Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission
Whether it’s in the morning to get us mentally prepared for the work day ahead or during the afternoon as the urge to take a nap hits hard, we all need our go-to energizing drink. Many (of course) tend to turn to caffeinated drinks like coffee or tea (hi, oolong tea benefits), but sometimes, caffeine may not be the answer—especially if you find yourself feeling too jittery or anxious after consuming it.
The good news is that tons of types of herbal tea for energy without caffeine that offer naturally energizing compounds that may help improve your focus and alertness. “Herbs work to support your energy levels by providing nourishment where your body needs it most,” says Charley Berdat-Aaeryamo, an herbalist and tea expert. “Herbs are made up of antioxidant-rich phytochemicals that work synergistically to have a beneficial effect on the body. This can include boosting our energy reserves among other things, like fighting inflammation,” she adds.
But it’s not just about the energy-boosting compounds found in herbal tea that can bring mental clarity. “The mere ritual of making a morning cup of tea or other non-caffeinated drink can also be energizing, considering it gives you something smoothing to look forward to,” says registered dietitian Abbey Sharp, RD, creator of Abbey’s Kitchen. “If you find caffeine from coffee gives you a jolt of energy or anxiety that leads to a crash later, switching to a caffeine-free option may help to boost your energy naturally.” After all, the simple act of brewing tea is considered meditative and restorative by many cultures, and there is no doubt that pausing from work (or any draining activity) to do so can help you regain focus.
So what are the top types of herbal tea for energy to add to your beverage rotation? Keep reading for a list from the experts, as well as a few of our favorite brands.
Herbal tea for energy and clarity
According to our findings, we’ve discovered that there are several teas that help improve cognitive function. This includes options such as peppermint, ginger, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, gotu kola, ginseng, and ginkgo. Ahead we delve into the science of why each of these teas are ideal for boosting clarity and energy without a lick of caffeine. Plus, these herbal options also make the cut for best tea for longevity, and some are additionally potent anti-inflammatory teas. *Mic drop.*
8 types of herbal tea for energy to try
1. Peppermint tea
Peppermint isn’t only for the holidays—this herb may help boost alertness, according to Sharp. “Peppermint is a really popular tea for digestion, but it can also help improve your mood and cognitive functioning,” highlights Berdat-Aaeryamo. “When you make peppermint tea and smell the lovely aromas, it’s [one way] to help improve mental clarity and curb fatigue.”
This is largely due to the fact that ginger may help improve circulation in the body, allowing for more oxygen to get to our tissues and diffuse blood flow all over the body. “With more oxygen coming into our body and getting to our tissues, this can supply you with more energy,” says Berdat-Aaeryamo. Ginger tea is also super easy to make—all you need is fresh ginger and hot water—but you can also purchase ginger tea blends at your local grocery store or tea shop.
3. Lemon balm tea
Looking for more healthy morning drinks? Lemon balm tea tastes and looks like a ray of sunshine. Lemon balm is a lemon-scented herb in the mint family that’s been associated with improved mood and cognitive function. “Lemon balm tea may help enhance cognitive performance,” says Sharp. “In one study, participants that ingested lemon balm performed better on computerized tasks than those who didn’t.” Lemon balm offers a citrusy flavor with hints of mint that tastes delicious with raw honey or agave syrup.
4. Rosemary tea
Rosemary is an herb that’s a member of the mint family and native to the Mediterranean. According to Berdat-Aaeryamo, rosemary can help increase cognitive performance and improve your memory, focus, and alertness. “Rosemary has been shown to help improve blood circulation, and its antioxidant properties can help neutralize free radicals [that can damage healthy cells],” she says. While there is currently no research on rosemary tea, one study found that healthy young adults that inhaled rosemary aroma for four to 10 minutes before a mental test reported improved concentration, performance, and mood. On that note, if you’re looking for another herbal tea packed with antioxidant properties, you may want to check out thyme tea benefits and brew a batch.
