When was the last time you savored a hot cup of tea and relaxed as your worries melted away? Tea is more than a comforting beverage; tea is a convenient panacea that can improve your health and everyday well-being. Need a boost? An agent of comfort? Calm? Tea can provide all of that and more—from diminishing gastrointestinal distress to boosting attention and focus as provided by green tea, there’s a cup for you with great intentions at heart for internal homeostasis. From herbal concoctions to blended varieties, people have been drinking tea for centuries as it’s simple to ingest, pleasurable on the tongue, and easily incorporated into daily lifestyle routines.
In this article, you’ll learn some of the best teas to feel your best, and more about how you can easily add them to your regimen. You don’t have to be an expert on tea to enjoy these brews, all you need is a cup and boiling hot water. We’ll discuss the benefits from brewing, the easy sips, and unique features that make these teas a proper selection. Ready to find out how you can feel your best with some easy teas? Read on to see what’s best for you!
Green Tea
Green tea is one of the most popular teas made today—and for good reason. It’s light and refreshing with just enough energy (without jitters) to get you through the day. Next time you’re feeling sluggish or on that cusp of a dreaded late afternoon slump, try brewing some green tea. Not too caffeinated, it’s a perfect way to awaken and refocus—without the jumpy feelings of coffee.
Why is green tea so beneficial? Green tea offers natural qualities that help the body. Green tea can improve focus and even elevate mood. Imagine yourself in the morning—waking up, pouring a cup of freshly brewed green tea, this soothing warm beverage making you feel relaxed yet prepared to take on the day. Green tea can provide this beverage experience.
Green tea is available hot and cold and senses exactly how you feel. To make it hot, steep in hot water for about two minutes (don’t let it steep too long or it can be bitter). To make it cold, let it cool or brew ahead of time, add ice, and perhaps a splash of lemon for a zesty twist. It also goes well with honey if you prefer something sweet. Think of green tea in the morning or that mid-afternoon post-lunch slump to feel alive and recharged.
Yet another tea miracle? The amount of varieties. It’s available loose leaf, bagged, and powdered matcha for a more robust flavor. However you take your green tea, it’s an easy segue into a new healthy lifestyle. Have you ever had green tea? If not, now’s the time!
Chamomile Tea
If there’s one tea you need to relax after a long day, it’s chamomile. This herbal tea has a delicate, floral flavor that feels like a warm hug in a cup. In addition to its comforting taste, chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great choice for nighttime sipping before bed. Chamomile tea is known for its soothing properties, so it’s a great choice for those who have difficulty falling asleep at night.
Picture this. You’ve had a long day, and as your mind races, you hold it in check with a cup of chamomile tea, gradually sipping and feeling your shoulders drop. That’s what this tea does; it calms you and relieves stress without you having to do anything but drink it, making it a perfect tea before sleep. For those who lie wide-eyed and restless at night, try drinking chamomile tea about thirty minutes before sleep. You’ll love having it in your routine.
Chamomile tea is ridiculously easy to make. All you have to do is steep a tea bag or a teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers in hot water for five minutes. The longer you steep it, the stronger the flavor, which is tasty on its own but can use a little honey to soften the experience and make it sweeter. Some people like a splash of milk for texture. This tea works well for children who need a little help going to sleep—but make sure it’s not too hot.
Chamomile tea is a hug in a mug. The warm, cozy scent wraps around you and calms your frazzled nerves. This caffeine-free tea is safe to drink any time of day and is part of an excellent nighttime routine for relaxing. Chamomile also works wonders on the stomach, soothing any post-dinner or daytime digestive issues.
Besides helping you fall asleep, chamomile tea helps an upset stomach. If you’re feeling gassy or not right after a big meal, one cup can help. And it’s light enough to drink daily, so stock your pantry with a box for those wintery nights you need to chill out. Is chamomile your new go-to nighttime tea?
Peppermint Tea
Ever eat a rich meal and crave the light feeling of your stomach gone? Sip some peppermint tea. It soothes your stomach and assists the digestive system with what it already has to work with. Whether you’ve indulged and had one slice of pizza too many or eaten something with just a bit too much kick, peppermint tea should do the trick to soothe your stomach. Similarly, if you’re experiencing nausea or need a quick fix, never fear—peppermint tea is here.
Brewing peppermint tea is effortless and does not take much time. Just add a bag of peppermint tea to boiling hot water; if you have fresh peppermint leaves at your disposal, feel free to use those instead. Allow the tea to steep for about five minutes to let the taste infuse the boiling water, and then sip. You can drink it hot, which is optimal on a cold winter day, or let it cool on ice if you prefer a cold cup on a sweltering summer day. Peppermint tea is tasty on its own, but if you desire a sweeter flavor, a drop of sugar or honey never hurts.
Here’s another herbal tea that helps with fresh breath, excellent to drink before a meeting to feel clean, and the mood-enhancing aroma makes you feel good and more awake. Keep peppermint tea boxes stashed at home or the office for a midday pick-me-up for yourself. Ever had peppermint tea after dinner? It’s outstanding!
