With every new year comes a new set of resolutions, things we vow we’re going to do or change before the end of that year. According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45% of Americans make resolutions, but only 8% actually achieve them. 24% of people never succeed and fail every year. 49% have infrequent success.
While the top 10 resolutions include exactly what you might think–weight loss, less spending, stay healthy and fit, get organized, and quit smoking–there’s one other resolution that many people make, and that is to quit caffeine.
Like every other resolution, quitting caffeine isn’t an easy thing to do. Unless you’re 100% committed to doing it, that is. Headaches, irritability, and mood swings aside, there are healthy alternatives to your beloved morning coffee and afternoon energy drink.
Kick Caffeine with Herbal Teas
There are a number of people out there who cringe when they hear the word tea. I know. I used to be one of them.
When I was 10, I was watching an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation with one of my uncles in my Grandma’s basement. I wanted a can of Pepsi in the worst way, and my uncle said no. We argued. Finally he said he’d get me something to try, and if I didn’t like it, I could have a Pepsi.Â
He came back downstairs a short time later with a hot cup of caffeine-free orangeberry tea with honey. I had planned to just tell him I didn’t like it to get to the Pepsi quicker, but I couldn’t do it. That tea was delicious!
That’s one of my favorite things about tea. There are so many variations and flavors that you’re bound to find one you love. Herbal teas, however, pack a little extra nutritional punch.
Herbal Teas: Nutrition, Health Benefits, and No Caffeine
Because the herbs used in teas are all-natural, most of them contain nutrients that support optimal overall health. Many herbals tea varieties are known to deliver antioxidant properties, at the very least, and if you think your morning coffee provides health benefits, you need to check out what these caffeine-free teas can offer.
1. Chaga Tea
Brewed from chaga mushrooms and used in Europe since the 16th century, chaga tea is a powerful adaptogen and provides a number of health benefits. According to ChagaTea.org, “The average daily Chaga drinker lives to be 85 to 100 years old.”
What You Need to Know:
- Chaga tea contains B vitamins, flavonoids, phenols, minerals, pantothenic acid, and enzymes
- It contains approximately 215 potent and unique phytonutrients to support optimal health
- Chaga tea helps boost your immune system health and function and supports optimal digestive health and function
- It may also help keep you protected against oxidative damage
2. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is brewed from dried chamomile blossoms that look similar to a daisy. It has been sued in traditional medicine for a number of years and may deliver nutritional and cosmetic benefits. The two most used (and studied) variations are German chamomile and Roman chamomile.
What You Need to Know:
- Chamomile tea contains bisabolol, flavonoids, and small amounts of vitamin A, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium
- It helps relieve insomnia and other sleep disorders, and boosts your immune system
- Chamomile tea may also help address anxiety, panic attacks, and muscle twitches
- It may also help relieve menstrual cramps and address conditions like psoriasis, eczema, ulcers, chicken pox, and the stomach flu
3. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is sometimes known as “sour tea,” and is a refreshing summer drink with a deep red color. It is brewed from the hibiscus flower, and was originally grown in Angola, but can be found many other places today, such as Mexico, Egypt, Thailand, Sudan, and China. It contains a wealth of nutrients and is delicious when brewed hot or poured over ice.
What You Need to Know:
- Hibiscus tea contains quercetin, anthocyanins, alkaloids, allohydroxycitric lactone, and citric, malic, and tartaric acids
- It supports optimal respiratory, skin, and heart health
- Hibiscus tea is rich in Vitamin C and helps give your immune system a healthy boost
- It also contains a high number of antioxidants that keep your body protected against free-radical damage
4. Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea isn’t actually a tea (if you’re a tea snob). It’s an herbal infusion, but still tastes very much like a regular tea. Rooibos tea is packed with nutrients and with no caffeine, can be consumed more than once every day for optimal health.
What You Need to Know:
- Rooibos tea contains a wide range of antioxidants, including aspalathin and nothofagin, two polyphenols
- It also contains a number of essential minerals, such as calcium, manganese, zinc, and iron
- Rooibos tea may help improve your circulation and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels healthy
- It contains quercetin, which can help relieve stomach cramps and indigestion
5. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is made from dried peppermint plant leaves. It has a deliciously fresh and slightly sweet flavor. It is very fragrant and provides a number of health benefits. Peppermint Tea is not meant to be drank by expecting mothers, people with heartburn, or people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease.
What You Need to Know:
- Peppermint Tea can enhance your digestion and may help relieve nausea and ease vomiting
- It has a natural mint flavor that works to freshen your breath
- Peppermint Tea may help control muscle aches and reduce stress
- It may also help clear congestion and help you find relief from coughing
6. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a natural stimulator and energizer for your whole body. It’s brewed from the ginger root and is naturally caffeine-free. Ginger provides many health benefits as well.
What You Need to Know:
- Ginger tea has been known to help relieve stomach upset, as well as feeling of nausea
- It also stimulated and soothes your digestive system
- Ginger tea may also help address symptoms of arthritis in some people
- It may also help relieve muscle soreness and menstrual cramps
7. Herbal Coffee Tea
Maca is a superfood that is packed with nutrition. It’s growing in popularity, and is part of this amazingly bold coffee alternative. If you’re having a hard time giving up coffee and just can’t handle the teas above, herbal coffee tea is for you.
What You Need to Know:
- Herbal Coffee Tea contains maca powder, carob, dandelion root, and chicory root
- It’s caffeine-free, yet still looks and tastes just like coffee with it’s dark color and rich, bold flavor
- Herbal Coffee Tea is made from 100% organic ingredients
- It’s a deep and invigorating coffee alternative
Try the Good Taste of Tea
Switching from coffee to tea doesn’t have to be an awful experience. While you may miss the caffeine, after a few days, you won’t even notice it’s gone. These teas may be caffeine-free, but they pack a huge taste punch, and we’re sure you’ll find a variety you love.
If you’re not ready to go cold turkey just yet, there are varieties of tea that have small amounts of caffeine. White teas contain anywhere from 5 to 30mg of caffeine, which is the lightest next to caffeine-free. The good news is that white teas come in  a large number of flavors, so if weening yourself off caffeine is more your style, go from coffee to white tea, and then gradually to a caffeine-free choice.
Is this your year to kick the caffeine horse? How are you planning to do it? We’d love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below!
We’d also like to take this time to wish you and yours a very Happy New Year, from all of us here at Natural Healthy Concepts.
Featured Image Credit: pmagalhaes via Flickr.