5. Sage tea
This powerful herb may also enhance cognitive activity and protect against neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. According to Berdat-Aaeryamo, sage is a brain-boosting herb and may increase oxygen circulation all through your body. “Sage is also used quite extensively for its estrogenic effects and can help women suffering from fatigue related to menopause,” she adds. In one small study, postmenopausal women between the ages of 46 to 58 received capsules of sage extract every day for four weeks. It was concluded that sage was effective in changing the severity of some menopausal symptoms, including fatigue.
advertisement
6. Ginseng tea
Ginseng is a well-known herb that’s often used in various energy drinks for its energy-boosting properties. “Ginseng is an adaptogen that may enhance physical performance, which is used often by athletes for that reason,” shares Berdat-Aaeryamo. One small study examined how single doses of 200 or 400 mg of ginseng impacted mental performance and fatigue before and after taking a 10-minute mental test. (FYI, the 200 mg dose proved to be more effective at improving mental performance and fatigue during the test than the 400 mg dose.) Berdat-Aaeryamo recommends drinking ginseng tea in the morning as opposed to the evening, as it can have an overstimulating effect and impact your sleep.
7. Gotu kola tea
Gotu kola, also referred to as the “herb of longevity,” is a popular herb used in traditional Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicine. “Gotu kola is often said to bring balance to the brain and can support normal mental alertness,” shares Berdat-Aaeryamo. “It’s also an herb that’s used to help with meditation since it can help you focus.” In a study that looked at the effects of gotu kola on subjects who had strokes, researchers found the extract could be effective in improving cognitive function.
8. Ginkgo tea
Ginkgo is considered one of the oldest species of tree in the world. Although there are mixed reviews as to whether or not ginkgo can improve cognitive function, the herb’s ability to promote good blood circulation to the brain leads some researchers to believe it may help improve one’s ability to perform everyday tasks.
Shop our favorite brands that offer herbal tea for energy
“Buddha teas are really great because they offer individual teas versus exclusively tea blends, and have almost any type of herb available,” says Berdat-Aaeryamo.
Rishi Tea offers deliciously fresh organic teas in the form of tea bags or loose leaf. The rich aromas of the turmeric ginger option will wake you right up.
Traditional Medicinals can be found at your local grocery store, and has plenty of organic tea blends to choose from. “My personal favorite is the organic peppermint tea with a splash of almond milk creamer,” says Berdat-Aaeryamo.
Berdat-Aaeryamo also suggests checking out your local herb store (if you have access to one) to find exactly what you need. “You can discover the background of the herbs and where it’s sourced from,” she says. You’ll also be supporting a local business, which is always a plus.
advertisement
On the flip side, if you’re looking for something to help you sleep, these options relaxing herbal teas will help do the trick.
BTW, do you get tea headaches? You may have an intolerance or sensitivity.
This herbal tea recipe will help prep you for a good night’s rest:
Sign Up for Our Daily Newsletter
Get all the latest in wellness, trends, food, fitness, beauty, and more delivered right to your inbox.
Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission
If you’re waiting for a sign to invest in a new mattress—this is it. Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 17 this year) is right around the corner, which means pretty much anything you can think of will likely be on sale. Some of our favorite mattress brands will be dishing out discounts that are too good to sleep on—and you might even score free pillows and accessories while you shop too.
advertisement
Whether you’re a side, back, stomach, or combination sleeper, rest assured (pun intended) that there’s a mattress deal out there for you. To save you the legwork of having to go out and find these sweet deals on your own, we rounded them up for you, right here. Scroll on for the best Presidents’ Day mattress sales, as well as some killer bedding deals from brands we love.
Best Presidents' Day mattress sales, at a glance:
Avocado—up to 20 percent off sitewide, no promo code required
Bear—35 percent off sitewide using promo code PRESDAY
Casper—up to 30 percent off mattresses and up to 35 percent off everything else
Helix—25 percent off sitewide, plus two free pillows with mattress purchase with promo code PRES25
What’s more American than sleeping on an Amerisleep mattress? In all seriousness, though: Save $500 on any mattress purchase using the promo code PD500 at checkout. Adjustable bed bundles (which include a base and a mattress) are 30 percent off, too.
For its Presidents’ Day Sale, Avocado is discounting up to 20 percent off all of the brand's eco-friendly mattresses, from the OG Avocado Green Mattress to the newer (and more plush) Luxury Organic Mattress. Plus, you'll also find big discounts on bedding, pillows, furniture, and more.
