Does Herbal Tea Have Caffeine

Herbal teas contain a significant number of compounds called polyphenols which possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. They help detoxify, reduce oxidative stress, and promote cellular channels that promote tissue repair. Specifically, the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the most studied polyphenol. Increased consumption of EGCG has been linked to several health benefits such as lower risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.

But what about other benefits of herbal teas, such as caffeine? Does herbal tea have caffeine?

Click here to check out our post about whether white teas have caffeine. You’d be surprised!

Well most teas are made from the camellia sinensis plant, such as white, green and black tea; however, herbal teas are not made from Camellia sinensis plant leaves. Generally, herbal teas are made from herbaceous plants and flowers.

Examples of herbal teas are rose, lemon balm, rosehip, cinnamon, mint, chamomile, lemongrass, hibiscus, and dandelion just to name a few.

Typically the above herbal teas do not contain caffeine; however, there is another type of herbal tea called yerba mate which comes from South America. It is cultivated from the Ilex paraguariensis plant leaves and contains approximately 80mg of caffeine per 8-fluid ounces.

Likewise, the guarana herbal tea is also from South America and it also contains caffeine. Guarana herbal teas have approximately 47mg of caffeine per 8-fluid ounces.

Flavors are Amazing

Energy Boost Potential

Although not all herbal teas will have caffeine, their flavor will definitely give you a sense of boost in energy. For example, peppermint tea has stimulating properties that trigger alertness to our senses versus chamomile herbal tea which is more calming. Same as licorice herbal tea which has a flavor profile that is very stimulating even though it has little to no caffeine content.

So in summary, most herbal teas are caffeine-free but there are a few exceptions like the yerba mate which is cultivated from the Ilex paraguariensis plant.