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a spicy, comforting warm beverage that feels like someone crocheted you a blanket on an icy cold day. Ginger tea comes from ginger root and has a bold, zesty flavor that makes you feel good on the inside and out. Sip ginger tea when you’re under the weather or any time you need comfort from the inside out. Since ginger tea is herbal, it has no caffeine; enjoy it any time of day to make you feel better.
Ginger tea is also a great remedy when you have a scratchy throat or feel stuffy and on the edge of getting a cold. It’s soothing and can clear up some of that stuffiness, and the spicy warmth of ginger warms you up from the cold within; thus, it’s a perfect morning refresher or afternoon treat on a rainy day because there’s nothing better than curling up with the rain and a hot cup of ginger tea in hand. It’s soothing and homely.
Ginger tea is also easy to make. The simplest form comes from ginger tea bags steeped in boiling water for about five minutes, or one can grate ginger and put that in boiling water for about ten minutes on the stovetop for added bite. Either way, strain directly into the mug. You can add lemon or honey to taste. Lemon adds a tart flavor; honey is more sweetening and more soothing for a sore throat.
Ginger tea is incredible for stomach problems. Do you feel nauseous from the car ride or eating too much? Ginger is your gastrointestinal friend. Drinking this herbal concoction calms your stomach without medicine, and you can drink it casually while trying to stabilize yourself—with a slow sipping endeavor to enjoy the warm temperature or quickly, as a quick fix. Every tea drinker should have ginger tea in their collection. Have you ever made it from fresh ginger yourself? It’s easier than you think!
Black Tea
Black tea is the basic go-to for those who like strong flavors. It’s the regular breakfast tea, and it’s great for morning stimulation. While herbal teas contain no caffeine, black tea is like getting half a cup of coffee—it wakes you up, gives you focus and direction without the crash. When you need an energy boost to feel accomplished and on the go, enjoy some black tea.
What’s the magic of black tea? It’s robust and versatile. You can drink black tea in the morning without any extra efforts, or it can become a creamier, sweeter affair with the addition of milk and sugar. The flavor profile of black tea is nostalgic as it’s suitable for breakfast or an afternoon nibble—tackling your most challenging day just as well as another cuppa in hand. It is on your side, not against your endeavors.
Steep a bag or loose black tea in boiling water for three to five minutes to create black tea. Be wary of over-steeping; it can become overly intense. Enjoy hot with a splash of cream, or let it cool for an ideal iced black tea delight. A wedge of orange or sprinkle of cinnamon can take it up a notch—booze works, too, if you’re feeling on the fancy side! This tea is also great for the communal experience—brew a whole pot!
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea is an underutilized flavor that everyone should try at least once. Rooibos tea is an herbal tea from South Africa that has a naturally sweet, nutty flavor that many people enjoy. In addition, rooibos is caffeine-free. Unlike black or green teas, rooibos is safe to drink at any time of day—even at night before bed. It has all the flavor without the buzzy caffeinated aftereffects.
Why should you take the time to enjoy rooibos? It’s healthy and an indulgent yet guilt-free option. Its natural sweetness means it doesn’t need sugar—but honey drizzled atop does make it a bit more decadent. Rooibos is also drinkable in any scenario—it can warm you up when served hot or cool you down on the hottest day when iced. It’s even good for kids; naturally sweet and caffeine-free.
Rooibos tea is easy to prepare. Just steep a teabag or loose-leaf rooibos in hot water for five to seven minutes—more time for a stronger flavor, less time for a more subtle experience (the longer the better). It’s drinkable straight or with a splash of cream, and added flavor can be found by steeping with a vanilla pod or sprinkle of cinnamon. Rooibos also makes a nice iced tea—just cool down and serve with sliced fruit.
Rooibos tea is also a great way to hydrate and enjoy something delicious. It’s soothing when you need to destress or have a moment to yourself. Always keep a box on hand in your cupboard anytime you need a simple, delicious, and nutritious treat. If you’ve never had rooibos tea, you may find a new favorite!
Conclusion
Nothing is more effortless than enjoying a cup of tea for your daily self-care. From green tea to energize you in the morning to chamomile to calm you at night to peppermint when your stomach aches, tea caters to every situation and remedy. The green, chamomile, peppermint, ginger, black, and rooibos teas recommended above boast different flavors and advantages in your life. You can appreciate them with little hassle, no intensive machinery, and minimal time—just water and a mug, and you’re all set!
That’s the nice thing about tea. You can have it anywhere—at the office, on a lunch break, lounging, and even with friends. It’s inexpensive and widely available. With so many blends, you’ll never get tired of drinking it. Experiment with flavors and aromas to see what you like best. Perhaps you will drink black tea in the morning, rooibos during work, and chamomile before bed. The possibilities are endless.
Add some of these featured teas into your routine and savor what they have to give. Choose one or two tea types from this list and see how you feel with a cup in hand. You won’t believe what it can do for you! Cheers to good health!