Herbal teas offer health benefits and delightful flavors, making them a wonderful addition to your daily routine. Whether you prefer sweet fruit notes or pungent and spicy flavors, there’s an herbal tea option you’re bound to enjoy. From a refreshing morning brew to a calming sleep tea at night, herbal teas can enhance every moment of your day.
Drink a cup of herbal tea to reset a hectic day, help you focus while working on an important project, or lull you to sleep.
In this guide, we’re touching on the history of herbal tea and its health benefits. We’re also sharing herbal tea types, flavor profiles, and preparation tips for each kind.
Let’s take a look.
History of Herbal Tea
Herbal teas, though not true teas, have a rich and varied history across many cultures.
As one of the most popular beverages in the world, tea has been around for centuries, with its first recording in China. Merchants spread it to other countries, like Egypt, Morocco, and India — with Great Britain taking a particular interest in the commodity. (Afternoon tea still holds strong to this day!)
Unlike traditional teas made from Camellia Sinensis (the “tea plant”), herbal teas are a blend of herbs, citrus or berry fruits, and spices.
They’re naturally caffeine-free and offer diverse flavors and health benefits.
Health Benefits of Herbal Tea
Native cultures around the world have used herbal teas for medicinal purposes.
These “herbal medicines” can prevent certain cancers, provide antioxidant benefits, and promote cardiovascular health. Some have anti-inflammatory properties. Others can help with high blood pressure. And some can help to soothe a sore throat.
We’ll touch more on herbal tea's health benefits in the next section.
Types of Herbal Tea
You can purchase loose leaf tea or bagged tea when buying herbal tea. Loose leaf tea has a more potent aroma and usually goes through less processing than bagged tea.
Here are some herbal teas we love:
Chamomile
Chamomile tea, made with dried chamomile flowers, has calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s often used as a sleep aid and to reduce anxiety. This gentle tea can also soothe digestive issues and relieve menstrual cramps.
With its light and sweet flavor, it offers a comforting and delicate taste experience.
- Flavor Notes: Light, floral, and slightly sweet
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers in boiling water for 5–10 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Pearl Tea of Beauty, Clarity, and a Sense of Peace” for a soothing bedtime blend.
Ginger Root
Ginger root tea, made with the rhizome from the ginger plant, helps with digestion, nausea, and inflammation. Its warm, slightly sweet taste also makes it a delightful beverage for alleviating cold symptoms and improving circulation.
- Flavor Notes: Spicy, warm, and slightly sweet
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of fresh or dried ginger root in boiling water for 10–15 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Sagittarius Tea of Good Fortune & Abundance” provides a vibrant and invigorating tea blend.
Rooibos
Rooibos tea, also known as red bush tea, comes from South Africa. It offers rich antioxidants and heart health benefits.
This caffeine-free herbal tea has a naturally sweet, nutty, and earthy flavor. It's a popular choice for those looking for a soothing yet robust beverage.
Rooibos may also help improve skin health and support the immune system.
- Flavor Notes: Nutty, slightly sweet, and earthy
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of rooibos tea in boiling water for 5–7 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Truffle Rooibos” is a flavorful choice.
Peppermint
Peppermint tea, made with dried peppermint leaves, is a refreshing and invigorating beverage with digestive benefits. This crisp, cool, and minty tea helps alleviate symptoms, such as indigestion, bloating, and headaches. Peppermint tea can also help improve focus and relieve stress.
- Flavor Notes: Crisp, cool, and minty
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in boiling water for 5–10 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Mantra Mint™ Herbal Tea” offers a fresh flavor and comforting flavor.
Echinacea
Echinacea tea, made from the echinacea plant, is a powerful immune booster that helps fight colds and infections. This earthy and slightly sweet tea has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a popular choice during cold and flu season.
Echinacea tea may also help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
- Flavor Notes: Earthy and slightly sweet with a hint of floral
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of echinacea in boiling water for 10–15 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Pink Tourmaline: Organic Dragon fruit Hibiscus White Tea for Women's Health” for immune support.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus tea, made with dried hibiscus petals, is a vibrant and tangy beverage known for its high vitamin C content and potential to lower blood pressure. This tart, floral, and fruity tea is also rich in antioxidants, which can support liver health and promote overall wellness.
Hibiscus tea's striking red color and refreshing taste make it a delightful drink both hot and iced.
- Flavor Notes: Tart, fruity, and floral flavor
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried hibiscus flowers in boiling water for 5–7 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Taurus: Tea of Venusian Garden Delights” provides a vibrant blend.
Turmeric
Turmeric tea, crafted from dried turmeric root, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This earthy, warm, and slightly bitter tea supports joint health and aids in digestion.
Turmeric tea may also boost brain function and combat inflammation-related diseases.
