Wondering which herbal tea is best for you? From ginger to cinnamon, here’s a list of the best, nutritionist-approved, health-boosting teas.

Aside from water, tea is the most popular beverage in the world, and for many, it’s practically medicine in a mug. 

Nothing beats a hand-warming mug of herbal tea on a cold day, but it’s worth noting that sipping on herbs can also boast a huge range of health benefits. Not only that but they’re low in calories and high in antioxidants, helping protect the body from free radicals.

And who better than nutritionists themselves to share and recommend their favourite herbal flavours? Here, five experts let us in on their daily must-have…

To kick start digestion
Jo Webber, Head of Herbal Education and Ayurvedic Practitioner

“As a practitioner, I’m keen to keep my digestive fire ‘stoked’, so I start every day with a Pukka Herbs Feel New, sometimes with an added twist of lemon.” 

Jo explains that the spices in the tea provide a gentle cleanse for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract before breakfast.

“As well as fennel, this tea blend contains turmeric which has so many protective benefits and is a great spice for supporting healthy digestion and gut health. It’s my favourite way to start the day.”

For an injection of iron
Angela Dowden, Health Writer and Registered Nutritionist

“I love mint and coriander, which you can get growing in pots in nearly all supermarkets. I like them mainly for the taste, but these two herbs also have more iron per gram than beef. I steep them in water every day for a delicious tea and often add them to salads.”

To manage energy levels
Jenna Hope, MSc Nutritionist and Brand Consultant

“I love a tea that’s rich in spices and contain antioxidant properties. Cinnamon is great as it hits the sweet spot whilst also playing a role in stabilizing blood sugar levels making it the perfect mid-afternoon cuppa.”

For focus and clarity
Holly Huntley, Qualified Nutritional Therapist and Herbal Specialist

“Tulsi tea is my go-to herbal brew in the afternoon. It’s the ultimate 3 o’clock brain fog buster.” Holly adds: “Tulsi, otherwise known as Holy Basil, has a fresh distinct flavour and is naturally caffeine-free. It’s renowned for awakening the mind and calming any nervous tension.”

The one packed with antioxidants
Kim Pearson, Nutrition and Gut Health Specialist

“I drink green tea every day and even take it on holiday with me. Green tea is a fantastic source of antioxidants; nutrients that help to protect our cells from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.”

High levels of free radicals have been linked to a range of illnesses such as cancer and diabetes.

Kim adds: “In the summer I cold brew it and take it to the gym with me to help counteract the free radicals produced during training. I enjoy the taste of more delicate, floral green teas and the caffeine is a bonus!”

words by Charlotte Dormon