The surprising benefits of a cup of tea
We are a nation of tea-drinkers. In fact, according to the UK Tea & Infusions Association (UKTIA), 98% of UK residents drink tea daily – that’s approximately 100 million cups of tea a day (ITC).
It’s big business, and maybe surprisingly, it’s not all driven by traditional black tea blends – your typical builder’s brew. Tea drinkers are currently crazy for infusions that promote anything from boosting energy to aiding sleep.
Market intelligence agency Mintel says the rise of functional tea is fast becoming a prominent trend globally, primarily driven by an increased consumer interest in health and wellness. ‘Functional teas… are gaining popularity worldwide,’ they say. ‘In the UK, one-fifth of consumers choose to buy tea that provides additional health benefits, while in the US, over half of tea drinkers are inclined to try new tea brands if they feature functional claims.’
So, you might have noticed more herbal teas on the market now with added vitamins, nootropics (also known as “smart drugs” – a group of substances that claim to improve human thinking, learning, and memory) and adaptogens (non-toxic plants or their extracts used for stress management and overall wellbeing).
Mintel points to Twinings’ Women’s Health Range, including teas designed to support women going through menopause, while Tetley’s Super range includes teas fortified with vitamin C and other nutrients.
Award-winning British B-Corp functional tea brand, NutraTea, too, has just expanded its Women’s Health Collection, which is a lineup of functional herbal teas designed to support every life stage, from periods and PCOS to pregnancy, postpartum and menopause.
‘Functional teas are increasingly being seen as an accessible alternative to supplements,’ says Anish Patel, co-founder of NutraTea, ‘and our latest blends, focused specifically on women’s health, address the growing demand for natural, effective solutions and overall well-being for women.’
Let’s run through some of the ingredients used in popular functional teas, and what their benefits are. So, choose a blend that targets a particular concern for you, and you can tailor your tea break to your own individual needs – not just a moment to relax but potentially support your body in many other helpful ways, too.
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Best for menopause
Red Clover
Traditionally used to balance hormones and ease menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, irritability, and mood swings. It’s also purported to improve bone health, due to its isoflavones, which act as plant-based estrogens.
Research is ongoing but it may also support cardiovascular and skin health, alleviate respiratory symptoms, and act as an antioxidant.
Shatavari Root
Shatavari Root is also traditionally used to balance hormones and ease menopausal symptoms, as well as supporting reproductive health, boosting immunity, improving digestion and managing stress.
Try: NutraTea’s NutraMeno blend
Best for focus
Green
Green tea is a type of tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves and buds undergo minimal processing, specifically avoiding oxidation, which preserves their green color and high antioxidant content.
Traditionally drunk for thousands of years in East Asia, its potential health benefits include supporting focus, gut health, bone health, and heart health, as well as aiding blood sugar control and metabolism.
Matcha
This super-popular drink is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves – considered beneficial for its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants can can support heart and liver health, improve brain function, and help you relax amongst lots of other benefits (more listed below!). Matcha contains L-theanine and caffeine too, which provide calm alertness and improved focus.
Try: Clipper Green Tea, Rheal Superfood’s Magic Matcha
Best for heart health
Hibiscus
Hibiscus tea is reportedly good for promoting heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol. It also aids digestion and supports the liver because it has diuretic and antioxidant properties.
Hibiscus is also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can boost the immune system, fight inflammation, and promote skin health by supporting collagen production and cell turnover.
Try: Natur Boutique Organic Hibiscus Tea
Best for hormonal balance
Spearmint
Spearmint is known to aid digestion and manage hormonal imbalances. It also purportedly improves memory, bloating and nausea. It’s said to be particularly good for women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
Spearmint also contains antioxidants that protect against chronic illness, can help lower blood pressure and blood sugar, and may relieve arthritis.
White Peony aka Baimudan
This is a celebrated herb in traditional medicine for its role in maintaining women’s health and hormonal balance. It’s rich in catechins and other polyphenols, compounds believed to bolster the immune system and combat diseases. It may aid in reducing inflammation, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Try: NutraTea’s Spearmint & White Peony
Best for managing stress
Ashwagandha
Traditionally used for stress reduction, hormone balance, support during menopause, improved fertility, and enhanced cognitive function, ashwagandha works as an adaptogen, helping the body cope with stress by regulating stress-related hormones, including cortisol. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with certain thyroid conditions should consult a doctor before drinking it however.
Best for pregnancy
Ginger
Great for digestion and immunity, ginger has long been recommended to pregnant women as it reduces nausea and alleviates pain due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also support heart health, help manage blood sugar levels and boost the immune system.
Chamomile
Chamomile is associated with relaxation and stress reduction. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds and that can also soothe the digestive system, alleviate cold symptoms and pain, and potentially help manage blood sugar levels.
Oat Straw
Thought to aid the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety, oat straw tea improves cognitive function, and is rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium, as well as B-complex vitamins.
Try: Pukka Organic Three Ginger Tea, NutraTea NutraPreg, Pukka Relax tea
Best for late-stage pregnancy
Raspberry Leaf
Raspberry Leaf is used to help support digestion, and it’s long been recommended for late-stage pregnancy, with historical use in supporting women's reproductive health, particularly for easing labor and recovery. It’s rich in antioxidants and is also used to support overall body health, including the nervous and urinary systems. It may help with period cramps and blood sugar balance, too.
Peppermint
Peppermint helps to promote relaxation and the immune system. It also boosts the immune system with antibacterial and antioxidant compounds and relieves stress. It can help unclog sinuses and relieve cold symptoms, and it may reduce nausea, too.
Additionally, the peppermint’s calming effect can promote relaxation and improve sleep.
Try: NutraTea Raspberry Leaf and Peppermint
Best for breast-feeding
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is thought to support healthy breast milk production, as well as blood sugar control, digestive health and reducing inflammation. It also contains antioxidants that support the immune system.
Try: NutraTea NutraMother
Best for urinary tract and kidney support
Parsley
Parsley has a high concentration of vitamins (A, C, K, and folate), minerals, and antioxidants like flavonoids (myricetin, apigenin) and carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene). It supports overall health and it’s traditionally been used to prevent kidney stones and aid the normal excretory function of the kidneys.
Juniper Berry
Juniper Berry helps to enhance the renal elimination of water and contribute to the defence against external agents.
Try: NutraTea NutraFlow
Prefer coffee? Try one of these mushroom coffees instead
Mushroom coffees combine traditional coffee beans with extracts of functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, or Chaga. These are adaptogenic and wellness-focused fungi long used in Eastern traditions. The aim is to pair the alertness of coffee with the balancing, stress-buffering qualities of mushrooms.
Liam Jones, founder of The Shroom Shop says, ‘Mushroom coffees bring together the familiar energy of coffee with the added benefit of adaptogenic fungi. For many, it’s a way to get mental clarity and sustained energy while supporting immunity and reducing stress on the body.’
Liam tells us more about the benefits…
Gentler energy
Many people find mushroom coffee gives a smoother lift than regular coffee without the jitters or crash.
Stress support
Adaptogenic mushrooms like Reishi help regulate the body’s stress response, making coffee less taxing on the nervous system.
Focus & brain health
Lion’s Mane is linked in early research to compounds that may support nerve growth factor (NGF), which plays a role in learning and memory.
Immunity & gut health
Chaga and Cordyceps are rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans, compounds that help regulate immune function and reduce inflammation.
Performance & stamina
Cordyceps, traditionally used in Chinese medicine, has been studied for improving oxygen use and energy metabolism supporting endurance.
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