Caffeinated teas are generally a breakfast favorite for their ‘awakening’ effect. The chemical compound works by preventing the onset of drowsiness induced by adenosine. Camellia Sinensis’ a plant that is naturally loaded with this chemical, also forms the main source of black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong tea, collectively referred to as ‘true teas.
The only difference between white and green tea is their duration and complexity of processing and oxidation level. But because caffeine affects heart rate, and anxiety levels, and is a diuretic it may not be suitable for all, and this article will be about finding the best caffeine-free tea. Directly made available to us by nature as a healthy alternative to these ‘true teas’.
What is Caffeine Free Tea?
Any type of tea that’s made from dried flowers, leaves, seeds, or roots of plants other than Camellia Sinensis is deemed herbal or non-caffeinated tea and is generally sold as loose tea. Like Chamomile, ginger, peppermint etc.
How to Find Caffeine Free Tea?
People with caffeine sensitivity can face issues with sleep, blood pressure, and anxiety levels. When searching for a good caffeine-free tea it’s essential to know that Camellia Sinensis shouldn’t’ be its parent plant with the herbal exception of holly plants.
The best quality herbal tea is loose-leaf tea rather than the ones packed in tea bags which are often just tea dust and fanning leftover during the production process.
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Caffeinated vs Decaffeinated Teas
With the evolution of tea processing techniques, it’s possible to have the compound removed from the tea via a chemical process. Also, a popular caffeine-free alternative but the process of decaffeination also rids the tea of its healthy components like polyphenols and flavonoids thereby altering its natural taste and overall health benefits.
13 Best Naturally Caffeine Free Tea for Focus and Energy
Where caffeine teas are mainly consumed for ‘charging up’, let’s explore the best and the healthiest caffeine-free teas along with their amazing benefits.
1. Rooibos Tea
- This caffeine free herbal tea is native to South Africa and literally translates to ‘red bush’ or red tea. All thanks to Dr. Peter Le Fras Nortier’s breakthrough research that transformed this local drink into an international caffeine-free beverage. This miracle herbal tea comes with uncountable benefits:
- Keeps you hydrated due to its non-stimulating properties, unlike its caffeinated rival that rids your body of liquids that can be troublesome, especially during summer.
- Repairs oxidative stress on the liver
- Prevents the onset and progression of diabetes.
- Polyphenols in the Rooibos slow down the aging process by attacking free radicals.
This nature’s miracle when combined with other herbs and flowers becomes a powerful herbal blend that not only boosts energy but tantalizes your taste buds. Let’s review some popular favorites.
2. African Solstice Tea
- A refreshing berry aroma with a hint of vanilla is the perfect meal companion. It comprises organic rooibos, blueberries, strawberries, rose petals, and rosehips.
- The berries make this herbal blend rich in Vitamin C – and immune-supporting nutrients that are a must-have in our diets as our body doesn’t produce it naturally.
- Easy on sensitive stomachs
- Cooked elderberry has the ability to fight the flu and reduce upper respiratory functions making it a winter essential.
3. Apricot Amaretto Tea
- A blend of green and red rooibos mellowed with organic marigold flowers, honeybush, and apricot pieces giving it a nice fruity and nutty flavor.
- Apricot extracts rich in fiber act as a laxative, relieving constipation.
- Enriched with catechins that fight inflammation; also known to be the leading cause of chronic diseases.
- Reduces blood pressure and oxidative stress
4. Blueberry Merlot Tea
- Voted as the best choice for herbal tea at the North American Tea Championship. Organic rooibos, rosehip shells, sage, hibiscus, cornflower petals, and blueberries make it a rather beautiful blend with an even better taste.
- The volatile oils, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in organic sage make it antioxidant-rich and anti-cancer.
- Hibiscus reduces triglyceride levels in the liver
- Reduces anxiety and brings a calming effect
- The blueberries enriched with Vitamins A, B, C, K, potassium, manganese, zinc, iron, and more make it a ‘super tea’.
5. Chai Tea
- Also known as masala chai across Asia spiced with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, star anise, and black tea. Has numerous health benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants it’s helpful in treating cardiovascular diseases along with cinnamon reduces cholesterol.
- Ginger another ‘superfood’ is a natural soothing agent for the stomach and improves gastrointestinal symptoms.
- This special blend keeps your teeth squeaky clean all thanks to its anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties that attack harmful bacteria and kill oral pathogens.