- Flavor Notes: Earthy, warm, and slightly bitter
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried turmeric root in boiling water for 10–15 minutes. Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance absorption.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Thai Temple Tea” for a healthful and warming tea.
Passionflower
Passionflower tea, made with passionflower leaves, stems, and flowers, is a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. This mild, grassy, and slightly sweet tea helps calm the mind and promotes restful sleep, making it a perfect tea for sleep. Passionflower tea may also reduce stress and improve mood.
- Flavor Notes: Mild, grassy, and slightly sweet
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried passionflower in boiling water for 10–15 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Venus - Tea for Beauty Sleep” for a calming effect.
Valerian
Valerian tea, made from valerian root, has been well-known for its sedative properties and ability to promote relaxation and sleep. This earthy and musky tea is often used as a natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety. Valerian tea can also help alleviate stress and improve overall sleep quality.
- Flavor Notes: Earthy and musky
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried valerian root in boiling water for 10–15 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: Try our Herbal Teas for Rest, Relaxation & Sleep for a peaceful night.
Rose Hip
Rose hip tea, made from wild rose fruit, is rich with vitamin C and antioxidants. This tart, fruity, and floral tea supports the immune system, helps reduce inflammation, and promotes skin health. Rose hip tea may also help with digestion and cardiovascular health.
- Flavor Notes: Tart, fruity, and floral
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried rose hips in boiling water for 10–15 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Queen of Wellness: Women's Hormone Balancing Tea for PMS, Healthy Cycles & Menopause” for hormonal balance.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm tea, made from lemon balm leaves, is a soothing and calming beverage known to reduce stress and anxiety. This lemon-citrus and slightly sweet tea also promotes sleep and supports digestion. Lemon balm tea may also improve mood and cognitive function.
- Flavor Notes: Lemon-citrus and slightly sweet
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm in boiling water for 5–10 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Venus - Tea for Beauty Sleep” for a calming tea.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle tea, made with milk thistle seeds, has liver-protective properties and detoxifying effects. This mild and slightly bitter tea supports liver health and helps the body eliminate toxins. Milk thistle tea may also improve skin health and support digestion.
- Flavor Notes: Mild and slightly bitter
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried milk thistle in boiling water for 10–15 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Queen of the South: Delicious Cocoa Detox Tea” for detoxification.
Dandelion
Dandelion tea, made with dandelion roots and leaves, is a detoxifying beverage that supports liver function and digestion. This earthy and slightly bitter tea acts like a diuretic and helps the body eliminate excess water and toxins.
Dandelion tea may also improve skin health and support overall wellness.
- Flavor Notes: Earthy and slightly bitter
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried dandelion root in boiling water for 10–15 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Tulum Horchata Chai” for a detoxifying blend.
Chicory
Chicory tea, made with roasted chicory roots, is a robust and coffee-like beverage known for its digestive benefits. This rich and earthy tea supports liver health and helps reduce inflammation. Chicory tea may also improve gut health and help with weight management.
- Flavor Notes: Rich, earthy, and coffee-like
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried chicory root in boiling water for 10–15 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Black Onyx - Chaga Maca Toffee Elixir for Energy, Immunity & Good Fortune” for a coffee-like tea blend.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon tea, made with cinnamon bark, is a warm and spicy drink known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to support blood sugar regulation. This sweet and aromatic tea boosts circulation and helps reduce inflammation. Cinnamon tea may also improve heart health and support digestion.
- Flavor Notes: Warm, spicy, and sweet
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in boiling water for 10–15 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Moonlight in Marrakesh” for a warming and flavorful tea.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass tea, made with lemongrass leaves and stalks, is a refreshing and citrusy beverage that has digestive and stress-reducing benefits. This fresh and slightly sweet tea has antibacterial properties and supports overall wellness.
Lemongrass tea may also improve sleep quality and boost mood.
- Flavor Notes: Citrusy, fresh, and slightly sweet
- Preparation Recommendations: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried lemongrass in boiling water for 5–10 minutes.
- Relevant Magic Hour Products: “Citrine Cleanse™ Herbal Tea” for a refreshing tea.
Find Your Favorite Flavor With Magic Hour
From calming chamomile to invigorating ginger root, herbal tea offers unique health benefits and delightful flavors.
Magic Hour's teas are flavorful, organic, and high-quality. Whether you're seeking a soothing bedtime tea or a refreshing midday pick-me-up, Magic Hour has a blend for you.
To discover the perfect tea for your palate and health needs, take Magic Hour's Tea Quiz. Our personalized quiz will help you find the ideal tea blend that suits your taste and wellness goals.
We also offer subscription tea boxes in beautiful packaging. These also come with mystical wisdom-packed teaching videos and free gifts. Explore the organic, high-quality options that Magic Hour offers and enhance your tea-drinking experience today.
