Okay so I’ve been on this herbal tea kick lately and not in a “let me post aesthetic photos of my morning routine” way, but more like “my body feels like garbage and maybe plants can help” way.

Here’s what I’ve learned after way too much trial and error (and some truly awful-tasting tea from my childhood).

1. Jamaican Cerasee – The Bitter Truth

Alright, let’s start with the one that separates the real ones from the pretenders. Cerasee (or cerasee, however you want to spell it) is NOT for beginners. This stuff is BITTER. Like, aggressively bitter. I’m talking “makes black coffee taste like candy” bitter.

I use this once a month as a detox thing, and honestly? It’s brutal every single time. But here’s the thing – afterwards I always feel… cleaner? Like my system got a hard reset. The Jamaican in me says: “Don’t drink this expecting it to taste good. Drink it because it works.”

You steep it for like 10-15 minutes (the longer, the more bitter, obviously), and some people add honey but honestly that feels like missing the point. If you’re gonna do it, just do it. Hold your nose, drink it fast, chase it with water. It’s medicine, not a treat.

Fair warning: start with a weak brew your first time. This is not the hill you want to die on.

2. Peppermint – The Reliable Friend

Peppermint is like that friend who’s always there when you need them. Stomach weird? Peppermint. Stressed out? Peppermint. Need to feel like you have your life together? Also peppermint.

The thing about peppermint tea is that it’s actually hard to mess up. Fresh leaves are obviously better than the tea bags, but even the grocery store stuff works. It’s cooling, it settles your stomach, and it makes your breath not terrible – what more do you want?

I keep dried peppermint around just for those nights when I ate too much or need something to help me wind down. Of course it just grows wild everywhere in my yard! Plus it’s one of the few herbal teas that actually tastes good without needing to add anything to it.

3. Turmeric – The Golden Child

Turmeric tea is having a moment right now and honestly, it deserves it. But here’s what nobody tells you – turmeric by itself tastes like dirt. Earthy dirt, but still dirt.

The trick is making it a blend. I do turmeric with ginger, a little black pepper (helps with absorption or something), and honey. Sometimes I throw in some cinnamon if I’m feeling fancy. The result is this golden, warming drink that actually tastes good AND makes you feel like you’re doing something healthy.

Word of advice: this stuff stains EVERYTHING. Your mugs, your counters, your teeth if you’re not careful. I learned this the hard way. Also, start small – too much turmeric can upset your stomach, which defeats the whole purpose.

4. Chamomile – The Overachiever

Everyone knows chamomile is supposed to make you sleepy, but that’s not even the best part. Chamomile is like the Swiss Army knife of herbal teas. Anxious? Chamomile. Can’t sleep? Chamomile. Stomach issues? Also chamomile.

The key with chamomile is steeping it long enough. Like, 7-10 minutes minimum. Those little tea bags you get at the store need time to actually release the good stuff. And if you can get whole dried flowers instead of the bagged stuff, even better.

I drink this stuff probably 3-4 times a week, usually in the evening when I need to transition from “productive human” to “person who can actually relax.” It’s mild, it’s soothing, and it doesn’t make you feel weird like some sleep aids do.

5. Ginger – The Spicy Problem Solver

Ginger tea is what I reach for when I feel like I’m getting sick, or when my stomach is being dramatic, or honestly just when I want something that has some kick to it.

Fresh ginger root is the way to go here – slice it thin, steep it in hot water for at least 10 minutes, and prepare for some heat. It’s spicy in a good way, warming from the inside out. I usually add lemon and honey because I’m not trying to punish myself, but the ginger is definitely the star.

The weird thing about ginger tea is that it’s somehow both energizing and calming at the same time? Like it wakes up your system but in a gentle way. Perfect for those mornings when coffee feels too aggressive but you still need something to get you going.

The Bottom Line

Look, herbal teas aren’t magic. They’re not going to cure everything wrong with your life. But they’re also not just flavored water. There’s something to be said for taking 15 minutes to sit with a warm drink and actually pay attention to how you feel.

Just don’t expect them all to taste like dessert. Some of the best ones (looking at you, cerasee) taste absolutely terrible but work incredibly well. Sometimes the medicine doesn’t taste good, and that’s okay.

What herbal teas are you into? Always looking for new ones to try, especially if they actually do something instead of just tasting nice.