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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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
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It’s been the longest January to have ever Januaried, and the past few weeks have been a little ~weird~ to say the least. In spite of (*gestures broadly*) everything, it’s important to find joy where you find it—like spending quality time with loved ones, indulging in favorite pastimes, or of course, some retail therapy. Buying things isn’t a prerequisite for happiness, but shopping for joy-boosting products can feel like a nice sliver of normalcy amidst all of the unknown.
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Well+Good editors have weathered this year-long month with items that invited more joy into our lives. Winter skincare staples and nice-to-haves—like an internet-viral sweater and what might be the best white T-shirt to have landed in our closets—made it into our shopping carts. Others leaned on items that would make their mundane routines more joyful.
Without further ado, scroll to see the products that made Well+Good editors so happy in January. We hope at least one of these items infuses more joy into your life, too. Better yet? The majority are under the $100 mark. And for more retail therapy, see our past Joy of the Month picks.
“I’ve been trying to shop local this month and came across this amazing Seattle-based fragrance brand called Particle Goods at a neighborhood art fair. The brand sells candles, incense, and air fresheners, but the real star of the show is their scent rollers. I got a scent called Nova, which has notes of cedarwood, dark plum, black tea, and fig. All of their scents are made with a jojoba and safflower oil base, which means they’re not only all-natural but also long-wearing—and I mean long. I’ll roll it on my wrists and neck a few times in the morning and I can smell it all day! You can shop at its beautiful online store and they ship nationwide.”
“Winter on the East Coast has been especially brutal this year, and this barrier balm by KaramMD has been literally saving my skin! It’s an ultra-hydrating moisturizer that keeps my skin from drying out from the cold air, while also giving me a nice dewy glow. It’s the final step in my skincare routine, like the cherry on top of healthy, hydrated skin.”*
“The Aer Go Sling 2 is my first foray into fanny packs and, no exaggeration, I’m a changed woman. Purses are a pain for me to carry, but stuffing my pockets isn’t ideal either. The Go Sling 2 is the perfect compromise. It’s small enough not to feel like a burden, and its sub-compartments appease my need for organization. Plus, it manages to fit my phone, wallet, power bank, and hand sanitizer without it being a squeeze. It isn’t the most stylish of packs, but I prefer its unassuming appearance. It’s the only bag I’ve used since I got it—and yes, it brings me joy.”
“My obsession with these glue stick-adjacent balm tubes started when I worked in restaurants—I wanted to keep a chapstick or hydrating thing on me, but the devastation of losing a tiny lip tube to a chef coat pocket that I’d be throwing into the communal laundry at the end of the night, never to be seen again, brought me to very evident tubes and I’d remember to take them with me. These days, I love Aquaphor’s balm stick for wintry chapped lips, but I also use it on my hands for a quick swipe of hydration when I don’t feel like rubbing lotion into my hands but need to keep cracked, dry skin at bay.”
“Fostering community has been top of mind for me, and there truly is no better way to do that, IMO, than sharing a meal together. Dinner at Our Place is unique in that it provides 12 different dinner party concepts with everything planned out: a menu with accompanying recipes, tablescape suggestions, bar setups, playlists, and a list of to-dos in the days prior to the event (one of the less-glamorous, but oh-so-necessary requirements for a successful gathering). Whether skimming it for inspiration or using it as a step-by-step guide for my next event, this truly is one of the most joyful cookbooks in my collection.”
“Brace yourself, I’m about to make a very bold statement. I believe I have found the best basic white tee. First of all, this is a unisex tee which is a must for someone like me who prefers a comfortable, looser-fitting top. Most importantly, this tee features a drop shoulder which means the likelihood of getting unsightly, yellow sweat stains over time is very low. This shirt is also the perfect blend of hemp and organic cotton so it holds its shape incredibly well and a skin-toned bra does not show through. I REPEAT: this white T-shirt is not see-through! A white tee and jeans is a must for me when transitioning from cold to warmer weather since this also looks incredible peeking out the top of a sweater when you need an extra layer.”
“I’ve been seeing this sweatshirt all over TikTok and Instagram, and it seems like all of the influencers have one. I couldn’t help but wonder, How great could this sweatshirt be? But I finally got the hype. It’s the perfect amount of oversized, with such a soft but thick material, and it’s oh-so-cute. And I’m more obsessed with the mock-neck detail than I could imagine. The embroidered logo makes it feel so high quality, I reach for this every. single. morning.”
