Herbal Teas and Caffeine Content
Herbal teas are a great way to hydrate and enjoy a hot beverage without the added caffeine boost. But just how much caffeine is in herbal tea?
What is Herbal Tea?
Herbal tea, or tisane, is an infusion made from the leaves, flowers, roots, or other parts of plants, not Camellia sinensis, so it does not contain any tea. The most common infusions are made from chamomile, peppermint, ginger, lemon, echinacea, and hibiscus. It is a soothing and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Is Herbal Tea Caffeinated?
Generally speaking, herbal teas do not contain caffeine. The herbs used to make the tea do not naturally contain caffeine, so there is no worry about the amount of caffeine in the tea. However, there are a few exceptions. Some herbal teas may contain caffeine if mate tea leaves, guayusa leaves, or matcha powder are added.
Caffeine Content in Popular Herbal Teas
- Chamomile tea: Typically caffeine-free.
- Peppermint tea: Typically caffeine-free.
- Ginger tea: Typically caffeine-free.
- Lemon balm tea: Typically caffeine-free.
- Echinacea tea: Typically caffeine-free.
- Hibiscus tea: Typically contains 1-8 mg of caffeine per 8 oz.
- Mate tea: Contains 78-102 mg of caffeine per 8 oz.
- Guayusa tea: Contains 34-85 mg of caffeine per 8 oz.
- Matcha tea: Contains 35-110 mg of caffeine per 8 oz.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, herbal teas are a great way to enjoy a hot beverage without the added caffeine boost. While most herbal teas are caffeine-free, there are a few exceptions such as mate, guayusa, and matcha teas, so it is important to check the label before consuming.
