The Easiest Herbal Teas to Love (Even as a Beginner)
Nov 19, 2025
I'll be honest — I haven’t always been a fan of herbal teas. At the beginning, most of them tasted… well, a bit dirty watery, or grassy, or flowery. I tried a few, made faces at some, and nearly gave up on the idea altogether. But I knew how good they are for you, so I kept going. And eventually, I found a few that I quite enjoy. Now, I drink herbal teas regularly — not just for the taste, but also because they make me feel good, inside and out. (And one in particular helps me reduce my sugar cravings! βΊοΈ)
So, if you’re someone who’s not quite sure about herbal teas, or you’re just starting out, and don’t know where to begin, I hope my experience can help!
The Teas I Actually Like!
Let’s start with the herbal teas that made it into my favourites list, before we move on to the other teas that I drink - and why.
πΏ Peppermint Tea
Fresh, clean, and minty — peppermint tea is one of my go-tos. It’s great after a meal as it helps with digestion, and it’s really soothing if you’re feeling bloated, nauseous, or a bit uncomfortable in your tummy. If you go to conferences, they often have peppermint tea as one of the options to drink, which is what I usually grab. This is a popular choice for people who are a bit hesitant about herbal tea.
Gisele Bundchen shared on Instagram in October 2023 that “I loooove teas because they always make me feel good.” The post showed some "favorites such as ginger and peppermint for digestion, chamomile and lemon balm for relaxation, and lemongrass and green tea for an energy boost." She also recommends raspberry-leaf tea for PMS.
πΏ Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea
Tulsi has a calming, earthy flavour that I’ve grown to love. It’s also helpful for stress, and bringing a sense of calm to your day - perfect for those busy or anxious times. I’ve also found that it usually reduces cravings for sweet food. If I have a craving for something sweet and unhealthy, drinking a cup of Tulsi tea usually takes it away – instead leaving me feeling that I’ve done something good for my body. π
π Cool Fruity Teas in Summer
When it’s hot out, I love making big jugs of cool herbal tea using fruity blends, mixed with other stronger flavours, such as hibiscus, white tea, or peppermint tea. I usually add things in the teas for a bit of extra flavour and nutrition, such as organic sultanas, organic dried goji berries – or something fresh like strawberries, blueberries, or even a slice or two of fresh ginger (for flavour, although it is considered a ‘warming’ food), as well as some fresh mint if I have it. It you’re able to let the hot tea soak with the extras while it’s cooling, and keep it in the fridge overnight, it makes the fruit plump and juicy, and can take on some of the flavouring. Plus, it feels like a little unexpected treat at the end!
I sometimes add spices for an extra layer, such as cinnamon, or maybe a touch of nutmeg or dried ginger. It’s refreshing, and a lovely way to stay hydrated.
(I personally try to have cool, rather than cold, drinks. There is some evidence room-temperature, rather than icy cold, can be beneficial for some people or in some situations, as noted in a couple of the links at the end of this article. Ayurveda medicine believes ice cold water reduces the digestive fire, or agni. (please see the link at the end). As you know, every body is different, so listen to your own body, read the articles, maybe consult with a health professional, and make your own decision. π)
(Bonus tea: Not really herbal, but sometimes I have white tea as well - it's milder than black tea, and at least as many anti-oxidants as green tea (perhaps more due to less processing) - although it hasn't been as widely studied as green tea.)
Teas I Drink for Their Benefits (Even If They’re Not My Favourite Taste)
There are some teas I still don’t love the taste of, but I drink them anyway because they support my body and my wellbeing. While I do use other herbal teas for specific issues on occasion, my most common ones fall into the following two categories.
π§Ό Detox & Cleansing Teas
These are usually blends with things like dandelion, nettle, or milk thistle. They can help the liver and kidneys do their job, and support the body’s natural detox process. I often have these if I’ve been feeling a bit sluggish, or just want to give my body a helping hand.
π Sleepy-Time Teas
Teas with chamomile or valerian root are my go-to when I need help winding down at night, although I do have various other mixes as well. Over time, I've bought lots of different blends, to see which ones work best for me, and which ones i can drink without making funny faces! They can often help calm the nervous system, and support better sleep. Even just the routine of relaxing, and sipping something warm and gentle before bed can make a difference.
