Herbal teas are a delicious and easy way to boost fluid intake and sneak in some extra nutrients. Unlike coffee and other teas that have caffeine, herbal tea benefits the body without keeping you awake or jittery. And while I love healthy coffee, I don’t drink it every day. Instead, I keep a big pitcher of herbal tea in my fridge to always have on hand.
There are thousands of herbal tea recipes, so there’s something for every palate. Herbal teas can be very inexpensive if you buy the ingredients in bulk and you can mix up your own combinations!
Whether you’re already an avid herbal tea drinker or curious, here are some delicious combinations to try.
1. Iced Dandelion Lime Tea
Dandelions are high in a variety of nutrients and are a great addition to recipes, including tea. Dandelion lime tea is a refreshing way to get the benefits. This recipe also includes raspberry leaf for even more nutrition and stevia for sweetness. Be sure to remove the petals from the green base to avoid a bitter flavor.
2. Chamomile
Sweet and simple, chamomile flower is one of the most popular teas worldwide. Chamomile flowers have a naturally sweet taste with a hint of apple flavor. It’s known for its calming and soothing properties and has a variety of vitamins and minerals.
While it’s often nicknamed the children’s herb thanks to its gentle nature, chamomile is still a powerful ally to keep on hand. I’ve used it for sleep, colicky babies, and even pink eye. Try it as a tincture for a longer shelf life.
3. Mint
Peppermint tea soothes the digestive tract and can be helpful for nausea, and indigestion. Some people find it helps with acid reflux, while others find it irritates their reflux. Hot peppermint tea stimulates circulation and helps open the airways. I drink it daily in early pregnancy to help alleviate nausea and use it in my homemade digestive tincture.
Mint is also known as an “activator herb” that helps boost the effectiveness of other herbs in a blend.
4. Raspberry Leaf
Raspberry leaf is my favorite tea and I drink it almost daily. It’s highly nutritious and especially beneficial for women as it helps balance hormones and is good for the skin. It’s also popular during pregnancy to strengthen the uterus and is a good source of vitamins and minerals pregnant mamas need.
It tastes similar to black tea and I like mixing it with stevia leaf to make a naturally sweet tea. I drink it hot in the winter and cold during the summer months and my kids like it iced (and sometimes with chia seeds in it). Herbalists often recommend raspberry leaf tea or tincture to women suffering from infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, or painful menses.
5. Sleep Easy Blend
My go-to tea when I’m having trouble sleeping is an equal mixture of chamomile, mint, and catnip herbs. Catnip is naturally relaxing and soothing. It’s also one of the ingredients in my Sweet Dreams Sleep Tincture, to help the whole family relax and sleep better, especially during illness.
To make it, mix one teaspoon each of chamomile, mint, and catnip herbs in 16 ounces of hot water. Steep for 5 minutes, then strain and drink.
6. Lavender Tea
Lavender is my favorite scent and essential oil but it’s too strong to be used alone in a tea. Lavender is calming, relaxing, and helps with better sleep. My favorite lavender tea recipe is:
- ½ cup mint leaf
- 2 TBSP dried lavender
- 2 TBSP stevia (optional)
Mix all and store in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tsp per cup of water to make hot or iced tea.
7. Chai Tea
Chai tea is a favorite around our house and we usually make it with raspberry leaf tea instead of black tea and with coconut milk instead of regular milk. Here’s my basic recipe but play with the ingredients to see what spices you like.
When I don’t feel like making my own, I love this caffeine free Firefly Chai that’s slightly sweeter than regular chai and is great for nighttime. Add some chamomile and catnip for a delicious evening drink for kids.
8. Herbal Coffee
Have trouble kicking the coffee habit? While I still love coffee, herbal coffee is a great caffeine-free alternative. Sip Herbals is a robust, earthy herbal tea that’s reminiscent of your favorite cuppa Joe. Made with clean ingredients like chicory, carob, and dandelion root.
9. Stomach Soother Herbal Tea
For stomach aches or for those prone to digestive troubles, this is my go-to tea recipe. Plus it’s easy to make. Mint stimulates digestion, fennel helps expel gas, and ginger combats nausea.
- 2 tsp mint leaf
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- pinch of dried ginger (optional)
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the herbs, steep, covered for 5 minutes, then strain and drink. You can also add a tablespoon of grass-fed gelatin powder for extra gut soothing.
10. Pregnan-Tea
During pregnancy I drink a special tea to helps keep nausea and digestive troubles at bay and strengthen the uterus. The nettle also provides vitamin K, an essential nutrient for pregnancy and birth to help with clotting.
Many women report having easier and faster labors from using this tea. My labors are typically 24+ hours even though I go natural, so I may not be the best example! This tea is delicious anytime, but especially during pregnancy.
- 2 cups raspberry leaf
- 1/4 cup mint leaf
- 2 TBSP stevia leaf (to taste)
- 1/2 cup nettle leaf
Mix and use 1 Tablespoon per 8 ounces or 1 cup per gallon. Here’s another pregnancy tea recipe I like to make with even more nutrient rich herbs.
11. Nursing Mama Tea
Another favorite to have on hand during pregnancy and postpartum. The herbs in this tea soothe digestion, boost milk supply, and supply much needed nutrition. Get the recipe here.
12. Herbal Wassail Tea
Wassail is a festive drink our family (and many others!) love to drink during the holidays. My herbal wassail version has a base of herbal tea with added fruit and spices. Make a big batch for guests or to keep in the fridge!
13. Iced Lavender Peach Tea
I’ve already mentioned how much I love lavender tea, but it’s worth bringing up again. This lavender peach tea is refreshing and delicious to have on hand in the warmer months. A great way to upgrade your sweet tea.
14. Elderberry Tea
I’m known for my elderberry syrup recipe, but I also enjoy making elderberry tea. It has all of the same benefits and flavors, but in tea form. Great for cold and flu season.
15. Cumin, Coriander, and Fennel Tea
Probably not something you’ve tried before, but this tea blend is one of my favorites for improving digestion. It helps expel excess gas and is also good for nausea or constipation. Try the recipe here.
16. Calendula Tea
While I love calendula flowers in soothing salves and skincare, it’s equally as good internally. Calendula tea is soothing to the digestive tract and the gut lining. I’ve grown calendula for a long time, but I also buy it in bulk.
What’s your favorite herbal tea? Do you make any of your own? Share below!
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