Tea Talks & Trends: What’s Brewing in Wellness Circles Right Now?

by Dr. LaSonya Lopez, MD

November 1, 2024

Hey tea lovers and wellness warriors! If there’s one thing that goes hand-in-hand with self-care and wellness these days, it’s a comforting cup of tea. In a world that’s constantly buzzing, more and more of us are looking for simple, meaningful ways to feel good and take care of ourselves. And that’s where tea comes in—an ancient staple that’s finding its way into modern wellness conversations in the most exciting ways.

So, what’s trending in the world of wellness, and how do our favorite teas fit into the mix? Grab your favorite mug, settle in, and let’s dive into the world of tea and wellness!

1. Adaptogens: Nature’s Chill Pills

Adaptogens are all the rage right now, and for a good reason. These natural herbs are said to help the body resist stress and bring balance to both mind and body. People are turning to adaptogens like ashwagandha, holy basil, and reishi mushrooms to handle the day-to-day roller coaster. Adaptogenic tea blends, which include ashwagandha, are perfect for a post-work unwind or for sipping on during those marathon Zoom days when you need a little calm to carry you through.

Adaptogen Chill Tea

Ingredients: 1 tsp ashwagandha powder, 1 tsp holy basil (tulsi), 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers, honey to taste
Instructions: Steep ashwagandha, holy basil, and chamomile in hot water for 5–7 minutes. Strain, add honey, and enjoy for a calming tea break.

2. Gut Health Love with Fermented Teas

Gut health is another major wellness focus, and fermented teas like kombucha and pu-erh are in the spotlight. These teas contain probiotics, which are basically friendly bacteria that help keep our digestive systems happy. While kombucha has been popular for a while, pu-erh tea is also gaining ground for its rich, earthy flavor and gut-balancing benefits. Drinking these teas regularly is a tasty way to give your digestive system a little extra support.

Gut Health Fermented Tea (DIY Kombucha)

Ingredients: 1 kombucha tea bag (or black tea bag), 1 tsp loose pu-erh tea, optional 1–2 tbsp kombucha starter
Instructions: Steep tea bags in hot water for 4–5 minutes, then let cool. Add kombucha starter if desired for a probiotic boost. Chill and enjoy!

3. Immune Boosting Brews

With wellness on everyone’s mind, immune health has taken center stage. Teas rich in antioxidants and vitamins, like those containing ginger, turmeric, elderberry, and echinacea, are especially popular right now. These immunity blends features some of these powerhouse ingredients to support your body’s natural defenses. So, whether you’re facing cold season or just want to keep your immune system in top shape, immune-boosting teas are a delicious and soothing option.

Immunity Boosting Blend

Ingredients: 1 tsp dried elderberry, 1 tsp dried echinacea, 1 slice fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp turmeric, lemon juice, and honey to taste
Instructions: Boil elderberry, echinacea, ginger, and turmeric in water for 10 minutes. Strain, add lemon juice and honey, and sip for immune support.

4. Calm Down with Caffeine Alternatives

More people are opting for caffeine-free alternatives as part of their wellness routines, wanting to reduce that mid-afternoon jitter or improve their sleep quality. Herbal teas like chamomile, rooibos, and peppermint are caffeine-free options that are perfect for a cozy wind-down routine. Chamomile, especially, has been a go-to for generations when it comes to relaxation and sleep support. If you're looking for something calming and caffeine-free, these blends are a perfect way to unwind.

Calming Caffeine-Free Herbal Tea

Ingredients: 1 tsp dried chamomile, 1 tsp rooibos, 1 tsp dried peppermint leaves
Instructions: Steep chamomile, rooibos, and peppermint in hot water for 5 minutes. Strain and enjoy as a relaxing evening ritual.

5. Glow from the Inside Out with Beauty Teas

“Beauty from within” is a wellness mantra that’s gaining major momentum. Beauty teas are packed with skin-loving ingredients like rose petals, hibiscus, and dandelion root, all of which are known to support skin health. These teas work from the inside out to help keep your skin looking fresh and glowing, naturally. Beauty-focused blends make a great addition to your self-care routine, so you can sip your way to radiant skin.

Glow-Boosting Beauty Tea

Ingredients: 1 tsp dried rose petals, 1 tsp dried hibiscus, 1 tsp dandelion root, honey or a squeeze of lemon to taste
Instructions: Steep rose petals, hibiscus, and dandelion root in hot water for 5 minutes. Strain, add honey or lemon if desired, and enjoy this beauty elixir!

6. Digestive Wellness: The Power of Peppermint and Fennel

Digestive teas, especially those with ingredients like peppermint, fennel, and ginger, are flying off the shelves as people seek natural ways to support digestion. These herbs help soothe the stomach, ease bloating, and improve digestion, making them popular after-meal choices. Digestive wellness blends brings these ingredients together for a balanced, calming experience that’s as comforting as it is beneficial.

Digestive Wellness Soother

Ingredients: 1 tsp dried peppermint leaves, 1 tsp fennel seeds, 1 slice fresh ginger
Instructions: Steep peppermint, fennel seeds, and ginger in hot water for 5 minutes. Strain and drink after meals to aid digestion.

7. Energy, but Make It Natural

More people are looking for natural energy boosts instead of relying on coffee or artificial energy drinks. Enter energizing teas! Green tea, yerba mate, and matcha are amazing alternatives to coffee, with just enough caffeine to get you going without the crash. Plus, they’re packed with antioxidants, so you’re getting an extra boost of wellness along with your energy.

Natural Energy Booster

Ingredients: 1 tsp matcha powder or 1 tsp loose yerba mate, optional sweetener or milk for matcha
Instructions: For matcha, whisk the powder in hot water (or with milk for a latte). For yerba mate, steep for 5 minutes. Enjoy for a gentle caffeine boost.

8. Functional Teas for a Purpose-Driven Sip

Functional teas—blends made to target specific wellness goals like relaxation, energy, or mental clarity—are hotter than ever. People want teas that do more than just taste good; they want teas that work. Purpose-driven teas, from stress support to digestion, makes it easy to pick a blend that suits your current vibe or wellness goal. Sip with intention and let these blends bring you closer to the results you’re looking for!

Functional Focus Blend

Ingredients: 1 tsp dried ginseng root, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp green tea leaves, optional honey
Instructions: Steep ginseng, rosemary, and green tea in hot water for 5 minutes. Strain, add honey if desired, and enjoy this mental clarity blend.

Wrapping It Up: Finding Your Perfect Cup

In today’s wellness world, tea is so much more than a drink. It’s a ritual, a moment of self-care, and a way to stay connected with natural wellness. With so many incredible tea trends brewing, there’s something for everyone—from those looking to relax and de-stress, to those looking to energize and glow from the inside out.

So, next time you’re looking to add a little something extra to your wellness routine, look no further than your favorite tea blend. After all, self-care starts with simple, nourishing moments—one sip at a time.