Top 10 Healthy Herbal Teas

Perfect for relaxing in the evenings or as a potential pick-me-up during the day, herbal teas have plenty of applications and benefits. So, if your morning coffee has become stale and uninteresting, herbal teas could be the switch-up you need. In this article, we'll give you a breakdown of 10 healthy herbal tea suggestions to get you started.

What are herbal teas?

Made from steeping various spices, flowers, herbs, and other plant materials in hot water, herbal teas date back well over 4,000 years. However, there's still very much a place for these fragrant and flavourful brews in the modern world, as many provide a caffeine-free alternative while offering plenty of possible holistic benefits. Able to be enjoyed hot or cold, herbal teas are versatile, customisable, and accessible.

Top 10 healthy tea herbs

So, where should you begin on your herbal tea journey? Well, we've picked out 10 varieties that are teeming with flavour, aroma, and a bevy of potential wellness benefits. Trust us, your tea-drinking ritual is about to get a real shake-up!

1. Gunpowder

Derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, gunpowder tea is available in pellet form, which results from tightly rolling withered and then steamed leaves into tiny balls and drying them. With a long history of use dating back to the Tang Dynasty, gunpowder tea has been around for a very long time, and the nutty, smoky flavour is still hugely sought after to this very day. Coupled with some possible well-being benefits, such as providing a boost of energy and promoting digestion, there's little wonder as to why it's such a popular choice for many tea fans.

2. Chamomile

Arguably one of the most popular herbal tea varieties, the classic chamomile comes from a daisy-like plant, and was used in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The word “chamomile” stems from the Greek “chamaimēlon”, which translates to “earth-apple”, giving you a clue as to what to expect from this tea's aromas and flavours. Chamomile tea boasts subtle floral apple notes with just a hint of mellow honey, and is often favoured by those looking for soothing and relaxing sensations.

3. Rooibos

Also known as red tea or red bush tea, rooibos comes from a shrub called Aspalathus linearis, which hails from the western coast of South Africa. The leaves from this shrub are fermented, giving them an alluring red/brown colour. While the flavour of rooibos is known to be nutty, many combine it with sweet syrups and sugar to give it a mouth-watering twist. Rooibos tea is packed full of antioxidants and is caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for those sensitive to stimulants.

4. Ginger

Well-known for its flavours and potential health benefits, ginger offers a warming and slightly spicy taste that makes for the ideal herbal tea. With use dating back to China well over 5,000 years ago, ginger tea is popular worldwide and still in high demand today. Ginger is rich in antioxidants and comes with a variety of potential holistic benefits, such as those related to digestion. As such, ginger tea is a popular pick amongst health-conscious herbal tea enthusiasts.

5. Hibiscus

With a tart flavour that's often compared to cranberries, hibiscus tea is derived from the flower of the same name. The dried flowers are brewed in a tea strainer and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Some even add a little sugar to even out the tartness. When drunk, users open themselves up to many possible benefits, such as maintaining healthy blood pressure. There's plenty to love about hibiscus, and it makes for a tasty tea at any time of the day.

6. Lemon balm

No prizes for guessing the flavour of this particular brew! Lemon balm (or Melissa officinalis) is a herb teeming with citrus notes that is native to Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. However, it is widely used all over the world. The dried leaves from the plant can be steeped in hot water and then served as a tasty lemon-scented drink. Lemon balm is well-known for its potential soothing and relaxing qualities; it is also used to help settle the stomach.

7. Yerba mate

As a brew packed full of vitamins and primed to provide a burst of energy, yerba mate is made from the leaves and stemlets of the Ilex paraguarensis tree. With origins linked to the Guarani tribes of South America, yerba mate has found worldwide popularity and is a common beverage that's often compared to tea and coffee. Yerba mate has a strong bitter and earthy flavour that can be combined with honey or syrup for a sweeter taste. With stimulating effects, yerba mate makes for an excellent substitute for coffee, but is also teeming with nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins.

8. Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is an aromatic herb native to Europe and Asia that has been utilised for thousands of years. Not only boasting a fresh minty scent and flavour, peppermint also exhibits a range of potential wellness benefits that make it a great option for use as a tea. Peppermint may help to promote digestion, freshen breath, provide a boost of energy, and even promote a good night's sleep. Peppermint tea can be made by brewing fresh leaves, but it can also be purchased as tea bags from your local grocery store.

9. Passionflower

Traditionally used for holistic purposes in the Americas and Europe, Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a genus of about 550 species of plants. With a mild flavour that has floral and grassy notes, passionflower tea is easy to drink and a little savoury. Regarding possible well-being benefits, passionflower can soothe the stomach, relieve tension, and have a beneficial effect on sleep function.

10. Good Night Herbs

Why go through the trouble of picking one herb when you can experience the flavours and benefits of several at once? The Good Night Herbs tea combines spearmint, chamomile, orange blossom, and a host of others, all of which are caffeine-free and primed to soothe and relax. Perfect before heading to bed! This selection of herbs blends well in terms of flavour and aroma, so combine them with some hot water and your tea strainer, and enjoy!

Tempted by herbal teas?

Our selection of herbal teas will tantalise your taste buds while delivering all manner of wellness benefits. So if we've caught your attention with this list, the only thing left to do is to try them for yourself. Fortunately, you don't have to go far to sample them, as all of the herbal teas mentioned are available to purchase from Zamnesia right now. So put down that mug of instant coffee and pick up some herbal teas that will really blow your mind.

Adam Parsons

Professional cannabis journalist, copywriter, and author Adam Parsons is a long-time staff member of Zamnesia. Tasked with covering a wide range of topics from CBD to psychedelics and everything in between, Adam creates blog posts, guides, and explores an ever-growing range of products.

Read full bio