9 Soothing Herbal Teas to Sip & Savor
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Herbal teas are a beautiful way to slow down and savor the moment. Naturally caffeine-free and steeped in tradition, these ten infusions offer a calming pause, whether you’re winding down in the evening or brewing a fragrant pot to share with friends.
Looking for more tea inspiration? Don't miss our Afternoon Tea Recipes, Seasonal Teatime Guides, and tips for How to Brew a Proper Cup of Tea.
1. Barley Tea (Mugicha)
Flavor Notes: Toasty, nutty, and smooth
Traditional Uses: Popular in East Asia as a cooling, caffeine-free drink
How to Brew: Simmer 1/4 cup roasted barley in 4 cups of water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and serve hot or chilled.
→ Try it iced with a squeeze of lemon in summer.
2. Chamomile Tea
Flavor Notes: Floral with apple-like undertones
Traditional Uses: Long enjoyed in many cultures as a calming herbal infusion
How to Brew: Steep 1-2 teaspoons dried chamomile flowers in 8 oz hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain before serving.
→ Try it with a drizzle of honey or alongside a Lavender Scone.
3. Peppermint Tea
Flavor Notes: Bright, cooling, and crisp
Traditional Uses: Commonly sipped after meals for its refreshing character
How to Brew: Use 1 tablespoon of fresh mint (or 1-2 teaspoons of dried mint), steep in hot water for 5-7 minutes.
→ For a garden-to-cup moment, see our Tea Garden Tips.
4. Lemon Balm Tea
Flavor Notes: Mildly citrusy with a hint of mint
Traditional Uses: Valued for its gentle and uplifting qualities
How to Brew: Steep 1 tablespoon of fresh leaves (or 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves) in 8 oz of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Strain.
→ Lovely served warm in spring or chilled in summer.
5. Lavender Tea
Flavor Notes: Floral, slightly sweet, and fragrant
Traditional Uses: Often brewed for its relaxing aroma and gentle floral notes
How to Brew: Steep 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds (or a few fresh sprigs) in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Strain before sipping.
→ For a citrus pairing, enjoy it with Lemon Shortbread Cookies.
6. Hibiscus Tea
Flavor Notes: Tart and vibrant, like cranberry
Traditional Uses: Enjoyed worldwide for its striking color and tangy flavor
How to Brew: Steep 1-2 teaspoon dried hibiscus petals in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and sweeten to taste.
→ Delicious iced with mint or citrus, or with sweet and fruit treats found in our Summer Afternoon Tea recipes series.
7. Rooibos Tea
Flavor Notes: Naturally sweet, earthy, and smooth
Traditional Uses: Native to South Africa, it's a popular evening tea for its full-bodied flavor
How to Brew: Steep 1-2 teaspoon loose leaf rooibos in boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
→ A great nighttime option; add vanilla or cinnamon for warmth.
8. Ginger Tea
Flavor Notes: Spicy, warming, and bold
Traditional Uses: Often sipped for its zesty flavor, especially in cooler months
How to Brew: Simmer 1-2 inches of fresh sliced ginger in 2 cups water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and serve.
→ Add lemon and honey for a cozy tea that pairs beautifully with muffins and teacakes like these Almond Tea Cakes recipe.
9. Rosehip Tea
Flavor Notes: Tart, fruity, and floral
Traditional Uses: Brewed for centuries as a fruity, vibrant infusion
How to Brew: Steep 1-2 teaspoon dried rosehips in boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
→ Beautiful as a hot tea in winter or iced with a citrus twist in warmer months.
Bonus: Cinnamon Tea
Flavor Notes: Spicy, warm, and naturally sweet
Traditional Uses: Often brewed as a comforting wintertime drink with a cozy, familiar flavor
How to Brew: Simmer 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon) in 1-2 cups of water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and sweeten if desired.
→ Try it with a slice of orange or a drizzle of honey for a beautiful cold-weather infusion. Find our full method and variations in this Cinnamon Tea Recipe.
A Final Sip
These soothing, caffeine-free teas-whether floral, fruity, or spicy-offer a moment of calm with every cup. From garden-fresh lemon balm to winter-spiced cinnamon, there’s a tea here for every season and mood.
☕ Continue exploring:
- How to Brew a Proper Cup of Tea
- Brewing Earl Grey Tea
- How to Brew Irish Breakfast Tea
- Top Teas for Afternoon Tea
Teatime Inspiration
For more teatime inspiration, explore our Afternoon Tea recipes, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly favorites and seasonal ideas, or follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, or Substack.