7 Herbal Teas For An Afternoon Pick Me Up - The mid-afternoon slump is all too real. Every day, around 2 or 3 pm, energy levels tend to dip as blood sugar decreases after lunch. It's the perfect storm for fatigue, distractedness, and lack of motivation to power through the rest of your workday. Instead of reaching for coffee or soda, which can leave you feeling more jittery, try sipping on a soothing herbal tea. Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free but contain dynamic plant compounds and antioxidants that can give your body and mind a mild boost. Here are seven of the best herbal tea blends to keep on hand for an afternoon pick-me-up.
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is one of the most popular calming herbal teas. It also makes a great afternoon brew. This daisy-like flower contains antioxidant terpenoids that have sedative and anti-anxiety effects. Sipping herbal chamomile tea helps boost alpha-wave production in the brain, helping to relax the nervous system. Several studies have also found that chamomile tea consumption is associated with reduced stress levels. Look for chamomile tea blends from brands like Lifeblend Teas that pair it with other relaxing herbs like lemon balm or lavender.
2. Peppermint Tea
With its bold, minty flavour and refreshing aroma, peppermint tea is ideal for perking up your mind and senses in the late afternoon slump. Peppermint contains menthol, which has mild stimulant effects on the body when consumed. It may also help boost cognitive function and memory retention. Peppermint's distinctive cooling mint notes can act as a natural pick-me-up without any unwanted jitteriness. Many herbal tea brands offer single-ingredient peppermint teas and blends that pair them with green tea for an extra antioxidant boost.
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger root has long been in use as a natural digestive aid and treatment for nausea, but it also makes a zesty tea pick-me-up. Gingerol, one of ginger's main active compounds, has thermogenic effects that may boost metabolism slightly and generate a natural warming sensation in the body. Research also shows ginger extract can help calm an upset stomach while increasing energy and alertness. For an afternoon cup, look for ginger tea blends, which include other energizing herbs like turmeric, lemon, and cinnamon. This can provide staying power through the final hours of your workday.
4. Green Tea
While green tea contains a small amount of caffeine from naturally occurring metabolites, it's significantly less than what you'd find in coffee. Still, green tea's unique blend of antioxidants like EGCG and the amino acid L-theanine can provide mental clarity and reduce stress and fatigue in the afternoon. Several studies link green tea consumption to enhanced mood, memory, reaction time and overall brain function. For an organic green tea pick-me-up, try single-ingredient green tea or blends that pair it with herbal aids like lemongrass, pineapple or ginger.
5. Lavender Tea
Often used as a nighttime tea to promote relaxation and better sleep, lavender has mild stimulant properties that can lift energy levels when sipped in the afternoon instead of before bed. Lavender has calming and anti-anxiety effects from compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate; this makes it ideal for countering stress-induced slumps. At the same time, lavender promotes alertness and focus through results on serotonin and acetylcholine in the brain. Look for lavender tea blends with uplifting additions like lemon balm or citrus peel for an extra mood-boosting boost without jitters.
6. Lemongrass Tea
With bright, citrus notes reminiscent of lemon, lemongrass tea perks up taste buds and spirit for an afternoon energy boost. Lemongrass contains phytochemicals that support metabolism, digestion and natural thermogenesis in the body through mild effects like ginger. It also encompasses antioxidants shown to fight fatigue while promoting relaxation. For these reasons, lemongrass tea may lift mood and restore clarity after the mid-afternoon slump. Try single-ingredient lemongrass tea or blends containing other refreshing ingredients like spearmint or green rooibos.
7. Holy Basil Tea
Also known as tulsi, holy basil is an energizing herb with adaptogenic qualities. It supports the adrenal glands, which majorly helps manage energy levels, sleep and stress response. Compounds in holy basil, like eugenol and camphor, trigger the release of cortisol to lift energy naturally without a crash later on. Studies link basil consumption to reduced stress, anxiety, fatigue and improved cognitive function. For a revitalizing cup, look for holy basil tea blends combined with ginger, lemon or other spices that complement its natural peppery flavour profile.
The suitable herbal tea - sipped mid-afternoon, can give you a mild lift without any side effects of caffeine. Experiment with calming chamomile, refreshing peppermint, warming ginger or energizing lemongrass to reboot your energy levels naturally. Reach for high-quality organic relaxation herbal tea blends from trusted brands like Lifeblend Teas for traditionally crafted wellness teas that taste as good as they make you feel.