From yerba mate to nettle, the teas worth a spot in your cupboard.
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Being British, I treat the kettle like emergency equipment. Good news or bad, somebody in a British kitchen will get up and switch it on. My own cup is strong black tea with a little stevia, and my daily count would probably alarm most Americans.
Still, black tea is only one corner of the tea aisle, and a few of the more interesting brews grow wild in backyards. |
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Let’s find out why!
Tim Snaith
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
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Written by Tim Snaith
October 1, 2026 • 3 min read |
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| What teas can do for you |
Did you know green and black tea come from the same plant? The difference lies in processing: black tea leaves oxidize in the air until they turn dark, while green tea skips that step and retains more of the antioxidant EGCG. Research on how the two compare links both to heart and brain benefits, with no clear winner. Green and black tea both contain L-theanine, an amino acid that research links to lower stress and better sleep. Paired with tea’s caffeine, it helps explain that relaxed focus tea drinkers know well.
The list below starts with those classics, then moves through herbal brews for an unsettled stomach, a couple of garden plants worth steeping, and a South American drink with coffee-level caffeine.
π΅ Green tea earns its reputation. Regular green tea drinking is linked to sharper thinking and a lower chance of cognitive decline with age. In one Japanese study, people who drank five or more cups a day had a lower risk of death from any cause.
π§ Yerba mate packs a coffee-sized kick. A cup of this South American brew contains around 80 milligrams of caffeine – about the same as coffee – along with a good dose of antioxidants. Let it cool before sipping, since heavy long-term drinking of very hot mate is tied to a higher risk of some cancers.
π« Ginger and chamomile for an unsettled stomach. These brews have the most research supporting their use for nausea and indigestion. Peppermint soothes many stomach complaints, but it can worsen acid reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
π± Peppermint is about more than fresh breath. In addition to relaxing the gut muscles, a small 2025 study found that compounds in peppermint tea boosted blood flow to the brain and sharpened thinking. It’s naturally free of caffeine and calories, too.
πΊ Ginger is worth trying for period cramps. This root also has a strong scientific backing, easing period pain about as well as common over-the-counter pain relievers.
πΏ Nettle tea is a versatile natural remedy. Stinging nettle is rich in polyphenols, and research links nettle extract to fewer urinary symptoms in men with an enlarged prostate and lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
πΌ Dandelion root, the backyard coffee stand-in. Dried and ground, the root brews into a coffee-like drink that contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds gut bacteria and helps keep you regular. If you’re allergic to ragweed, check with a doctor first.
π Adaptogenic teas for stress relief. Herbs such as ginseng and licorice root turn up in plenty of tea blends, and early research links adaptogens to less fatigue and better focus. (Human studies remain limited, and some of these herbs interact with medications.)
πͺ· Tea may ease symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC). In small studies of people with UC, compounds in green tea and curcumin (from turmeric) eased symptoms. A warm cup also helps replace fluids lost during a flare, which makes it a sensible sidekick to regular treatment.
Most of these teas are safe to enjoy every day. Herbal brews can interact with some medications, so if you take any, run your new favorite past your doctor or pharmacist. If your favorite tea didn’t make our list, let us know! |
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| Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com, and we’ll look into it for you! (Heads-up: We may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.) |
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| And the winners are… |
We know you’re tired of sifting through overblown medical claims in your feeds. Us, too. So this year, our product testers have been hard at work assessing the safety, effectiveness, and quality of more than 90 health and wellness products to figure out what’s really worth your time, energy, and money. After months of testing and weeks of deliberation, we’re excited to bring you our full list of winners for the 2026 Healthline Awards!
We carefully vetted every brand and product on our list to make sure they meet our medical credibility and business standards. Check out our full reviews and winners for the best in creatine, probiotics, recovery devices, health trackers, and more categories below. |
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| What we’re digesting |
| π‘ 11 Early Signs of Dementia: What to Watch Out For |
| π€ Pain Under Right Breast: Causes and Treatments |
| π₯ 11 Best Foods and Drinks for Helping You Sleep |
| π« The 8 Best Carbs for Fat Loss, According to a Dietitian |
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| Until next time, |
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Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon! |
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