I don’t remember exactly when herbal tea went from a “sometimes” thing to a deeply rooted part of my home rhythm. Somewhere between learning to trust my body after baby number two and carving out ten-minute pauses in otherwise overstimulated days, it became more than a warm drink. Tea became care. It’s a small ritual that supports my nervous system, digestion, energy, and emotional balance without a long list of instructions or side effects.
In our kitchen now, the herbal tea shelf sits right above the cutting boards—easy to reach, always visible. Some blends are store-bought staples; others are simple jars of dried herbs I’ve grown to know over time. Each one has its place, not because I believe it’s magic, but because it meets me in real life: in the 4 p.m. slump, in the late-night overthinking, in the post-meal bloating, or the tender postpartum moments.
If you’re curious about using herbal teas for gentle support—and not in a "fix everything" kind of way, but as a soothing, balancing part of your wellness rhythm—this guide is for you. These are the herbal teas I keep stocked in my kitchen, what each one helps with, and how you might explore them, too.
Chamomile: My Go-To for Sleepy Evenings and Frazzled Nerves
Chamomile is probably the first herb many of us met in tea form, and for good reason. Its gentle floral notes and calming properties make it a beautiful ally for winding down.
Chamomile may help support the nervous system, ease mild digestive discomfort, and promote rest without grogginess. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), chamomile is among the most well-researched herbs for relaxation and sleep support.
I keep a loose-leaf version in a jar and also some bagged chamomile for easy steeping. Sometimes I drink it solo, other times I blend it with a little lavender or lemon balm when I want extra calm.
Peppermint: For Tired Bellies and Foggy Brains
Peppermint is my go-to after meals or on days when my digestion feels off—especially after something too rich or eaten in a rush (you know those days). It has a cooling, refreshing quality that seems to lighten everything up.
The menthol in peppermint acts as a natural muscle relaxant, which may help ease bloating, cramping, or digestive tension. It’s also a helpful tea to sip if you’re feeling mentally sluggish—cooling herbs like peppermint can feel like a mini “reset.”
Some folks are more sensitive to mint if they have reflux or heartburn, so I always suggest starting with a small cup and seeing how your body responds.
Lemon Balm: A Gentle Mood Brightener and Nervous System Soother
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is in the mint family but has a much softer, more lemony flavor. It’s one of the herbs I reach for when I'm feeling “jangly”—mentally busy but physically tired. It’s been traditionally used to support the nervous system, especially in times of mild anxiety or emotional overwhelm.
There’s some emerging research suggesting lemon balm may help improve focus, reduce restlessness, and even support sleep quality, particularly when used consistently.
I’ll often blend lemon balm with chamomile or oatstraw when I’m creating a calming blend for myself or the kids—it’s gentle and friendly for most folks.
Ginger: For Digestion, Warmth, and Circulation
Ginger tea has earned a permanent place on our shelf because it offers so much with just one ingredient. It’s warming, gently spicy, and deeply comforting, especially during colder months or when digestion feels sluggish.
Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols, which have been shown to support digestion, reduce nausea, and offer anti-inflammatory properties.
While fresh ginger root makes a more potent brew, dried ginger tea bags are also effective. I’ll often steep ginger with a bit of cinnamon or turmeric if I want more anti-inflammatory support or sip it solo after a heavier meal.
Nettle: A Quietly Powerful Mineral-Rich Brew
Nettle leaf doesn’t get the attention that more fragrant herbs do, but in herbalist circles, it’s a staple. Nettle is rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, making it a nourishing tonic tea—especially during postpartum, low-energy seasons, or whenever my diet has been less nutrient-dense than I’d like.
The taste is more grassy than floral or minty, but when blended with peppermint or lemon peel, it becomes more palatable.
I sip nettle during longer afternoons or after a particularly draining week. Think of it like a plant-based multivitamin—but far gentler, and maybe a little greener tasting.
Tulsi (Holy Basil): The Resilience Tea
Tulsi is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it may help your body regulate stress over time. It has a slightly spicy, earthy flavor with a little clove-like warmth. I reach for it when I feel emotionally depleted or like my system’s in overdrive.
Some research suggests tulsi may help modulate cortisol levels and support the immune system, making it a beautiful tea for seasons of transition or burnout.
I often pair tulsi with a hint of dried orange peel or rose petals for a deeper sensory experience. Even just the scent feels grounding.
Rooibos: My Evening “Just-Because” Tea
Rooibos (pronounced ROY-boss) is naturally caffeine-free and packed with antioxidants, which makes it a favorite for evening sipping when I want something a bit cozier or dessert-like.
It has a rich, almost vanilla-like flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon or a splash of oat milk. While not an herb in the traditional sense (it comes from a South African red bush), it earns its place on this list because of its gentle, nourishing nature.
Bonus: it's naturally low in tannins, so it won’t interfere with mineral absorption the way some teas can if you’re drinking them with meals.
Red Raspberry Leaf: A Women’s Wellness Staple
Red raspberry leaf is most often talked about during pregnancy—and yes, it’s been used for centuries to support uterine tone and hormonal balance. But its benefits go beyond that.
It’s high in fragrance compounds and minerals, especially iron, and can be part of a nourishing routine for anyone who menstruates, is postpartum, or just wants a daily mineral-rich tea.
The flavor is neutral and slightly grassy, so I often pair it with something brighter—like rose hips or dried orange peel.
Gentle Rhythms
- Keep a small basket of your most-used teas near your kettle—it’s easier to brew what you can see.
- Try a new tea once a month and write down how it makes you feel—not every herb is for every body.
- Make tea a transition tool: post-nap reset, evening wind-down, or mid-morning ritual.
- Blend your own with what you have—dried orange peel, a few rose petals, or leftover ginger slices go a long way.
- Sip without multitasking once in a while—let the moment be the medicine, not just the cup.
More Than Just a Mug: What Herbal Teas Have Taught Me
Herbal teas are slow medicine. They don’t promise instant fixes, and they don’t need to. They invite you to pause, listen, and connect—to your body, to the present, to the way you want to feel.
You don’t need to memorize all the benefits or own every herb. Just begin with one that speaks to you. Let it become part of your rhythm. Then, maybe, let another one in. Before long, you might find—like I did—that tea becomes not just something you drink, but something that supports your whole self.
Here’s to warm hands, nourished hearts, and the slow, beautiful work of caring for ourselves—one steep at a time.
