Herbal Teas
5 Herbal Teas I Reach for When I Need to Unwind
Tea became my evening ritual almost by accident u2014 I was trying to cut back on an after-dinner glass of wine and needed something to do with my hands instead. Two years later, I have opinions. These are the five herbal teas that actually made the cut in my kitchen cabinet, ranked by nothing except how often I actually reach for them.
#1
Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile, 96 Tea Bags
Chamomile is the tea I make when I do not want to think about which tea to make. It is mild, a little sweet, and forgiving if I forget it in the cup for too long. This brand's bags are compostable too, which is a small thing but one I appreciate every single night.
- USDA organic and Non-GMO Verified
- Mild, forgiving, hard to oversteep
- My default, no-thinking-required tea
#2
Traditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night Extra (Valerian Root)
This is the one I save for actual bad-sleep nights, not every day. Valerian has a distinct earthy, almost mossy taste that I did not love at first but have grown genuinely fond of. I notice a difference in how quickly I drift off compared to chamomile alone, though I keep it occasional rather than nightly, as the label itself suggests.
- Blends valerian with passionflower and lemon balm
- Earthy, minty taste u2014 an acquired one
- My occasional, not-every-night option
#3
Traditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night (Passionflower)
Softer than the valerian blend, with a minty, slightly citrusy taste that is easier to drink quickly. I reach for this one on nights when I am tired but not particularly anxious u2014 it feels like a gentler nudge toward winding down rather than a strong sedative-tasting brew.
- Passionflower blended with chamomile and linden
- Minty, sweet, easy to drink
- My pick for a gentle wind-down
#4
Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile with Lavender
This is the one I actually crave, not just drink out of habit. The lavender comes through clearly without tasting like soap, which is a real risk with lavender teas. If I am making tea for a guest who has never tried herbal tea before, this is the bag I hand them.
- Chamomile, lavender and lemon balm blend
- Distinct floral lavender note, not soapy
- The one I actually crave
#5
Traditional Medicinals Organic Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is my daytime pick when I still want the calming ritual but not the drowsiness. It has a light, citrusy taste that works iced in the summer too, which none of the others on this list really do. It has become my afternoon reset more than a bedtime tea.
- Light, citrusy, mildly relaxing
- Works well iced, not just hot
- My afternoon reset, not just a bedtime tea
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