I used to have a really unhealthy relationship with caffeine and soda. I was able to kick the habit several years ago, but I still have days when I need a little pick-me-up. Instead of having to turn to coffee, soda, or energy drinks, I’ve found some amazing caffeine-free herbal tea options that give me a boost in energy, mental clarity, and stamina without the intense stimulation and eventual crash. Try these epic alternatives next time you need a little extra power in your step…
Astragalus
Astragalus membranaceous
Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. This gentle herb does amazing things for the health of the adrenal glands and the immune system making it a great energy tonic with a lot of positive benefits. The adrenal glands play an essential role in our sense of energy, well-being, and power. When they get fatigues, we get fatigued. A good adrenal tonic herb helps get them working like new again so that we have all the energy we need. Astragalus shows love to the adrenal glands while also giving a boost to the immune system which provides a sense of strength, vigor, and ability.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
If your brain never wanted to get out of bed this morning, ginkgo herbal tea may be just what you need. Ginkgo is able to dramatically increase the health and strength of blood flow to the brain and to all other parts of the body. This creates a gentle, natural-feeling sense of vitality that does wonders for a cloudy mind. Ginkgo perks up the body and the brain with fresh blood flow and a little extra oxygen, and it can even help break the fatigue patterns that come from sitting too long or spending too much time indoors.
Gotu Kola
Centella asiatic
Gotu kola is such a gentle energy giver that it is often suggested to people who have anxiety and other stimulating disorders as a way to help relieve them of the fatigue and lethargy that anxiety and stress maintenance can cause. This is a great energy herbal tea for anyone who needs a little boost but really doesn’t want any kind of stimulant or ‘hyper’ effects.
Gotu kola is like a healing tonic for the brain. It lifts stress and seems to dig up the power and energy that gets pushed down by say to say drama. I have found that this herb feels natural – as though I just got a really great night’s sleep and have nothing weighing down my mind. It increases circulation and the distribution of nutrients and oxygen to the body and brain, it gently stimulates the central nervous system, and it chases away any brain fog that may be sapping your natural energy.
Green
Camellia sinensis
Green tea is the most commonly enjoyed beverage on the planet next to water. It’s been in use for thousands of years and it’s found a way into just about every culture and society on the planet.
While green tea isn’t actually caffeine-free, it would be false to lump it in with other caffeine-stimulant herbal teas. The presence of L-Theanine, a calming amino acid that takes the edge off the caffeine content in green tea, make this a great option for people who need a little more stimulation and some backup calming at the same time. Green tea has about half the amount of caffeine as the usual cup of black coffee, so use that as a guide to decide if this is the right tea for you.
Avoid any special green teas when looking for low-stimulant energy. Stick with a simple green tea. Matcha, black, oolong, and other special varieties may not be as gentle.
Herbal tea is a great way to give your body and brain the essential nutrients they need to perform great, stay clear, and keep moving.
Enjoy!
As with all herbs, please check with a medical or herbal professional before taking them in any form. Check all individual herbs for contraindications and allergies.