The Best Herbal Tea Blends to Try This Season

Introduction

As the seasons change, so do our bodies' needs — and our taste preferences. Whether you're looking for a cooling, refreshing brew for warm afternoons or a warming, comforting cup for cooler evenings, the best herbal tea blends offer natural solutions that have been used for centuries across cultures. This season, we're celebrating the diversity of herbal infusions — from classic chamomile to invigorating turmeric-ginger — and showing you how to make the most of each one.

Ingredient deep-dive: Learn how Peppermint and Ginger works in organic tea — plus browse all 89 ingredients.

Shop by wellness goal: Explore Teavity organic tea pods for Digestive Health and Immune System Support — USDA Organic K-Cup blends matched to your health goals.

Unlike true teas (black, green, oolong, white) which all come from the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas — technically called tisanes — encompass a vast world of flowers, herbs, roots, fruits, and spices. This diversity means there's an herbal tea for every palate and purpose. A 2022 survey by the Tea Association of the USA found that herbal tea consumption has grown 30% over the past five years, driven by interest in functional wellness and natural caffeine-free alternatives.

Why Choose Organic Herbal Teas?

The case for organic herbal teas is particularly strong. Herbs, flowers, and roots can absorb pesticides from the soil more readily than some other crops, and many herbs used in tea are consumed whole (not steeped and discarded), potentially concentrating any residues.

Organic certification ensures that your herbal tea is free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. A 2020 study from Food Control tested 60 herbal tea samples and found that conventional chamomile, in particular, had some of the highest pesticide detection rates of any tea category tested.

Choosing organic isn't just about what's excluded — it's about what's included. Organic herbs have been shown to contain higher levels of beneficial compounds. A study in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that organic peppermint contained 20% higher concentrations of menthol and other essential oils compared to conventionally grown peppermint.

1. Chamomile: The Gentle Classic

Few herbal teas are as beloved or as well-studied as chamomile. The Organic Chamomile Herbal Tea from Teavity is crafted from whole chamomile flowers, delivering the full spectrum of the plant's beneficial compounds.

Chamomile's reputation as a sleep aid is backed by science. A 2017 study in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that new mothers who drank chamomile tea for two weeks reported significantly better sleep quality and lower depression scores. The active compound — apigenin — binds to GABA receptors in the brain, producing a mild, natural calming effect without the side effects of pharmaceutical sleep aids.

Beyond sleep, chamomile has demonstrated benefits for digestive health. A 2021 review in Phytomedicine confirmed chamomile's traditional use for soothing digestive upset, noting that its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties can help with bloating and mild gastrointestinal discomfort.

How to enjoy it: Brew chamomile at the 8 oz setting for maximum floral extraction. Add a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon for a comforting evening cup. For an iced version, brew double-strength and pour over ice.

2. Peppermint: Refreshing and Functional

Peppermint tea is the go-to herbal for digestive support, and for good reason. The Organic Peppermint Herbal Tea provides the pure essence of menthol-rich peppermint leaves, offering both invigorating flavor and therapeutic benefits.

The research on peppermint for digestion is substantial. A 2019 meta-analysis in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics reviewed 12 clinical trials and found that peppermint oil significantly improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. While tea delivers a lower concentration than oil, regular consumption supports digestive wellness.

Peppermint tea is also naturally caffeine-free and can be enjoyed at any time of day. Its cooling effect makes it especially refreshing as an iced tea during warmer months.

How to enjoy it: Peppermint stands beautifully on its own. Try it hot with a slice of lemon, or cold-brew it overnight in the refrigerator for the smoothest possible iced peppermint tea. It pairs unexpectedly well with dark chocolate — a square of quality dark cocoa alongside your cup makes a simple, elegant pairing.

3. Ginger Tea: Zesty and Warming

Ginger tea has been prized across cultures for its warming, invigorating properties. The Organic Ginger Herbal Tea captures the full pungency of fresh ginger root in a convenient, Keurig-compatible pod.

Ginger's health credentials are among the strongest of any herbal remedy. A comprehensive 2020 review in Nutrients analyzed 109 studies and confirmed ginger's efficacy for nausea relief (including pregnancy-related and postoperative nausea), anti-inflammatory effects comparable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and significant antioxidant activity.