Quality hibernation (read: sleep) is key to pull you through these last weeks of winter, and what better way to do it than on a Bear mattress? Bear is currently offering 35 percent off sitewide for Presidents’ Day, plus two free pillows with your mattress purchase. Just use the promo code PRESDAY at checkout.
If you’re dreaming of sleeping on a sustainably sourced, hypoallergenic mattress, do it with Birch, Helix’s sister brand. Birch is offering up to 25 percent off sitewide (that includes bedding and bases) plus free shipping. Just use the promo code PRES25 at checkout.
Score the Burrow Lyric Hybrid Mattress (originally $1,199 for a queen, now $959) as part of the modern furniture brand’s Presidents’ Day Sale, where you can also take up to 25% off sitewide on bed frames, sofas, and much more. No promo code required.
From now until February 26, the OG bed-in-a-box company is treating customers to up to 30 percent off mattresses, and up to 35 percent off everything else, including bedding, pillows, and accessories. No promo code required.
Helix is also joining in on the Presidents’ Day action, offering 25 percent off sitewide, and two free pillows with every mattress purchase. Plus, if you purchase a Helix Luxe or Elite mattress, they'll throw in a mattress protector, and sheet set. Use the promo code PRES25 at checkout.
Fans of squishy-yet-supportive memory foam, this one's for you. Layla mattresses are up to $200 off for Presidents’ Day, plus extra savings on sleep accessories, like the brand’s weighted blanket, down alternative comforter, and cooling mattress topper. With every purchase of a mattress, you’ll also receive two free pillows—no promo code required.
These luxurious bed-in-a-box mattresses will give you a sleep worth celebrating this Presidents’ Day and beyond. Take 25 percent off sitewide, including bedding and bases. Plus, with every mattress purchase, you get two free pillows. Sweet.
You bet Mattress Firm isn’t snoozing on the Presidents’ Day savings. During its Prezzz Day Sale, you can snag up to 57 percent off (!!) on some of Mattress Firm’s best-selling brands, like Sealy and Beautyrest. You’ll even get a free adjustable base with select mattress purchases.
If you want to overhaul your sleep situation, you won’t regret doing it with Nolah. The mattress company is offering up to 35 percent off on all mattresses for Presidents’ Day, and is even throwing in two free pillows and $150 off the brand's BedJet 3 cooling system. No promo code required.
Save $1,250 on Plushbeds eco-friendly mattresses, and receive $599 in free bedding, including two organic pillows, a sheet set, and a waterproof mattress protector. You'll also see up to 25 percent off toppers, pillows, and bedding and 50 percent off adjustable beds.
At the Purple Presidents’ Day Sale, you can score discounts up to $900 on mattresses and base sets, depending on the type of mattress you purchase. No promo code required.
Serta is celebrating Presidents’ Day in a big way—you can save up to $925 on select mattress and adjustable base sets, including all-foam beds, innerspring beds, and beds-in-a-box. No promo code required.
Sleep Number is hosting a number of impressive Presidents’ Day deals, including 50 percent off the brand’s best-selling smart beds, and 20 percent off cooling mattresses. You'll also find discounts on furniture and BOGO deals on pillows and sheet sets.
For its Presidents’ Day Event, you can save up to $500 on select Tempur-Pedic adjustable mattress sets, and get $300 in accessories for free (with select mattress adjustable mattress sets). No promo code necessary.
The Tuft & Needle Presidents’ Day sale gets our vote. Now until February 25, you can shop the brand’s beloved memory foam and hybrid mattresses for up to 20 percent off. No promo code required.
Achy bones and sore muscles need a break? Both the brand's original foam and hybrid mattresses are designed to relieve pressure and support joints while you sleep. And now you can get one for $300 off the original price using the promo code VAYA300 at checkout.
Zoma is dubbed the “sports mattress for athletes,” but anyone can benefit from its comfort. The performance mattress brand is currently offering 25 percent off mattresses (and free shipping and returns) when you use the promo code SLEEP25.
Did you know the trendy furniture brand Article sold bedding? Well you do now. Save up to 40 percent sitewide during the Article Presidents' Day sale, including quilts, duvet covers, and sheet sets.
