Weird Tea Trick Calms Your Mind While Boosting Focus
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 6, 2025
You know the drill…
If you want to feel more alert, coffee gives you the jolt you need. But when it’s calm that you seek, chamomile tea soothes you to sleep.
But what if you could drink a beverage that can do both at the same time?
A natural compound found in certain teas offers this seemingly contradictory effect—delivering energy and calm in a single cup…
Green tea supports everything from healthier metabolism to better brain function. So it’s no surprise it’s been linked to various health benefits like improved focus and reduced anxiety.
And now we know the exact source of those powerful effects… a specific amino acid called L-theanine.
This remarkable compound is found naturally in green tea, white tea, black tea, and matcha (which all come from the same Camellia sinensis plant), as well as certain mushrooms like porcini.
If you’ve ever noticed how you feel different after a cup of green tea that’s likely the L-theanine effects kicking in. While both contain caffeine, green tea doesn’t give you that jittery, anxious feeling that coffee sometimes does.
This unique amino acid helps create what researchers describe as a “calm but clear” mental state.
L-theanine appears to accomplish this balancing act by influencing key brain chemicals associated with mood and relaxation, while also increasing alpha brain wave activity, the type linked to a quiet, focused mind.
Researchers believe that L-theanine may influence the production of mood-regulating hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. It may also affect our cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
Studies show these calming effects are most obvious in people who react more strongly to stress. In these folks, L-theanine often coincides with lower self-reported anxiety levels—without the drowsiness that comes with traditional relaxation aids.
Some people (like me) take L-theanine before bedtime to help them unwind. It calms the mind without knocking you out like a pharmaceutical sleep aid.
To experience the benefits of L-theanine, start here:
- Enjoy two to three cups of green tea throughout your day
- Try matcha for an even more concentrated dose
- Look for L-theanine supplements if you’re not a tea drinker
- Combine with a small amount of caffeine for enhanced focus
- Consider taking it before bed if racing thoughts keep you awake
This remarkable compound offers a natural solution to our modern dilemma of needing to stay both alert and calm in our hectic world. Instead of ping-ponging between stimulants and sedatives, L-theanine offers a balanced middle path.
P.S. Simple 30-second vision hack restores calm.
Source:
Hidese S, Ogawa S, Ota M, Ishida I, Yasukawa Z, Ozeki M, Kunugi H. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 3;11(10):2362. doi: 10.3390/nu11102362. PMID: 31623400; PMCID: PMC6836118.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First
Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...
Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”
Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...