Tea is a simple yet powerful way to incorporate self-care into your daily life. With calming herbs, warming spices, and the option to include stress-adapting ashwagandha, this tea can help you unwind and restore your energy. It takes only minutes to make but can offer long-lasting benefits, from better sleep to more balanced moods. Try it tonight and experience the calming shift it brings.