Herbal Tea Encyclopedia
45 Evidence-Based Herbal Tea Profiles
Each profile covers clinical research, Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, optimal brewing methods, safety information, and our honest product recommendations. No hype — just evidence.
20 with clinical evidence
24 with research support
40 caffeine-free
Browse by Property
Filter herbs by their characteristics. Looking for health-goal recommendations? Wellness →
Cooling (25)
Clears heat · Calms mind · Reduces inflammation
Warming (13)
Invigorates circulation · Aids digestion
A–Z Herb Index
All 45 herbs, sorted alphabetically.
B
L
M
R
S
T
W
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is herbal tea?
Herbal tea — technically called a tisane — is an infusion made from any plant other than Camellia sinensis
(which produces green, black, white, and oolong teas). Herbal teas use flowers, roots, bark, seeds, and leaves
from a wide range of plants. Most are naturally caffeine-free.
How do I choose the right herbal tea for my needs?
Start by identifying your primary goal. Visit our Wellness section
to browse herbs by health function (sleep, stress, digestion, immunity, etc.). Each herb profile includes an evidence rating
so you can prioritize well-studied herbs. You can also browse by TCM nature
(cooling, warming, neutral) to find herbs that match your body type.
Are herbal teas safe for everyone?
Most herbal teas are safe for healthy adults at typical doses. However, some herbs interact with medications,
and certain herbs are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always check the Safety section of each
herb profile. If you have specific health conditions or take medications, consult your healthcare provider.
See our disclaimer.
What's the difference between herbal tea and regular tea?
Regular tea (green, black, white, oolong, pu-erh) comes from one plant: Camellia sinensis. It contains caffeine.
Herbal tea comes from hundreds of different plants — chamomile flowers, peppermint leaves, ginger root, etc. — and is
typically caffeine-free. The health benefits, flavor profiles, and brewing requirements differ significantly.
Can I blend different herbal teas together?
Absolutely — and it's one of the most rewarding aspects of herbal tea. Many traditional formulas combine complementary herbs
for synergistic effects. For example, chamomile +
lavender +
passionflower is a classic sleep combination.
Visit our Recipes section for tested blends with exact ratios.
How long should I steep herbal tea?
It depends on the herb. Delicate flowers and leaves (chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm) need 5-7 minutes at 200°F.
Roots and bark (ginger, turmeric, burdock) need 10-15 minutes of active simmering at 212°F.
Mushroom teas (chaga) need 15-20 minutes. Each herb profile includes specific brewing instructions.
Do herbal teas actually work, or is it just placebo?
Many herbal teas have genuine, clinically documented effects. Chamomile has been shown
to improve sleep quality in randomized trials. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory effects
are supported by dozens of studies. Passionflower has matched prescription anxiolytics
in head-to-head trials. We rate each herb's evidence level (Clinical Evidence, Research Support, or Traditional Use) so you can
make informed decisions. That said, herbal teas are supplements, not drugs — manage expectations accordingly.