Last Updated: 18 september 2026
There is something comforting about a warm cup of tea. Sometimes we reach for it when we want to relax, sometimes after a meal, and sometimes simply because we enjoy its taste and aroma.
But tea doesn’t always have to mean the usual milk tea, black tea or green tea. Herbal teas bring a whole different variety of flavours, from the freshness of peppermint and lemongrass to the warmth of ginger and cinnamon.
And the interesting part? Many herbs have been enjoyed traditionally for digestion, relaxation and general well-being.
So, if you’re wondering which herbal teas you can try and what people enjoy about them, let’s take a look at 10 popular choices.
What Exactly Is Herbal Tea?
Despite the name, herbal tea isn’t technically “tea” in the usual sense.
Black, green, white and oolong teas all come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal teas, on the other hand, are made by steeping things like flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, fruits or spices in hot water.
Think of chamomile flowers, fresh ginger, fennel seeds, peppermint leaves or a little cinnamon stick.
Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, which is one reason they are popular as an alternative to regular tea or coffee. Just check the ingredients when buying a packaged blend, because some products may contain actual tea leaves or other caffeinated ingredients.
How do you make herbal tea at home?
It can be as simple as adding the herb to hot water and allowing it to steep for a few minutes.
For ingredients such as fresh ginger or turmeric, gently crushing or slicing them first can help release their flavour.
Strain, pour into your favourite cup and enjoy. You can have it plain or add a little lemon or honey if you like.
Now let’s get to the interesting part, the teas!
1. Chamomile Tea – A Calming Cup for the Evening
Chamomile tea is probably one of the first herbal teas that comes to mind when you think about relaxing.
Made from chamomile flowers, it has a mild floral taste and is often enjoyed in the evening. Some people find a warm cup of chamomile tea soothing and relaxing, especially when they want to slow down at the end of the day. It can make a lovely part of a bedtime routine.
Chamomile has traditionally been used for relaxation and digestive discomfort, and it has also been studied in relation to sleep. While the research is still limited, many people simply enjoy chamomile because of its gentle flavour and calming feel.
Try it: Brew a cup in the evening and enjoy it slowly while winding down for the day.
2. Tulsi Tea – A Familiar Indian Favourite
Tulsi, also known as holy basil, has a special place in many Indian homes and traditional wellness practices.
Its slightly peppery and aromatic flavour makes a refreshing cup, especially when you want something different from your usual chai.
Many people enjoy tulsi tea when they want a warm, refreshing drink, and some find its aroma and flavour quite relaxing.
Tulsi tea can feel particularly comforting during cooler months and winter, when a warm cup of this fragrant tea can be just what you feel like reaching for.
It is a simple drink that can easily become part of your daily routine.
Try it: Steep a few fresh tulsi leaves or use dried tulsi in hot water. Add a little ginger if you enjoy a stronger, warmer flavour.
If you enjoy tulsi in your daily routine, you may also want to read our guide on Tulsi Benefits, where we explore this familiar herb in more detail.
3. Ginger Tea – Warm, Spicy and Comforting
If you like a little warmth in your tea, ginger is hard to beat.
Fresh ginger gives the tea a spicy, slightly sharp flavour, and it has been enjoyed traditionally for its digestive properties.
Many people reach for ginger tea when the weather turns cool, especially during winter or on a rainy day. There is something particularly comforting about holding a warm cup of spicy ginger tea while it is cold or raining outside.
Some people also find ginger tea soothing when their stomach feels a little unsettled, while others simply enjoy its warming flavour after a meal.
Ginger has also been studied for nausea, with some evidence suggesting that it may help with certain types of nausea.
Try it: Slice or lightly crush a small piece of fresh ginger and steep it in hot water. Add lemon if you enjoy a little citrusy flavour.
Make it a blend
Ginger doesn’t have to be enjoyed on its own. Try combining it with tulsi, cinnamon or lemongrass for a warm and aromatic homemade blend.
4. Fennel Tea – A Simple After-Meal Favourite
Those little fennel seeds sitting in many Indian kitchens can make a surprisingly refreshing cup of tea.
Fennel tea has a naturally sweet, slightly licorice-like flavour and is traditionally enjoyed after meals.
