Hi there,
I'd say one of the things you said, "the act of making and drinking the tea", may be a huge factor in the results you got.
A little distraction, something new, reading the box or bag, the trip to the health food store which in itself can be a nice excursion from the world around you, eh?
Perhaps, you are a fortunate one that this product works for you, if it does I'd say go with it, take a Kava Kava tea break when you are feeling like this, a little calming ritual like this is fine.
Mine usally involves coffee, ha!ha! I know people tout about caffeine and all but I find it a nice treat, a break from stuff, even if it is a few minutes.
Walking off anxiety is good, like taking a walk along a stream, watching the geese and wildlife is a nice distraction too.
I wish you luck with this, I know how anxiety and/or accompanied by panic attacks can be horrible, I give these "natural" distractions a chance first, if they fail then I use the meds. my pdoc said to use only as needed, that is my last resort.
I'm glad you brought this topic here

Sincerely,

DE

BTW
I left out something, if you have pets, or are "owned" by dogs, like mine, taking a little time sitting by them and petting them, even talking to them is another calming experience . . . till they nag you to go outside, ha!ha!