💭 Reviews from a Herbal Tea Convert

Welcome to the post no one asked for; my opinions on herbal tea as someone on doctor's orders not to touch caffeine.

Let me start by saying I (and I can’t understate this enough) h a t e d herbal tea. I probably do still hate some herbal teas, but you’ll probably have to take my opinions here as the hill upon which I die when it comes to herbal teas. I’m unsure I’ll be delirious enough again to create another post solely dedicated to the subject. Perhaps when I’m old and senile if Substack still exists.

My hot beverage journey started late, and I was one of those awful, sacrilegious people, who destroyed their caffeinated beverages with far too much milk, and far too much sugar. One thing I’ve never understood - sorry, coffee aficionados - is the outrage at my creating a dive-bar version of a Starbucks Cappucino. After all, I’m convinced to this day that my ‘extra milk and lots of sugar’ approach is basically what this equates to - sans ridiculous amounts of frothing. Apparently, it still wasn’t okay… But I suppose that’s tea for another day…

I had a reputation, during my first explorations into the world of work, for my hot drink habits: An old colleague, when on his tea rounds, would ask me if I wanted my ‘tea-flavoured-syrup’. The answer? Well obviously.

During my Masters and most recent employments, right up until just two months ago, I survived on coffee, first with ‘real’ milk, and later with oat milk (miles better, tastes sweeter, argue with the wall).

So, I’d say I’m an expert in consuming copious amounts of caffeine to survive, particularly of the overtly sugary, and exceptionally milky, variety. You’ll understand, then, my absolute mortification when my doctor told me - with no pre-warning, no aftercare, and almost an audacious snort of what I can only describe as glee - that I was to stop drinking caffeine.

Immediately.

brb, crying into my coffee cup

🥹 The aftermath

For the first week, I felt bizarre.

I was irritable, exhausted, and felt adrift without my morning ritual of sweet, caffeinated nectar to reach for. After all, what was a morning without the strong smell of coffee drifting through the kitchen?

Like someone weaning themselves from nicotine, or any other drug, I decided to reach for an alternative replacement supplement or habit.

In my case?

🍵 Twinings Superblends

And oh boy, did they work.

I raided (quite literally) Holland & Barrett’s, and reached for things I thought would counteract my general bizarre feelings. Initially, some herbs and supplements, and then I reached the tea section.

I’d wanted to find some decaffeinated stuff with other benefits - lions mane mushroom, for instance, attributed with providing deeper focus - but was quickly swept away by the colourful display before me; oh yes, boys and girls, herbal teas.

Now, I’ll reiterate, I did not like herbal teas. I suppose you should expect that given how much sugar I told you I add to tea and coffee. So why I picked any up and decided to give them a go (besides the colourful packaging, and 3 for 2 deal) was beyond me - and I still can’t remember my thought process - but I am so glad I did.

Photo by TEAcreativelife │ Soo Chung on Unsplash

💞 My favourites

Obviously, as tea lovers, this is why you’re still reading. So, without further ado, let’s get into the top three teas I’d recommend you get your mitts on from the Twinings Superblends range only (because that’s currently where I’m at, and what I’m exploring) as well as some solid alternatives - in case your first choice isn’t in stock.

🧘‍♀️ Calm: Spiced camomile & vanilla with roasted chicory root

The OG, my favourite, the first one I picked up and the one I genuinely can’t survive without having in my house anymore; the calm one.

Flavour profile: To me, this one’s just sweet and very embedded in the camomile with a hint of vanilla. It exudes calm and restfulness. These bad boys also have Niacin (Vitamin B3) which contributes to normal psychological function - probably why I enjoy them so much. Imagine a total reset, just when you need it most.

Best consumed: I’ve had these before work if it has me stressed out, I’ve had these when I’ve got home for the night. I’ve had them basically whenever I feel an ounce of not-chill energy and I’ve resulted in feeling like a Master of Meditation - or how I assume they would feel given that I am not a Master of Meditation.

Alternative? Time to Unwind: Strawberry & camomile with limeflower (and added vitamin B12). Depending on the day, I’d sometimes rather reach for this one - the strawberry notes are really strong, so this is ideal for berry fans out there.

Sanity check central; the calm one.

🍎 Sleep: Spiced apple & vanilla, with camomile & passionflowers

Around the time I started drinking these teas, I was really struggling to relax and wind down at night and these were basically exactly what the doctor ordered.

Flavour profile: Really enjoyable, giving that warm and cosy feeling of calm with a hint of sweetness. There’s also a hint of cinnamon which balances beautifully with the essence of vanilla. Imagine a warm night in by the fire.

Best consumed: In bed before you go to sleep, or as you’re winding down to head to bed for the night. I’m always out for the count after I have one.

Alternative? Passionflower, orange blossom & valerian. Another solid sleep tea choice, and valerian usually knocks me out for the count, I’d happily choose either of these; though I think this alternative is better if you don’t enjoy a sweeter taste.

Bedtime bestie; the sleepy one.

🍊 Tumeric with orange & star anise

I picked this one up because I remember reading tumeric was good for horses, and also something about star anise at one point and? Well, I’m glad I did because it’s delicious.

Flavour profile: It’s another warm flavour, with the orange really leading, followed closely by the tumeric in my humble opinion.

Best consumed: Genuinely delicious at any time of the day, but I prefer to have as an afternoon pick-me-up for some reason.

Alternative? Detox: lemon & ginger, with burdock root & fennel. Does what it says on the tin, this is great for if you’re feeling like you need to cleanse - or if you want something that gives a similar kick-start feeling.

The winter warmer; the kick-start one.

🫖 So that’s it!

My roundup on the top Twining Superblends (in my opinion) accompanied by my strong feelings about having to give up caffeine - which, despite my grumbles, I actually do feel much calmer and generally better for now.

Whilst I’ve picked out a few of my faves, there are more brilliant options to try within the range, and (I promise) there are other herbal tea brands out there, too - this is just the one I seem to have been able to convert myself with - so any further recommendations are exceptionally welcomed in the comments!

And, with that, I’m off for a cuppa.

Happy brewing, folks.

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