Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. And caffeine is no exception.
Sought out by millions of people every day for its ability to snap you into action and blow off the cobwebs, it also actively avoided by millions more for its ability to increasing anxiety and insomnia and in the long run, having a negative impact on your heart.
Caffeine is not as black and white as people may make out. Consumed responsibly, it’s relatively harmless. But with the culture of wellness expanding more and more with each passing year, tea lovers are looking out for caffeine-free brews they can enjoy guilt-free. Among these are the likes of chamomile and peppermint tea.
If you are one of these tea lovers, why don’t we have a little look at the different types of caffeine-free tea. You may be surprised by the range on display below.
Raspberry
Raspberry leaf tea is a herbal tea made, funnily enough, from the leaves of the red raspberry plant and a perfect example of a energetic alternative to a caffeinated hot drink. Don’t be confused by the name. Red raspberry tea actually tastes like a regular black tea.
Traditionally used in folk remedies, notably to strengthen the uterus and promote a healthier labor, modern science has not yet confirmed most of the claims made about this particular brew.
Dandelion
Dandelion might come as a bit of a shock to any tea lovers given its weed status and everything, but has actually been consumed as a tea for a long time. There are two types: an infusion made of the plant’s leaves and one made from roasted dandelion roots. Both are caffeine-free!
The two types of dandelion tea are so to drink so long as you haven’t sprayed your weeds with any kind of herbicides or pesticides. The dandelion roots, when brewed, give off a dark brown colour, similar to black coffee.
Peppermint
Peppermint, world famous for its taste, is just the thing if you’re looking for a healthier kick. Despite not containing any caffeine, peppermint assists in cognitive function and physical activity and boosts concentration, making it a very good coffee alternative.
Got bad breath? Don’t bother with the chewing gum, have yourself a nice cup of peppermint tea. In 2017, a study fund gargling a mixture of peppermint, lemon and tree oils improved the breath of people coming out of spine surgery.
Mushroom Tea
Mushroom tea is more of a companion than an outright blend. It is typically bought in powdered form and then paired with something close to a green tea. Don’t expect to see any amazing results by buying any old mushrooms in your local supermarket and dumping them in hot water. While it may sound crazy — if a little gross — mushrooms have been long used in China for their health benefits.
The fibres in mushroom tea will help you stay full, while the vitamin D maintains the strength or your bones and immune system, making this a strange but effective caffeine-free brew. Certain mushrooms help the body better utilise oxygen and enhance blood flow, which can works wonders for those of you who are athletes or regularly work out.
Ginger
Another unmistakable world flavour is ginger. This spicy and peppery tea will whip you into shape without any of the jitters or crashes associated with caffeine. Known to increase concentration and energy, ginger tea is famous for it’s various health benefits.
Ginger has shown to aid morning sickness with pregnancy and nausea caused by chemotherapy. In 2016, a study of 80 women with obesity found that ginger could also help reduce body mass index and blood insulin levels. Conditions like obesity are linked with high blood insulin levels.
Rooibos
Traditionally made from the leaves of aspalathus linearis shrub, rooibos tea can be enjoyed with or without milk and sugar. Naturally caffeine-free, this brew is an eclectic substitute for any kind of energy drink. Although claimed to be a good source for vitamins and minerals, the only it contains are copper and fluoride.
Rooibos does however have lower tannin levels than other teas, like green or black. Tannins are known to interfere with the absorption of nutrients such as iron. Rooibos is also free of oxalic acid. Drinking large amounts of oxalic acid can strengten your chances of getting kidney stones. If you already suffer from them, this tea can’t be recommended enough.
Chamomile
Like a lot of teas, Chamomile has ancient foundations and is referenced in the treatment of many ailments such as anxiety, insomnia and even conditions such as gas, upset stomachs and diarrhoea. Chamomile has flavonoids to thank for its medicinal benefits.
Chamomile is not only caffeine-free, but it promotes sleep and relaxation — so you might want to avoid this one on a morning. In one study, 10 out of 12 cardiovascular patients were quoted as having fallen asleep after drinking a nice cup of chamomile.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is made from the dried calyxes of the tropical Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers, which are native to Africa. Boasting a fruity flavour, this tea — also known as Sorrell tea — can be enjoyed hot or iced. Hibiscus extract has been found to benefit liver health, too, by increasing drug-detoxifying enzymes and reducing liver damage and fatty liver.
Hibiscus tea has a sweet, tart taste similar to cranberries and as a result is often neutralised with honey or a squeeze of lime juice. Teeming with high amounts of vitamins and minerals that embolden your immune system, hibiscus can also help you fight the flu. It may also lower your high cholesterol.