Wellness

7 of the Best Teas for Energy: The Ultimate Guide

By Bridget Reed
Medically Reviewed by:

Heidi Wright, BSN, RN, PCCN, and Certified Master Herbalist

7 of the Best Teas for Energy: The Ultimate Guide

April 25, 2024

Sometimes coffee just doesn’t cut it, and that’s where a good cup of tea can swoop in. At Herbaly, we’re all about digging into the roots of wellness and vitality, and we’ve brewed up a list of the best teas that promise more than just a caffeine kick. 

Our guide isn’t just about sipping — it’s about understanding how each leaf contributes to that much-needed energy boost. So, grab your favorite mug, and let’s step into the world of teas that can help transform your groggy mornings into dynamic days.

Why Is Natural Energy Support Beneficial?

In our non-stop world, reaching for a quick fix like a sugary soda or an extra shot of espresso is tempting when energy levels dip. However, these solutions often lead to an inevitable crash, leaving you more drained than before. That's where the properties of natural energy from teas comes into play.

Teas offer a sustained energy lift without the harsh downsides. They're packed with natural compounds that not only help people feel energized but also support overall health and wellness. 

Here’s why opting for natural energy from tea can make a significant difference:

Steady Release

Unlike the sudden jolt from artificial stimulants, the natural caffeine in teas like green or black tea is absorbed slowly, providing a gradual increase in energy. This means you can enjoy alertness without the spike and crash cycle.

Rich in Health Benefits

Teas are brimming with antioxidants and polyphenols that do more than energize. They protect your cells, support your immune system, and can even improve mental clarity and focus. This makes tea not just a source of energy but a cup of overall health.

Supports Hydration

Good hydration is key to maintaining energy levels. Teas help keep you hydrated, contributing to better physical performance and endurance throughout your day.

Switching to tea for your energy needs means choosing a path of sustained vitality. It’s about fueling your day the natural way, ensuring that you stay energized, focused, and ready for whatever challenges come your way.

What Are the Best Teas for Sustained Energy?

When it comes to energizing teas, not all are created equal. Some teas have a natural knack for boosting stamina and alertness without overstimulating. Here's a lineup of teas that are particularly adept at enhancing your energy levels throughout the day:

1. Green Tea

Green tea is celebrated not just for its gentle caffeine lift but for its rich antioxidant content that supports overall wellness. Our Wellness Functional Tea uses Sencha, a prized Japanese green tea, which blends beautifully with fennel seed, turmeric root, and tulsi leaf, offering a layered, healthful infusion that supports both mind and body energy sustainably.

2. Black Tea

As one of the most caffeinated teas, black tea provides a powerful boost that can help kickstart your morning or revive your afternoon. It’s perfect for those who need a strong but steady source of energy.

3. Yerba Mate

Yerba mate stands out with its trio of stimulating compounds: caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. This South American favorite is perfect for those seeking a balanced boost that supports endurance and mental clarity, helping you maintain a steady pace throughout your day.

4. Ginseng Tea

Ginseng tea is revered not only for its distinctive taste but also for its role as an adaptogen, helping to support stamina and fight feelings of tiredness. It supports energy on cellular levels, making it a go-to for holistic vitality.

5. Guarana Tea

Guarana, often found in energy drinks, contains a caffeine compound called guaranine, which is absorbed slowly by the body for a long-lasting energy boost. It’s ideal for extended periods of mental or physical exertion.

6. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea may not contain caffeine, but its refreshing aroma and invigorating flavor have a naturally energizing effect. It can also enhance mental alertness, making it a great pick-me-up without any caffeine jitters.

7. Matcha

Matcha is a powerhouse in the world of teas, offering a full spectrum of benefits from its high concentration of antioxidants to a balanced caffeine lift. Consuming the whole leaf in powdered form means you get a boost of energy that’s smooth and steady, perfect for tackling a long day ahead.

How To Optimize Your Tea Experience for Energy

Now that you've got your roster of energy-supporting teas, let's chat about how you can get the most out of your cup.

Brew It Right

The way you brew your tea can make quite a difference in its taste, aroma, and potency. Follow the recommended water temperature and steeping time for each type of tea. Patience pays off.

Stay Consistent

To truly feel the energy-boosting effects of tea, consider adopting it as a regular part of your routine. Replace that second (or third) coffee with a cup of your chosen energizing tea.

Mix it Up

Don’t feel limited to just one type of tea — have fun, experiment with different teas, and find your perfect blend. Variety is the spice of life.

How To Integrate Energizing Teas into Your Daily Routine

Enhancing your daily routine with energizing teas is a smart move, but it's the how that can really turn it into a game-changer for your energy levels. 

Here are some simple yet effective tips to make energizing teas a cornerstone of your energy-boosting plan:

Pick Your Moments

Identify the times during your day when you typically feel your energy dip. 

Is it mid-morning? Post-lunch? Schedule a tea break during these critical times to give you a natural boost without reaching for less healthy stimulants.

Pair With a Purpose

Combine your tea drinking with another relaxing or enjoyable activity. This could be a few minutes of reading, a quick walk, or simply stepping away from your digital devices. It turns tea time into a mini-reset for both your mind and body.

Enhance Your Tea Naturally

If you like a little sweetness in your tea, try to avoid sugar spikes that could later crash your energy. Our Organic Stevia Leaf Sweetener is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness without the calories or the crash, maintaining a smooth energy flow.

Use Tea as a Pre-Workout Boost

Instead of a traditional pre-workout supplement, try a cup of guarana or yerba mate tea. These teas have natural stimulating properties that can enhance your endurance and focus during workouts. 

“Keep in mind that sensible moderation is key for incorporating new things into your diet. Listen to your body and how you feel after trying something new. Both guarana and yerba mate can cause side effects like anxiety, insomnia, and headaches at high doses. Be sure to consider the amount of tea and its caffeine content compared to your usual intake,” notes Heidi Wright, Registered Nurse.

Keep It Cool with Iced Tea

Who says tea has to be hot? Brew a large batch of our Wellness Iced Tea and keep it chilled in the fridge. Sipping on iced tea throughout the day can be a refreshing way to stay energized, especially during warmer weather.

Tea Infusions for Enhanced Flavor and Benefits

Experiment by adding natural flavor enhancers like slices of lemon, ginger, or a dash of cinnamon. These not only improve the taste but can also amplify the energizing effects.

What Should You Consider When Using Teas for Energy?

Choosing the right tea for energy is about more than just picking a flavor you like. Here are some considerations to keep in mind to maximize the benefits and fit them seamlessly into your lifestyle:

  • Caffeine Sensitivity:Understand your body's reaction to caffeine. Some teas, like black and green, have higher caffeine levels which might be too stimulating for some. Choose according to your caffeine tolerance.
  • Time of Day:Drinking energizing teas late in the day can interfere with sleep, especially for those sensitive to caffeine. Enjoy them earlier to boost daytime productivity without affecting your sleep cycle.
  • Health Conditions:Be aware of any health conditions that might interact with certain herbal components. For example, some teas can affect blood pressure or blood sugar levels.

The Bottom Line

At Herbaly, we believe in the power of nature to fuel your day. Our selection of energizing teas is designed not just to elevate your energy but to enhance your overall health and well-being. With teas rich in antioxidants, natural caffeine, and beneficial properties, you’re nurturing your body and mind with every sip. 

Sources:

Energy Drink Consumption: Beneficial and Adverse Health Effects | PMC

Beneficial effects of green tea: A literature review | PMC

Adaptogenic effects of Panax ginseng on modulation of cardiovascular functions | PMC

Yerba mate: Is it safe to drink? | Mayo Clinic

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