Teas made from adaptogenic herbs are, perhaps literally, just what the doctor ordered.
This month marks a seasonal change—and we can’t help but translate the mood to our beverage appetite. We’re craving a little something(s) different for the warmer months, and teas made from adaptogenic herbs are, perhaps literally, just what the doctor ordered.
If you’re trying to conjure what an adaptogenic herb actually is, you’re not alone. But the interest in this group of substances is steadily growing among health practitioners. According to Healthline, adaptogens are plant-based compounds that can mitigate the effects of stress on the body. While they can be synthetically created, they are also naturally occurring, which is where our lovely adaptogenic teas come in.
There are all kinds of plants, including roots, rhizomes (hello, turmeric!), flowers and herbs, that contain adaptogens. Since it would be too tough to pick one or two, we’ve done the legwork to bring you our top five picks...
1. Dandelion Root
We always love to start off strong. If you’re looking for amazing, robust-yet-delicate flavor to come out of your naturally occurring adaptogens, dandelion root tea is your best bet. This blend, Organic Digestion, is suited to its title. Combined with rooibos and a number of other nutritious elements, it’s a stomach soother if we ever saw one. The adaptogens in the dandelion root are said to help the body cope with—you guessed it—stress, plus promote more efficient healing. According to UCLA Health, “Experts believe that adaptogens interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which initiates your body’s stress response and plays a big role in keeping your body in balance.”
2. Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Try tea blends containing tulsi or holy basil, like Heavenly Tea Leaves’ Organic Detox, in order to get top stress-busting benefits. According to the National Institute of Health, the perks that come from the potent herb holy basil produce “pharmacological actions help the body and mind cope with a wide range of chemical, physical, infectious and emotional stresses and restore physiological and psychological function.” These include antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, antiviral and anti-fungal benefits, plus a lot more. We’re sold!
3. Ginger
Very few ingredients are better known than ginger when it comes to promoting digestive health. We’ve certainly gone down the ginger rabbit hole before, and we can vouch that adaptogens are just a fraction of what this coveted root has to offer. Our Organic Lemon Ginger blend perfectly encapsulates the adaptogenic benefits of ginger into a spicy, zingy drink. This caffeine-free blend contains both lemongrass and lemon peel as complementary flavors, making not only its taste balance, but also its bevy of wellness properties.
4. Turmeric
We can’t say enough about turmeric—most notably, its ability to fight inflammation, which is a key indicator of whether our health is headed south. Turmeric is a rhizome that can be used fresh, but more commonly comes in powdered form and can be used as a spice in food or an natural superfood additive in blends or beverages, like our Turmeric Ginger tisane variety. This organic tea also contains the aforementioned ginger, delivering a one-two punch; both turmeric and ginger have been used for centuries as natural anti-inflammatories and boast a number of other health benefits.
5. Moringa
Last but not least on the adaptogenic lineup is our Organic Moringa, featuring the star ingredient moringa. Its leaves come from a plant known as the miracle tree. Moringa is an exceptionally nutrient-dense superfood that increases mental energy and clarity, contains powerful antioxidants, and contains anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. The leaf has been used extensively in Ayurvedic practices, typically steeped as a tea. With grassy and earthy notes, this tisane will give you a boost of energy. And, like any purely herbal tea, this one is caffeine-free.
So, how are we doing on convincing you that you can help ease your mind and body with just a few sips a day? What’s great about adaptogenic herbs is that they come in so many flavor profiles, each one with a unique bevy of age-defying, stress-defying wellness benefits. As part of a holistic lifestyle, it’s been shown that a cup or two of hot (or iced!) adaptogenic tea a day can do the body and mind wonders, and promote the longevity we’re all looking for.