Herbal Teas That Can Help With Common Issues
There are some specific herbal teas that can be helpful for everyday issues that can arise.
π¨ Bloating or Indigestion – Peppermint, ginger, or fennel tea
π΄ Sleep & Relaxation – Chamomile, lemon balm, tulsi, valerian
π Stress & Anxiety – Tulsi, lavender, passionflower
πͺ Immune Boost – Echinacea, elderberry, ginger
π₯ Inflammation or Pain – Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon
π¦ Hormonal Balance – Raspberry leaf, chasteberry (vitex), lemon balm
βοΈ Low Energy – Ginseng, green tea (not herbal, but often included), and yerba mate
(I prefer white tea to green tea, as it’s a more delicate flavour.)
Pamela Anderson drinks various herbal teas, and an excerpt from her book I Love You by Pamela Anderson, Recipes from the Heart gives 4 recipes, if you’d like to try making your own. She has a sensual blend, a longevity blend, a beauty blend, and a calming, sleepy tea. (See the link at the end of this article.)
Are There Any Risks with Herbal Teas?
Even though herbal teas are natural, they’re not always the right choice for everyone. Some herbs can affect how medications work, or cause unwanted reactions, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain health conditions.
There are a few things to keep in mind.
- Allergies – Some herbs may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Please read labels carefully, and research if it could be a problem for your prior to trying.
- Medication interactions – Herbs like licorice root, St. John’s Wort, or ginseng can interact with medications. Always double-check if you’re taking prescriptions.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – Not all herbs are safe during these times. It’s best to check with a qualified health professional before trying new teas.
- Too much of a good thing – Drinking large amounts of certain herbal teas every day might cause side effects, so moderation is key. Mix your teas up as well, so you don't have any particular tea every day. Please also take caffeine into account, as some herbal teas contain caffeine.
- Children – Some herbal teas may not be safe for children. Please check with your health care professional.
Everyone’s body is different, so if you’re unsure, it’s always smart to get advice from your doctor, naturopath, or health care provider before trying them.
Why Herbal Teas Are a Lovely Addition to Your Day
Even if you're not drinking them for a specific health reason, herbal teas have so many gentle, everyday benefits. There are a few reasons why I think they’re worth having in your kitchen.
Most Are Naturally Caffeine-Free
Unlike black tea or coffee, most herbal teas don’t contain caffeine. That means you can enjoy them in the evening without worrying about staying up all night. Great if you're trying to cut down on caffeine, or just want something gentle and relaxing.
They Help You Drink More Water (Especially in Winter)
When it’s cold, plain water can feel a bit boring or unappealing. Herbal tea is a lovely way to stay hydrated while also warming you up from the inside out. It still counts towards your daily water intake!
They’re Full of Nature’s Goodness
Herbal teas are made from leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, and fruits — so you're getting a little natural boost with every cup. Many herbs have been used for centuries to help with sleep, digestion, immunity, and overall wellbeing.
Soothing and Comforting
There’s something calming about holding a warm mug in your hands, and taking a moment for yourself. Whether you're feeling a bit tired, emotional, or just need a pause, a cup of tea can feel like a gentle hug.
A Lovely Ritual of Self-Care
Making a herbal tea can become a peaceful little routine. Choosing your tea, boiling the water, letting it steep — it slows you down in the best way. It’s a simple act of looking after yourself.
Pamela Anderson has stated that she is "trying to drink less coffee and more tea." She has said that "I love my glass teapot and blends of rose and chamomile. Still, it's a work in progress. I have planted a 'tea garden' this season, and can't wait to prepare my own concoctions." (See link at the end of the article.)
A Mindful Moment in a Busy Day
Life can be full-on sometimes. Taking 5 or 10 minutes to sit with your tea, and breathe deeply, can be a small moment of calm in the middle of everything. Herbal tea invites you to slow down, and reconnect with yourself.
So Many Flavours to Explore
From minty to floral, fruity to spicy, there’s a herbal tea out there for everyone. And you can mix and match to create your own blends (I had peppermint and licorice before discovering it’s an actual mixed blend)! It’s a fun way to try something new, and find out what you like.