Ginger's active compounds — gingerols and shogaols — are responsible for its characteristic heat and most of its therapeutic effects. Unlike many herbal compounds, these are heat-stable, meaning they're well-extracted by the hot water in your Keurig.

How to enjoy it: Brew ginger tea at the 8 oz setting for full extraction. Add a squeeze of lemon and a teaspoon of honey for a classic sore-soother. For a spicy iced version, brew at 6 oz, let cool, and pour over ice with fresh mint leaves.

4. Turmeric Ginger: The Golden Anti-Inflammatory Blend

The combination of turmeric and ginger creates one of the most potent anti-inflammatory herbal blends available. The Organic Turmeric Ginger Herbal Tea brings together two of nature's most studied anti-inflammatory ingredients in a single delicious cup.

Turmeric's active compound — curcumin — has been the subject of over 10,000 peer-reviewed studies. A 2018 meta-analysis in Journal of Medicinal Food found that curcumin was as effective as ibuprofen for reducing osteoarthritis pain, without the gastrointestinal side effects. The addition of ginger amplifies these effects, as ginger's compounds work through complementary anti-inflammatory pathways.

One important note: curcumin absorption is significantly enhanced when consumed with black pepper (the piperine in peppercorns increases absorption by up to 2000%). If you're brewing turmeric ginger tea for its therapeutic benefits, add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to your cup.

How to enjoy it: Brew at 8 oz, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or milk (curcumin is fat-soluble) and a pinch of black pepper for maximum absorption. A touch of honey or maple syrup balances the earthiness. This is a fantastic afternoon pick-me-up that supports joint health and immune function.

5. Blending Your Own Herbal Infusions

Once you've explored individual herbal teas, try blending them for unique flavor combinations and synergistic health benefits:

Sleepy Time Blend: 1 part chamomile + 1 part peppermint + a pinch of lavender — a classic relaxation blend
Digestive Comfort: 1 part ginger + 1 part peppermint + 1/2 part chamomile — ideal after meals
Immune Support: 1 part turmeric ginger + 1 part peppermint + squeeze of lemon — rich in antioxidants
Afternoon Lift: 1 part peppermint + 1 part ginger + honey — refreshing without caffeine

The Teavity Variety Pack is the perfect starting point for blending experiments, containing chamomile, peppermint, and ginger pods that you can mix and match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are herbal teas actually caffeine-free?

True herbal teas — made from herbs, flowers, roots, and fruits — are naturally caffeine-free. However, be aware that some commercial "herbal" blends may include actual tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) as a base, which would contain caffeine. Always check the ingredient list. Teavity's herbal tea pods are 100% herbal with no added caffeine.

Can I drink herbal tea while pregnant?

Most herbal teas are safe during pregnancy in moderate amounts, but some herbs should be avoided. Chamomile and peppermint are generally considered safe, while ginger is widely recommended for pregnancy-related nausea. Always consult your healthcare provider about specific herbs during pregnancy, and choose organic to avoid pesticide residues that could affect fetal development.

How many cups of herbal tea can I drink per day?

For most people, 3-5 cups of herbal tea per day is perfectly safe. Herbal teas are hydrating and can contribute to your daily fluid intake. If you're drinking herbal teas with specific medicinal properties (like turmeric ginger for inflammation or chamomile for sleep), start with 1-2 cups and observe how your body responds.

Can I sweeten herbal tea without adding sugar?

Yes! Naturally sweet herbs like licorice root, stevia, or fennel can sweeten your tea without added sugar. Many herbal teas — particularly chamomile and peppermint — have natural sweetness that's revealed when brewed properly at the right temperature. You can also add a splash of fruit juice, a cinnamon stick, or a few drops of vanilla extract for sweetness without refined sugar.

Do herbal teas expire or lose potency?

Herbal teas don't "expire" in a safety sense, but they do lose potency over time. Most herbal teas are best consumed within 6-12 months of purchase for optimal flavor and therapeutic effect. Store your organic herbal tea pods in a cool, dark, dry place away from strong odors. Properly stored, they'll maintain good flavor for up to two years.