In recent years, there’s been a huge boom in the specialized, functional tea market (have you noticed how the tea section at the grocery store just keeps getting longer and longer?). Mainstream and boutique tea companies have been busy formulating unique herbal blends specifically designed to ease digestion, promote sleep, soothe sore throats, and perk you up in the morning…and that’s just the beginning. Keep in mind that, while potentially helpful for some people, these teas are by no means a cure for serious health conditions. If you’re taking any medications, you’ll want to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before trying anything herbal. With that in mind, here are a few standouts worth checking out.

Sleep Enhancing Teas

Sleep Enhancing Teas

 

If you’re in search of a better night’s rest, you might want to end your evening with a mug of Get Some Zzz’s from Republic of Tea, Rest Assured  from Choice Organic, Bedtime from Yogi, Nighty Night from Traditional Medicinals, or Night Time from Pukka. These caffeine-free blends combine ingredients like rooibos, soothing chamomile, calming lavender, and valerian root to help you relax and slip into sleep more easily.

Heart Smart Teas

Heart Smart Teas

 

To show your heart a little extra love, give these ticker-friendly teas a go.  Get Heart from Republic of Tea and Heart Tea from Traditional Medicinals both combine antioxidant-rich hawthorn berries with hibiscus, which preliminary research shows may help to lower blood pressure if sipped regularly.

Throat Soothing Teas

Throat Soothing Teas

 

To soften the blow of an unpleasant sore throat, try Throat Cozy from Choice Organic and Throat Comfort from Yogi. The primary ingredient is slippery elm, which may help to ease mild throat irritation. These teas are a great choice when you have cold symptoms, but I also like nursing them during all-day video shoots to help preserve my voice. And…they make the perfect night cap after singing your heart out at a raging rock concert!

Morning Pick Me Up Teas

Morning Pick Me Up Teas

 

For those who need a good AM jolt, Republic of Tea debuted a line of “HiCAF” teas formulated to have even more caffeine than coffee. While typical black tea has about 50 mg caffeine per 8-ounce serving, and coffee has around 100 mg, the amped-up black teas in this line deliver 110 to 140 mg caffeine, depending on the flavor (the green tea variety clocks in much lower at 50 mg). The extra buzz comes from the addition of green tea extract and pure caffeine isolated from tea leaves. If a standard mug of tea isn’t strong enough to lift away your morning fog, give one of these new blends a try.

 

Need more ways to get your engine running in the morning? Give these tips a shot.

Intro

In recent years, there’s been a huge boom in the specialized, functional tea market (have you noticed how the tea section at the grocery store just keeps getting longer and longer?). Mainstream and boutique tea companies have been busy formulating unique herbal blends specifically designed to ease digestion, promote sleep, soothe sore throats, and perk you up in the morning…and that’s just the beginning. Keep in mind that, while potentially helpful for some people, these teas are by no means a cure for serious health conditions. If you’re taking any medications, you’ll want to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before trying anything herbal. With that in mind, here are a few standouts worth checking out.