Catching Up with Friends Over a Cup of Tea
Catching with friends with a cup of tea is a time-honoured ritual that encourages warmth, and sharing, in low pressure, fun environment – with the benefit of a healthy herbal beverage!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve tried herbal teas before and didn’t enjoy them, don’t give up! Everyone’s taste is different, and sometimes it takes a bit of experimenting to find the ones that taste good. You can even blend a few together to make your own mix that suits your mood, or what your body needs that day.
Herbal teas are more than just a drink — they can be a small, lovely way to look after yourself. Whether you sip them for their taste, their healing benefits, or the ritual of taking a quiet moment to yourself, they can be a beautiful part of living your Best Life.
Here’s to many more comforting cups! β
π Herbal Tea FAQ – Your Questions Answered!
Q - What’s the difference between herbal tea and regular tea?
Herbal teas are made from herbs, flowers, fruits, or roots. Regular tea (like black, green, or white tea) comes from the tea plant, and usually has caffeine. Most herbal teas don’t have caffeine – although some do, so be sure to check if that is important to you.
Q - Can I drink herbal tea every day?
Yes! Most herbal teas are gentle enough to enjoy daily. Just make sure you’re mixing it up a bit, especially if you’re drinking blends made for detox or sleep. If you’re unsure, it’s always good to check with a health professional.
Q - Do herbal teas really have health benefits?
Yes, many herbs have natural healing properties. For example, peppermint can help with digestion, chamomile can help with sleep, and ginger can warm you up and help with nausea. They’re not magic, but they can support your body in gentle ways. (I can usually tell the difference when I drink a tea for a specific purpose - whether that's digestion, or sleep, or something else.)
Q - Can I drink herbal tea while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Some herbal teas are safe, but others are best avoided. It’s always safest to check with a healthcare provider before trying new herbs during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Q - Can kids drink herbal teas?
Some herbal teas are fine for kids, for example chamomile or peppermint. It’s a good idea to make it weak and mild - and check that the ingredients are safe for children. If you are concerned, or there are any health issues to consider, please check with your healthcare provider.
Q - How long should I steep herbal tea?
5–10 minutes is the usual recommendation. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavour (and the benefits). Some stronger herbs might taste bitter if steeped too long — so taste as you go! (I’m different to most people I know, and prefer my herbal teas weak and mild. That way, I can also have a few teas a day.)
Q - Can I make iced herbal tea?
Absolutely! Fruity and floral teas are lovely served cold. Just brew a strong batch, let it cool, and pour it over ice, and/or put it in the fridge. Add slices of fruit or a few sultanas for something fun and extra tasty. (There are a couple of links below on the temperatures of teas (eg. cold vs icy), if you are interested - Healthline & Kripalu.)
Q - Can herbal tea help with stress?
Yes, it can - although it obviously will work better if you do other things to help with stress as well, such as exercise, quiet time, and releasing stress. We have a couple of free Challenges which can assist as well: Stress Release 7-Day Challenge, and Meditation for Beginners 7-Day Challenge.
π Additional Resources
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π References/Further Reading
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325242#fresher-breath
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/basil-benefits#takeaway
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/holy-basil
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/ss/slideshow-herbal-tea
https://www.anniebarrettnaturopath.com.au/health-benefits-of-herbal-tea/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/the-health-benefits-of-3-herbal-teas
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-herbal-teas
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322624
https://www.healthline.com/health/is-drinking-cold-water-bad-for-you#risks
https://kripalu.org/resources/ice-or-not-ice-ayurvedic-question
https://pcosweightloss.org/hormone-balancing-teas/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/herbs-that-balance-hormones#5-Marjoram
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginseng-benefits#fights-fatigue
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea
https://www.eatingwell.com/the-best-tea-for-more-energy-11682427
https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/teas-for-toddlers
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/white-tea-benefits
https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8051488/pamela-anderson-eats-in-a-day-to-stay-energized/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/ways-gisele-bundchen-stays-healthy-and-fit/
Disclaimer
This blog is for general information only and doesn’t replace medical advice. We’re here to support your wellness journey, but if you have any health concerns or are taking medications, please talk to a health professional before making changes. Herbal teas can be a lovely part of a healthy lifestyle — but only when they’re right for you.
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