Herbal Tea

Recipes: 7 Non-Caffeinated Brews Perfect For An Infusion Of Colour On Gloomy Days

You’ve heard about the aromatic, soothing properties of chamomile tea and seen the colour-changing qualities of the blue pea tea and always wondered, are these really teas? Well, here’s the answer. These are herbal teas, made by steeping dried or fresh herbs, flowers, roots, spices, or fruits in hot water. And technically, it is not "real" tea, as it does not come from the traditional tea plant. It’s also why they are non-caffeinated. Discover seven simple recipes to brighten up gloomy days. 

One of the most common herbal teas, the chamomile tea recipe starts much like normal tea.  Bring 1 cup of water to a gentle boil. Add 1–2 tsp dried chamomile flowers (or 1 chamomile tea bag) and switch off the heat. Cover and steep for 5–7 minutes. Strain, if needed, and serve warm. Add honey or a slice of lemon if desired. Chamomile tea is widely regarded as helping with sleeping, as it promotes relaxation. 

If you want a simple, aromatic brew, then try the cinnamon tea recipe. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil with 1 small cinnamon stick (or 1 tsp cinnamon pieces). Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the water becomes aromatic. Strain into a cup and serve warm. You can add honey if preferred. Always go for a cinnamon stick instead of powder, as the latter does not dissolve easily. This is considered especially beneficial for stabilising blood sugar. 

Not sure if you want something hot or cold? Then try the hibiscus tea! This starts much the same way. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add 1 tbsp of dried hibiscus petals. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, then remove from heat. Strain the tea and serve warm or chilled. It will have a deep red colour. Reports suggest this is a good source of Vitamin C.  However, the tea can seem more tart to some people, and you can sweeten it with honey or jaggery if desired.

This is the drink going viral on social media thanks to its colour-changing properties. However, it doesn’t just look pretty – it has health benefits too! Reports suggest the beverage supports skin and hair health and even helps in stress management. To make it, bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add 5–6 dried butterfly pea flowers. Let the flowers steep for 4–5 minutes until the water turns a deep blue colour. Strain and serve warm. Add a few drops of lemon juice for a colour-changing effect.

The curcumin in turmeric is nothing short of a magical compound, with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Turmeric tea, thus, is definitely one of the healthier beverages on the list. Though usually consumed with ginger and lemon, you can make this with just turmeric as well. Simply boil ½ tsp turmeric powder with 1 cup of water and strain the mix. You can even add honey or black pepper to taste.

If you're looking for a refreshing herbal tea with a naturally cooling flavour, peppermint tea is an excellent choice. The beverage is made from peppermint leaves and contains no caffeine, making it suitable for any time of the day. Reports suggest peppermint tea may help support digestion and ease occasional bloating. To make it, bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add 8–10 fresh peppermint leaves (or 1 tbsp dried peppermint). Switch off the heat and steep for 5–7 minutes. Strain and serve warm. You can add honey if you prefer a sweeter cup.

Green tea is a "true tea" made from the Camellia sinensis plant, which contains natural caffeine and antioxidant catechins like EGCG. In contrast, herbal tea is a caffeine-free infusion of dried herbs, flowers, roots, or fruits. Both provide unique wellness benefits but serve different purposes. Green tea is supposed to help with focus and mental clarity, while herbal teas help with relaxation and sleep. Many people start their day with green tea and end it with herbal tea!

The best herbal tea is ultimately the one that suits both your taste preferences and your needs. Rather than focusing solely on potential benefits, consider which flavour profiles you genuinely enjoy and the benefits you’re seeking (relaxation, digestive support, heart health, immunity, etc.). After all, the healthiest tea is often the one you'll happily drink regularly.