Many people enjoy fennel tea after eating because they find it soothing and light on the stomach. Some may even feel that it helps with mild acidity or digestive discomfort, although this can vary from person to person.
That makes fennel tea a simple drink to try when you want something warm and refreshing after a meal.
Try it: Lightly crush a teaspoon of fennel seeds and steep them in hot water. Strain and enjoy warm.
Make it a blend
For a more interesting flavour, try combining fennel with ginger or a little peppermint. Keep the blend simple so that you can still enjoy the individual flavours.
If you’re looking for more simple ways to support healthy digestion through your everyday meals, you can also read our guide to 12 Ayurvedic Diet Rules for Better Digestion and Good Health
5. Rosemary Tea – An Aromatic Herbal Drink
Rosemary is probably more familiar as a cooking herb, but its fragrant leaves can also be used to make tea.
It has a strong, earthy aroma, so you don’t need much to make a flavorful cup.
Some people enjoy rosemary tea for its refreshing aroma and find the scent particularly pleasant when they want a little mental pick-me-up. Research into rosemary and memory is interesting but still developing, so there is plenty more to learn.
For now, you can simply enjoy it as an aromatic herbal drink.
Try it: Use a small amount of fresh or dried rosemary and steep it in hot water. The flavour can be quite strong, so start with a small amount.
Make it a blend
Rosemary can be combined with lemongrass or a little ginger if you enjoy a stronger, more aromatic tea.
6. Peppermint Tea – Fresh and Refreshing
One sip of peppermint tea and you know exactly why it is so popular.
It has that unmistakable cool, minty flavour and makes a refreshing drink after a meal or whenever you want something light.
Some people find peppermint tea refreshing and soothing after eating, while others enjoy it simply because the cool minty flavour leaves them feeling fresh.
It is also naturally caffeine-free, making it an easy alternative when you want something refreshing without reaching for another cup of regular tea.
One thing to keep in mind: if you frequently experience heartburn or acid reflux, peppermint may not suit you because it can make reflux symptoms worse in some people.
Make it a blend
Peppermint pairs nicely with fennel or lemongrass for a fresh and fragrant herbal blend.
7. Sage Tea – Strong Flavour, Traditional Herb
Sage has a strong, earthy flavour and has been used both as a cooking herb and in traditional herbal preparations.
Some people enjoy sage tea simply for its distinctive aroma and warming herbal flavour, while others like having it as a quiet, caffeine-free drink when they want something different from their usual tea.
Sage has also been studied for possible effects on memory and cognitive function, although more research is needed.
Because sage has a fairly strong flavour, you don’t need much to prepare a cup.
Make it a blend
If you find sage too strong on its own, you can try a small amount with lemongrass or peppermint for a lighter, fresher taste.
8. Turmeric Tea – The Golden Cup
Turmeric tea feels almost like turning a familiar kitchen ingredient into a comforting drink.
Its beautiful golden colour and earthy flavour make it especially appealing on a cool day.
Some people enjoy turmeric tea because it feels warm and comforting, while others like it as a simple way of adding turmeric to their daily routine.
Turmeric and its active compounds have been studied extensively, particularly in relation to inflammation, although research is still ongoing.
Try it: Add a small amount of turmeric to hot water or use a little fresh turmeric root. You can add ginger, lemon or a pinch of black pepper if you enjoy those flavours.
Make it a blend
Turmeric and ginger make a particularly warming combination. You can also add a little cinnamon for a naturally fragrant cup.
9. Cinnamon Tea – Warm, Fragrant and Comforting
Cinnamon tea is one of those drinks that instantly feels warm and comforting.
A cinnamon stick steeped in hot water gives the drink a naturally sweet, spicy aroma without needing to add sugar.
Some people find cinnamon tea particularly comforting after a meal or on a cool evening, while others simply enjoy its naturally sweet and warming flavour.
And because cinnamon is so aromatic, you may find that you don’t need to add much or any sugar to enjoy it.
Try it: Steep a small cinnamon stick in hot water for several minutes and enjoy it warm.
Make it a blend
Cinnamon works beautifully with ginger or tulsi if you want a warmer, more aromatic tea.
10. Lemongrass Tea – A Fresh Citrus-Like Cup
If you like lemony flavours, lemongrass tea is definitely worth trying.
