Whether you need extra energy or want to cut out caffeine, there are many herbal teas to choose from that offer an array of health benefits. Just be sure to check ingredients, as some herbal teas contain a small amount of caffeine.
Rooibos is naturally caffeine free and has impressive medicinal properties including fortifying bones, promoting a healthy heart, and deterring ageing. Whether before bed or as an afternoon pick-me-up, rooibos is the perfect cup of tea.
Ginger Tea
Ginger has been a popular herbal remedy for thousands of years. It is a powerful antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and weight loss agent, among other things. Many suggest it may help fight cancer, too.
In a tea form, it can soothe nausea, reduce menstrual pain and help ease the symptoms of the flu. It can also be used to treat colds and other respiratory ailments, such as sinusitis. This brew can also aid digestive issues. It can help prevent bloating, and it contains phenolic compounds that soothe the gastrointestinal tract, alleviating gas and soothing indigestion. It can even relieve abdominal pain and nausea caused by chemotherapy.
One of the healthiest caffeine free tea options, ginger is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Its antioxidant content helps fight free radicals, which are unstable molecules that latch onto stable cells and can damage them. This brew can also improve cognitive function and protect against heart disease.
This herbal infusion can be made with fresh or dried herbs. It can be brewed as a hot tea or as an iced drink. It is important to choose quality loose leaf tea, as this type of tea contains more beneficial compounds than a bagged version. To make a cup of ginger tea, simply steep the ginger in hot water. The brewing process can take about five minutes, and you should allow the leaves to steep for about ten. Then, strain the mixture and serve it.
Rosehip Tea
Rose hips are the brilliant red or orange berries that grow underneath rose petals and make for an excellent source of Vitamin C. They can be eaten fresh or used to create herbal tea, jams, jellies, soups, pies, beer and wine (in Scandinavia). When used in the form of a beverage, this caffeine free tea boasts a flavor that is often compared to hibiscus and plums. It is commonly paired with herbs like mint and chamomile for added flavor and health benefits.
The antioxidant properties found in rose hips are able to enhance the absorption of iron, reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol. Rosehips also contain Galactolipids, which are a group of fats that promote healthy cell membranes and protect the body against chronic diseases like cancer.
Studies have shown that the consuming of rosehip tea can help reduce joint pain in people suffering from osteoarthritis. This is because of the high amounts of Vitamin C it contains which are known to reduce inflammation and strengthen immune systems. Moreover, it is also known to improve the levels of creatinine in the blood, which is a marker for kidney function.
Peppermint Tea
In addition to being naturally caffeine free, peppermint tea helps reduce the symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and aids in digestion. It also contains antioxidants that promote cellular health. Additionally, this refreshing beverage can help fight afternoon fatigue and boost energy levels, without the side effects of caffeine like heart palpitations and high blood pressure.
To brew a cup of this natural pick-me-up, bring 2 cups of water to boil and add either 1 tea bag or about 4 crushed and torn mint leaves. Let steep for 5 minutes and then strain into a cup. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can bruise and press the leaves before brewing to release more of the essential oils.
This refreshing beverage can be enjoyed hot or cold and can even be made as a sweetened iced tea in the refrigerator overnight. It is the perfect beverage to savor as an alternative to sugary colas, fruit juice and soft drinks.
Caffeine-free herbal teas can be found at nearly every large grocery store. Some are formulated using a method called Ethyl Acetate, which uses a chemical solvent to remove the caffeine from the leaves. However, this process can also alter beneficial compounds like antioxidants. This is why the CO2 method is considered a better choice for a true caffeine-free herbal tea.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has long had a reputation for inducing sleep, but this calming herbal beverage also offers a host of other health benefits. The flowers are rich in powerful plant compounds including flavonoids and sesquiterpenes, which may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure and aid digestion. It’s even been shown to protect against diabetes-related complications like oxidative stress and kidney disease.
In addition, a 2022 study published in BMC Medical Education found that chamomile may help prevent osteoporosis by reducing inflammation. This benefit may stem from chamomile’s ability to increase sleep quality and decrease state anxiety, which can contribute to low bone density over time.
One of the more unique health benefits of chamomile is that it may help fight cancer. While the evidence is limited, a compound in chamomile known as apigenin has been shown to kill cancer cells in a lab setting. Researchers are hopeful that this finding will lead to new treatments for a variety of cancers, including uterus, prostate, skin and breast cancers.
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While a cup of chamomile tea can be enjoyed at any time of day, it’s important to note that drinking this herbal beverage during pregnancy could stimulate contractions. As such, pregnant women should avoid consuming this caffeine free tea. Similarly, people with a daisy allergy should also steer clear of this calming herbal concoction.
