Does Herbal Tea Have Caffeine? What You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered, does herbal tea have caffeine? You will be happy to know that most do not!

I don’t know about you, but a hot cup of herbal tea is how I like to end my day! It is warm and comforting, and most (probably all) contain many health benefits. If you are sensitive to caffeine or prefer to avoid caffeine for any reason, herbal tea might be something to consider. Being without caffeine makes herbal tea a good choice for drinking in the evening as it can be relaxing and won’t keep you awake.

I have my favorite go-to teas for almost any situation and season. For example, in the winter evenings, I like a cup of rosehip tea which is full of immune-boosting vitamin C, or elderberry tea which also supports the immune system. In the summers, I like to make butterfly pea flower tea as its bright blue color brings cheerful evenings to a close! Many herbal teas can treat a variety of illnesses, or at least, soothe symptoms and bring comfort. Everyone has their favorites, and with herbal tea, there is no lack of variety to suit every tastebud.

What is Tea?

True tea comes from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. Green, white, oolong and black tea all come from this plant and are considered true teas. They vary by the way they are harvested and prepared. All true teas contain caffeine although the amount of caffeine can fluctuate greatly between harvesting and preparation as well the region in which it is grown.

What is Herbal Tea?

Herbal tea can also be called herbal infusions, and are technically categorized as tisanes. Tisanes are herbs, flowers, seeds, roots, or fruits, that are infused with water. They are commonly called tea but are not true tea as true tea only comes from the species Camellia sinensis. We will discuss more on this later.

(As they are commonly called herbal tea, I will refer to them as such.)

Is Herbal Tea a True Tea?

Herbal tea is not a true tea. It is actually a tisane and can be made from plant leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, or fruit.

Are All Herbal Teas Caffeine Free?

Yes, in almost all cases herbal teas are caffeine-free. There is one exception though and that is holly tea such as yerba mate. You can read more about holly tea here.

Are There Exceptions?

Things to look out for when purchasing herbal tea, are blends when herbs or flowers are combined with a true tea such as black tea or green tea. Both green and black tea do contain quite a bit of caffeine and in that case, the herbs will not contain caffeine, but the blend will.

Is Herbal Tea Good for You?

Broadly speaking, herbal tea is good for your health if drunk in moderation, and has been reported to help heal or relieve symptoms. However, as with any health decision, be sure to consult with your doctor.

Herbal Tea Benefits

While it is not possible to list all the benefits of every herbal tea, I can point you to a few of my favorites! I’ve already mentioned rosehip tea and how it is full of vitamin C. (It is important to note that all herbal should be enjoyed in moderation and after consulting with your doctor.)

Turmeric Tea – Turmeric is a powerful spice and is most often used to flavor savory dishes. It is full of health benefits such as being anti-inflammatory and good for your skin. It has been reported that it may possibly help fight certain cancers as well as diabetes and arthritis.

Raspberry Leaf Tea – Raspberry leaf tea is full of vitamins such as A, B, C, and E. It is full of antioxidants and is said to help ease the discomfort of menstrual cramps. It also strengthens your immune system helping to fight off sicknesses such as the flu and common cold.

Mint Tea – Mint tea might be most commonly known as a breath freshener, but it also can help ease discomfort from stomachaches and headaches.

Chamomile Tea – This tea is another one of my favorites to drink in the evening as it promotes sleep and relaxation. It can also help with stomach pain and indigestion, and may also help with skin irritations.

Rooibos Tea – is becoming more and more popular as of late. It is full of antioxidants and it may help reduce the risk of cancer and boost heart health.

How to make Herbal Tea

Making herbal tea is fairly simple, and if you follow a few guidelines, you will find yourself with the perfect cup of tea! I also give all my best tips for making loose leaf tea here.

Supplies:

• Small Saucepan or Electric Kettle (I have this one and I love it!)
• Strainer (optional if using tea bag)
• Measuring Spoon (optional if using tea bag)
• Tea Cup
• Your choice of tea

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil (or set your electric kettle to 212°)
2. Add in tea.
3. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Strain out tea.
5. Enjoy warm or iced.
6. For iced, allow liquid to cool and pour over ice.

Tips for making Herbal Tea

• Use fresh water to make your tea. Fresh water is water that is newly poured and has not been left sitting. Fresh water contains more oxygen which plays an important role in the flavor and aroma of your tea.
• Use your best filtered water for making tea. Good water equals good tea!
• Use high-quality loose tea. Loose tea is often freshest, can be re-steeped, and best quality.
• Steep tea for the correct amount of time. In herbal tea, 5 minutes is usually sufficient. Steeping longer or shorter will result in either very weak tea, or very strong tea.
• Herbal tea is greatly enhanced with a bit of sweetener. Both honey and stevia are great choices.

Does Herbal Tea have Caffeine? Common Teas You Might Be Wondering About

• Does chamomile tea have caffeine? No caffeine.
• Does Peppermint tea have caffeine? No, caffeine.
• Does Rooibos tea have caffeine? No, caffeine.
• Does Hibiscus tea have caffeine? No, caffeine.
• Does Dandelion tea have caffeine? No, caffeine.

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let’s connect!