It has a fresh citrus-like aroma and is popular in many Asian cuisines. The tea is light, fragrant and naturally caffeine-free.
Some people find lemongrass tea light and refreshing, especially after a meal, while others enjoy it simply because its fresh aroma makes it feel like a little change from ordinary tea.
It can be especially nice when you want something refreshing but don’t want the stronger flavour of ginger or peppermint.
Try it: Use a small piece of fresh lemongrass, lightly crushed, and steep it in hot water.
Make it a blend
Lemongrass goes well with ginger, tulsi or peppermint, giving you a fresh and aromatic homemade tea.
Can You Mix Different Herbs to Make Herbal Tea?
Absolutely! You don’t always have to make a cup using just one herb.
Two or three herbs can be combined to create your own flavourful herbal tea blend. In fact, experimenting with simple combinations can be a fun way to find a tea you really enjoy.
Some combinations you can try include:
- Ginger + Tulsi – warm and aromatic
- Ginger + Cinnamon – spicy and comforting
- Fennel + Peppermint – fresh and cooling
- Ginger + Lemongrass – fresh with a little warmth
- Tulsi + Ginger + Cinnamon – a lovely warming blend for cooler days
- Lemongrass + Peppermint – light and refreshing
You don’t need a long list of ingredients. Start with two herbs, see how you like the flavour, and then experiment from there.
Just remember that herbs can have different effects and safety considerations, so combining more and more ingredients isn’t necessarily better.
Which Herbal Tea Should You Try?
Still wondering where to start?
Here’s a quick guide based simply on flavour and the way people commonly enjoy these teas:
| If you’re looking for… | You might enjoy… |
|---|---|
| A gentle evening drink | Chamomile |
| A traditional Indian herbal drink | Tulsi |
| A warm drink for cool or rainy days | Ginger |
| A soothing after-meal drink | Fennel |
| A cool, minty flavour | Peppermint |
| A warm, fragrant spice | Cinnamon |
| A golden, earthy drink | Turmeric |
| A fresh citrus-like flavour | Lemongrass |
| A strong, aromatic herb | Rosemary |
| An earthy, herbal flavour | Sage |
Of course, everyone’s taste is different. The tea that feels wonderful to one person may not be their favourite for someone else.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Herbal tea may look simple, just herbs and hot water, but herbs contain active plant compounds too. So a little common sense goes a long way.
Don’t assume more is better
Using a larger amount of an herb doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get greater benefits. Start with a small amount and see how your body responds.
Taking medicines? Check first.
Some herbs can interact with medicines. If you take prescription medicines regularly, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using herbal products frequently or in concentrated amounts.
Pregnant or breastfeeding?
Don’t assume that every herbal tea is suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is better to check with your healthcare professional before regularly consuming medicinal herbs.
Tea isn’t the same as a supplement
A mild cup of herbal tea and a concentrated herbal extract can be very different. Supplements can contain much higher amounts of active compounds.
Listen to your body
If a particular tea gives you heartburn, stomach upset, rash or another unusual reaction, stop drinking it.
Final Thoughts
There is no “single best” herbal tea.
Maybe you enjoy ginger tea when it rains, tulsi on a cold winter morning, fennel after a meal, peppermint for its refreshing flavour, or chamomile when you’re ready to slow down for the evening.
The best tea may simply be the one you enjoy and that makes you feel good.
Herbal teas can add variety to your day and can be a pleasant alternative to sugary drinks. So choose your favourite herbs, try a simple combination, and enjoy your cup.
Sometimes, a little hot water and a few herbs are all you need for a comforting break in the day.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Herbal teas may not suit everyone and can interact with certain medicines. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or have a health condition, check with your healthcare professional before using herbs regularly.
References
- Herbal Teas and Their Health Benefits: A Scoping Review. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 2019.
- Herbal Infusions and Health. Nutrition and Food Science.
- Chamomile: Usefulness and Safety. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
- Ginger: Usefulness and Safety. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
- Peppermint Leaf Herbal Medicinal Product. European Medicines Agency (EMA).
A natural living enthusiast passionate about Ayurveda and holistic wellness. Through HealthBooti, she shares well-researched, practical health tips and lifestyle guidance to help individuals and families embrace healthier habits naturally. Her mission is to make natural healing simple, safe, and accessible for everyday life.