The Best Caffeine-Free Tea Varieties from Mushroom to Herbal

There’s no denying that, in a pinch, a cup of coffee is the quickest pick-me-up to get through a long day. However, a caffeine dependency caused by excessive consumption can do more hurt than the intended good, resulting in headaches, irritability, and insomnia.

Rather than dooming ourselves to continue the cycle or just quit caffeinated drinks cold turkey, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best caffeine-free and decaffeinated teas available to begin curbing our java habits.

The best mushroom-based caffeine-free teas

In addition to zero-to-low-caffeine content, these herbal teas offer more antioxidants and extra health benefits than your typical bean juice. While the thought of drinking teas sourced from mushrooms may throw you, many of these blends have been used medicinally for centuries and are available for purchase in powdered or tincture form on Amazon or any health food store.

Chaga tea

The Chaga mushroom, known as the “King of the Herbs,” has been used for centuries across Eastern Europe and Asia to boost immunity and overall health. Typically enjoyed as a tea and naturally caffeine-free, it’s no surprise this is first on our list.

With qualities that can help lower blood sugar, Chaga has been used to fight diabetes and other ailments, like heart and liver disease.

While more research is needed to accurately claim that Chaga and other mushrooms are cures for any of these ailments, they are still excellent additions to your daily cup of tea to reduce your daily caffeine intake.

Reishi tea

In addition to its immunity-boosting properties, many opt for a cup of Reishi tea for its promising anti-cancer agents and stress-relieving qualities.

While already containing no caffeine, Reishi is known best for its mood-boosting, relaxing feeling after drinking a cuppa. In the long term, Reishi tea can also aid in fighting depressive symptoms and fatigue, meaning this caffeine-free tea actually helps you to become better rested over time.

Lion’s mane tea

Those looking for another anxiety and depression-reducing tea should turn to Lion’s Mane, the shaggy-haired mushroom that improves mental clarity and can reduce memory-loss symptoms.

Unwinding with a mug of Lion’s Mane in your tea bag will not only heighten your awakeness during the daytime, but this caffeine-free substitute will continuously bolster your mental awareness over time.

Maitake tea

For tea lovers who struggle with the dark, cold days of the winter season and want an earthy chai or matcha substitute, Maitake tea might be the perfect fit. Rich with Vitamin D, this mushroom will not only aid in depressive symptoms but also bolster your immune system and lower cholesterol.

The best herbal caffeine-free teas

If mushroom-based teas aren’t for you, we’ve included a few herbal options to add to your hot water. These, and other herbal teas, are made from ground flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds, rather than growing from the Camellia sinensis plant that gives green tea, black tea, white tea, and more its high caffeine content.

Ginger tea

Commonly enjoyed as iced tea or in a wellness shot with turmeric, lemon, and a sprinkle of black pepper, ginger has become a staple for many in their health journeys.

For a good reason, too- ginger supports a healthy respiratory and immune system, regulates nausea, and can improve cognitive function.

While your typical cup of green tea, oolong tea, or black tea may provide similar health benefits, ginger does not grow from the Camellia sinensis plant, the source of caffeine in most teas.

Chamomile tea

Another naturally caffeine-free tea, chamomile is a staple in many sleepytime herbal tea blends. This loose-leaf tea blossoms with floral flavor as chamomile petals infuse with hot water.

During the colder seasons, this decaf tea is quintessential in fighting colds and getting good sleep. For those whose joints stiffen up in the cold or have troubling arthritis symptoms, chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties are sure to lend a helping hand.

Peppermint tea

Those who suffer from migraines or sinus infections, like myself, will understand the holy-grail status of peppermint tea.

This slightly-sweet, minty tea will send a zing through your nose, mouth, and whole body with each sip- who needs caffeine? Refreshing and cool, peppermint tea will not only wake you up sans stimulants but also fight the midday tension headache.

Studies also show that peppermint tea and its scent can aid cognitive performance, like short-term memory improvements.

In addition to helping solve issues upstairs, peppermint tea can soothe problems like indigestion and menstrual cramps, giving your entire body an extra pep.

Dandelion tea

Dandelion tea is one of the best caffeine-free teas for those whose goals may be to cut caffeine and lose weight. In addition to a healthy diet and exercise regimen, dandelion tea inhibits the activity of pancreatic lipase, which is released during fat digestion, which essentially means it reduces fat absorption.

With caffeine levels at zero, the real hero of dandelion tea is its high levels of Potassium, the mineral and electrolyte that gets our heart rates up without stimulants.

Cutting coffee, energy drinks, or any of our favorite go-go juices out of our lives feels extreme. Whether you’d like to quit or curb your caffeine habit, these tasty options will hopefully help you detox from the java jitters.