Take up to 25 percent off almost everything sitewide, plus up to 50 percent off sheet bundles from Brooklinen, now through March 19. Just apply the promo code PRESDAY at checkout to save.
From now through Presidents' Day (Feb 17) save up to 30 percent on bundles and sets of eco-friendly bedding, sheets, pillows, towels, and more from Buffy. No promo code required.
From February 15 alllll the way until March 15, take 30 percent off the entire Cozy Earth site when you use the promo code WELL+GOOD at checkout. We recommend stocking up on the brand's luxe bamboo bedding or treating yourself to a new bamboo pajama set (which are the comfiest pajamas around).
From February 12—24, take an extra 20 percent off sale items (including sheet sets, pillows, towels, and more) when you apply the promo code SALE20 at checkout.
Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission
We often think about sex toys as a solo activity—however, that's definitely not always the case. True, a self-care sesh with a quality toy is never a bad idea, especially on Valentine's Day. But even if you're coupled up, there are plenty of ways to play as a pair with tech-forward sex toys from Lovense. The brand specializes in a wide range of vibrators, suction toys, and more, most of which are designed to be used in tandem with your partner's device (thanks to cool Bluetooth technology and an easy-to-use app), even if you're across the country. So, whether you're together IRL or chatting long-distance this February 14, you'll feel closer than ever. Best of all, the Lovense Valentine's Day Sale is already live, so you can score up to 55 percent off on the brand's best sellers in preparation for the big day. Ready to get vibing? Scroll on to learn more about the sale, which runs now through February 16, plus shop the Lovense toys the W+G team has an eye on.
Take 53 percent off this small-but-mighty vibe that clips discreetly into your undies. The ergonomic design and quiet motor offer three intensity levels and seven vibration patterns—all controlled with the Lovense app.
This duo is crazy impressive, especially if you're in a heterosexual LDR. No matter how far apart you are from your boo, you can sync this sleeve masturbator (Max) and rabbit-vibe (Nora) to respond to each other's movements. Each device is made with body-safe materials and comes with an extensive range of vibrations you can control via the Lovense app. Plus, at 53 percent off, bundling these two toys is a real steal.
Waterproof: Nora-yes, Max-no | Vibrations: Customizable with the app or your partners movements | Runtime: Nora-4 hours, Max-1.5 hours
This suction toy is the perfect addition to any collection. The Tenera 2 (now 50 percent off) uses pulses of air and a soft silicone tip to stimulate your clitoris, all while fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand. And, because you can control the vibrations and patterns via the Lovense app, it's another great pick for partners who are spending Valentine's Day apart.
Waterproof: Yes | Vibrations: Unlimited combinations via the app |Runtime: 1.2 hours
If G-spot vibrators are your thing, snag the Lush 3 while it's 50 percent off. The ergonomic, egg-shaped head is coated in smooth, body-safe silicone for a comfortable fit, while the small tail helps keep the toy in place. As with most Lovense toys, you can take full control of the intensity and vibration patterns in the remote app, or pass off control to a partner—even if you're not in the same room.
Waterproof: Yes | Vibrations: Unlimited combinations via the app |Runtime: 4.5 hours
Take 50 percent off this travel-friendly wand vibe. The Domi 2 might look unassuming, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve: For starters, the small size still packs a big punch with rumbly vibrations that can be customized via the Lovense app. But more impressive yet is the fact that Lovense also sells male and female attachments for the Domi 2 to reach P-spot and G-spot pleasure points.
Waterproof: No (water resistant) | Vibrations: Unlimited combinations via the app |Runtime: 6 hours
Another G-spot vibe, the Osci 2 features a soft silicone body and an oscillating tip to mimic that tried-and-true "come hither" motion. Toggle between the toy's three speeds and seven vibration patterns, either on the toy itself or via the Lovense app. Best of all, it's currently 50 percent off.
The Hush 2 (currently 53 percent off) is vibrating plug made from soft, body-safe silicone. It comes in four sizes—extra-small, small, medium, and large—to fit all bodies and experience levels, and has a flared base for safety. You or your partner can control the toy's unlimited vibration and intensity combinations via the Lovense app, even from a distance.
Waterproof: Yes | Vibrations: Unlimited combinations via the app |Runtime: 2 hours
