When you drink herbal tea, you enjoy health benefits and rich flavors, all at once. Herbal teas, also known as functional and botanical blends, generally contain little to zero “true tea” (black, green, white, etc). Peppermint makes a common functional tea, which has soothed upset stomachs for hundreds of years. Most functional teas are caffeine-free (excluding yerba maté, or the few herbal blends with small amounts of true tea, Camellia sinensis).

Herbal tea health benefits are far-reaching. Lake Missoula Tea Company blends over thirty unique botanical blends, about half of which are meant to aid in a specific restorative process. These five functional teas speak to some of the most common human ailments.

Functional Teas to Try

Have a headache? This functional blend includes white willow bark, the original aspirin, as a primary ingredient to stop headaches. Other ingredients include feverfew, yarrow, and lemon verbena, complementing the properties of white willow bark, and enhancing flavor.

Skin Glow. Detoxifies the body and improves circulation. Zesty citrus flavors and hints of honey make this herbal blend taste superb, while also aiding overall skin health.

Stress Less. Combine your calming tea ritual with a blend focused around adaptogenic ashwagandha, whose properties alleviate stress… Goodbye anxiety. Hello earthen malt flavors, with hints of cocoa and citrus, blended into a satisfying indigo-colored brew.

Turmeric Twirl. Functions similarly to our Joint Peace Tea, although very different in flavor. Turmeric Twirl spotlights the anti-inflammatory qualities of turmeric and rooibos. If you love chai spices with a sweet twist, or simply desire the anti-inflammatory effects, then this blend is for you.

No Thyme for Cold & Flu. This botanical blend packs a punch during cold and flu season. Thyme is the prominent ingredient, known for clearing the respiratory tract and acting as a decongestant. It acts as a powerful antiseptic: antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibiotic. Licorice helps clear the respiratory tract and soothe indigestion. Elderberry, echinacea, and marshmallow root also help boost the immune system. The thyme-forward flavor finishes with sweet licorice lingering on your tongue. While it has many medicinal properties, No Thyme also makes a hearty and flavorful cup of tea.

A Healthy Lifestyle

Tea can help promote a healthy and wholesome lifestyle: devoid of jitters, caffeine crashing, and stress. Remember that functional teas cannot guarantee immediate results. Just as brewing tea takes time, so can the benefits of drinking it. Also, not every botanical blend has a specific function in mind. Some simply capture a flavor and taste good. For this reason, we have distinct herbal categories on our website (with some crossover): Botanical Blends and Functional Blends.

Lastly, we recommended brew times on all of our tea packages, but when it comes to our functional blends, extended brewing times may provide more potent effects. A longer steep with your herbal will intensify the flavor (for better or worse!), but also maximize the benefits, including minerals, proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants. Read more about it at Fresh Cup.

So, get steeping and sipping your way to a healthier life!

Written by Adam Lunday