6. Dandelion Root Tea
- Who knew this unwanted weed came with mind-boggling health benefits? The root that has been a long part of traditional medicine in China and America can be roasted to create a perfect cup of caffeine-free coffee.
- A natural diuretic for treating high blood pressure, heart failure, liver disease, and some types of kidney disease.
- Dandelion extracts are proven to have the ability to block harmful UVB rays (according to a 2015 study in Canada), thus lowering the risk of skin cancer.
- The soluble fiber in the root supports the pancreas in insulin production, aiding in controlling blood sugar levels (2016 study by Aarhus University, Denmark).
7. Chamomile Tea
Having a crisp green apple-like flavor, if consumed regularly for a month, can reduce pain caused by menstrual cramps (2015 study). Women participants also reported reduced levels of distress and anxiety after consuming the tea.
8. Cherry Cosmo Tea
- Originating in Persia, packed with the benefits of Vitamin C and is more than just a herbal tea.
- Combats tumors and cancers with its antioxidant properties
- Regulates blood pressure and maintains overall cardiovascular health
- Reduces triglycerides in the liver
- Effective in lowering cholesterol, this caffeine-free tea can aid in weight loss.
9. Giger Tea
- Made from the rhizome of the ginger plant, although sharp in taste, it works wonders for the stomach and body.
- Effective treatment for nausea
- Gingerols and shoals are the main compounds that protect against brain degeneration.
- Regular consumption aids in weight loss as the compounds increase thermogenesis, inhibit fat storage/absorption, and control food cravings.
10. Mushroom Tea
- If you’re looking for a good herbal tea to reduce stress levels and boost overall health, then look no further:
- It contains prebiotics and beta-glucans that promote a healthy gut environment.
- Adaptogens build backup reserves for support during stressful situations by stabilizing and optimizing physiological functions.
11. Peppermint Tea
- Native to the US and Europe, this garden herb is the perfect herbal alternative to caffeine:
- The essential oils relieve spasms in the gut by preventing muscle contraction.
- 40% of participants treated for Irritable Bowel Syndrome showed improvement.
- The cooling sensation of menthol eases migraines, headaches, and the sinus.
12. Rosehip Tea
- Derived from the pseudo-fruit of the rose plant, this fragrant herbal tea is more than just a beauty concoction:
- Galactolipids are equipped with properties to fight inflammation
- Effective in preventing atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque in arteries).
13. Turmeric Tea
- The active compound behind turmeric’s stardom; Curcumin is nothing but nature’s miracle:
- Helps regulate immune cell function against cancer.
- A 2017 study on arthritis patients concluded that 63% felt relieved of their symptoms.
- Studies have also proved its efficacy in slowing neurodegeneration caused by aging.
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Losing focus and energy? Caffeinated Teas vs Herbal Teas
Caffeine is a direct stimulant towards improving focus and energy making black tea and oolong tea top the chart for the highest caffeine concentration ranging between 60-90mg/250ml and 50-75mg/250ml respectively. Although variations like Earl Grey are processed to even higher concentrations of 40-120mg/250ml. Also, loose-tea leafs that can’t be crushed into teabag form; white tea and green tea also carry l-theanine and catechins that are ideal for studying, focus, and memory. The caffeine content in white tea being the lowest 6-55mg/250ml makes it the healthiest of true teas alongside green tea holding slightly higher values of up to 70mg/250ml.
In case, you’re sensitive to caffeine or are too dehydrated then opting for herbal loose-leaf tea or decaf tea is the mildest option for staying focused and alert.
Health Benefits of Caffeine Free Teas
Tea has been enjoyed for centuries for its taste and health benefits. In recent years, tea has been shown to be a healthy alternative to coffee, offering many of the same benefits without the negative side effects of caffeine. A study published in nature.com that tea without caffeine can help to improve mental clarity and focus.
Tea is also a great source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against disease. A study found in ScienceDaily tea without caffeine can help improve mental alertness and cognitive function.
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FAQS:
Are all herbal teas Caffeine Free?
All plant teas are caffeine-free teas and herbal except the holly plant and Camellia Sinensis
Can I drink caffeine free Tea while pregnant?
The best advice is only to drink 1 or 2 cups of herbal tea a day but it’s best to consult with your doctor to avoid contradiction with any ongoing meds.
Is caffeine free Tea good for hydration?
The absence of caffeine makes herbal teas non-stimulant and is as good as water is for keeping hydrated.