A beverage made by steeping or boiling plants, flowers, roots, or seeds in hot water. A practice dating back thousands of years, it originated with the ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations, which used it for medicinal and wellness purposes. Most are naturally caffeine-free (unlike tea made from Camellia sinensis) and can be enjoyed at any time of day. They combine traditional benefits, hydration, and a soothing ritual, making them an accessible daily companion.

When to Drink Which Herbal Tea?

Tailoring the timing to the desired effect maximizes the benefits. Morning: rosemary, verbena, and mint to start the day. After meals: digestive teas (peppermint, fennel, ginger, anise). Afternoon: detoxifying and invigorating teas (nettle, dandelion, thyme). Evening: soothing teas (chamomile, linden, lemon balm, passionflower) at least 1 hour before bedtime. Seasonal: spring regimens (detox), fall regimens (immunity). Summer: iced herbal teas (brewed hot then cooled) for refreshing drinks.

What if a cup of herbal tea were all it took to calm you down?

Q: Which herbal teas are best for your needs?

Sleep and relaxation: chamomile, linden, lemon balm, passionflower, valerian, verbena, orange blossom. Digestion: peppermint, ginger, fennel, anise, star anise, rosemary. Immunity and colds: thyme, elderflower, echinacea, cinnamon, eucalyptus. Drainage and detox: dandelion, birch, stinging nettle, meadowsweet, cherry stems. Energy and focus: rosemary, ginseng, mate (morning only—contains caffeine).

Q: How to prepare it properly?

Preferably organic ingredients (to avoid pesticide residues dissolving in hot water). Simmering water (85–95 °C), not boiling: this preserves the delicate active compounds. 1 tablespoon of dried herbs per cup (250 ml). Cover and let steep for 5–10 minutes: this traps the volatile essential oils. Use a decoction (simmer for 10–15 minutes) for roots and bark (fresh ginger, cinnamon, licorice). Strain and enjoy immediately, without sugar or with a little honey (only after age 1). Adding lemon, spices, or honey enhances the flavor.

Q: What precautions should you take?

Vary the herbs rather than using the same one for an extended period (ideally 3 weeks with a break). Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Many herbs are contraindicated; consult a pharmacist. Young children: Adjust dosages; choose mild herbs (chamomile, linden, fennel); do not use before 6 months of age. Documented drug interactions: St. John’s wort, ginkgo, licorice, ginseng. Chronic conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney or hormonal disorders): consult a pharmacist. Store in an airtight container, away from light, in a cool, dry place. This product is intended as a supplement to a balanced lifestyle; it is not a substitute for medical treatment or a doctor’s consultation if symptoms persist.

What is herbal tea?

Herbal tea is a beverage made by steeping or boiling plants, flowers, roots, or seeds in hot water. A practice dating back thousands of years, it originated in the ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations, which already used it for medicinal and wellness purposes.

Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free (unlike tea made from Camellia sinensis), making them suitable for any time of day. Herbal tea combines traditional benefits, hydration, and a soothing ritual, making it an accessible daily companion for everyone. For chamomile and mint in particular, additional resources are available.

Which herbal teas are best for your needs?

Each plant has its own traditional uses:

Sleep and relaxation: chamomile, linden, lemon balm, passionflower, valerian, verbena, orange blossom
Digestion: peppermint, ginger, fennel, anise, star anise, rosemary
Immunity and colds: thyme, elderberry, echinacea, cinnamon, eucalyptus
Drainage and detox: dandelion, birch, stinging nettle, meadowsweet, cherry stem
Energy and focus: rosemary, ginseng, mate (morning only, due to caffeine)

For lemon balm, linden, and ginger in general, specific resources are available.

How to prepare it properly?

A few simple rules optimize the extraction of active ingredients:

Preferablyorganic ingredients: no pesticide residues that dissolve in hot water
Simmering water (85–95 °C), not boiling: preserves the delicate active ingredients
1 tablespoon of dried herbs per cup (250 ml)
Cover and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes: this traps the volatile essential oils
Decoction (simmer for 10–15 minutes) for roots and barks (fresh ginger, cinnamon, licorice)
Strain and enjoy immediately, without sugar or with a little honey (only after 1 year)

Adding lemon, spices, or honey enriches the flavor and provides additional nutrients. For thyme and peppermint in general, specific resources are available.

When is the best time to drink which herbal tea?

Choosing the right time based on the desired effect maximizes the benefits:

Morning: rosemary, verbena, and mint to start the day
After meals: digestive teas (peppermint, fennel, ginger, anise)
Afternoon: detoxifying, invigorating (nettle, dandelion, thyme)
Evening: soothing teas (chamomile, linden, lemon balm, passionflower) at least 1 hour before bedtime
Seasonal: spring regimens (detox), fall regimens (immunity)
Summer: iced herbal teas (brewed hot then cooled) for refreshing drinks

For passionflower and valerian in general, specific resources are available.

What precautions should you take?

A few guidelines for proper use help preserve the benefits:

Vary the herbs rather than taking a prolonged course of the same herb (ideally 3 weeks with a break)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: many herbs are contraindicated; consult a pharmacist
Infants: adjust doses, choose mild herbs (chamomile, linden, fennel), do not use before 6 monthsof age
Documenteddrug interactions: St. John’s wort, ginkgo, licorice, ginseng
Chronic conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney or hormonal disorders): Consult a pharmacist
Store in an airtight container, protected from light, in a cool, dry place

Herbal tea is a supplement to a balanced lifestyle and is not a substitute for medical treatment or a doctor’s visit if symptoms persist. Your licensed pharmacist remains a valuable resource for guiding your choice of herbs based on your goals and identifying any contraindications, in addition to appropriate medical care. Forhawthorn in general, specific resources are available.