Best Tea for Energy and Focus

We all have those days sometimes...more tired than normal, feeling hungry or stressed. Days when you don't feel energized to accomplish what you want to get done. Or maybe you pushed yourself a little harder in your workout and your reserve tank is empty.

A tired body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which are stress hormones that can make you feel anxious. Downing a double espresso comes to mind. But you know that will only be a temporary fix and you'll just end up a jittery, anxious person.

Before you reach for a cup of java, consider heating up some hot water for a cup of tea. Read on to find out what is the best tea for energy and focus.

Sometimes we blame hunger on our lack of energy, and it very well could be. But sometimes the feeling of hunger or cravings is simply due to being dehydrated. If you're still tired after eating, drinking tea can hydrate you and give you the energy you need.

The thing about tea is it is just naturally calming. Tea relieves stress and gives you the energy to continue your tasks. But which are the best energy teas to drink when you need that boost?

Tea that Gives You Energy and Focus

Don't rely on energy drinks filled with who-knows-what and enough caffeine to power a freight train. If you're looking for a healthy source of energy, try some of these all-natural loose leaf teas:

1. MATCHA TEA

Made by grinding green tea leaves into powder, Matcha is green tea in its purest form.

For over 800 years, Matcha has been a big part of the Japanese culture. That popularity has now reached around the globe. With the powerful catechin, EGCG, Matcha provides many health benefits such as fat burning and protection from free radicals.

Matcha tea powder that is vibrant green in color. It contains three times more antioxidants compared to regular loose leaf green tea. Additionally, it has 137 times more antioxidants than low-quality tea bags that can be found in grocery stores.

Matcha also provides a caffeine boost without the jitters of coffee. Matcha has more caffeine than loose leaf green tea, but less than a cup of coffee. Because matcha contains l-theanine, the caffeine is dispersed more gently. Matcha also provides your body with amino acids that help balance your mood, relieve stress, and improve focus.

2. ROOIBOS TEA

Also known as Red tea or Red Bush tea, Rooibos is actually not a true tea. Native to South Africa, Rooibos is an herb that when dried brews into a red-colored infusion. Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea, but it can still provide an uplifted feeling of energy. Without caffeine, you can enjoy Rooibos when you need a boost later in the day without interrupting a restful night's sleep.

Rooibos has been providing health benefits for over 300 years, yet many still don't even know what Rooibos tea is.

Rooibos is grown in mountainous regions of South Africa. A combination of the hot dry climate with periods of heavy rainfall creates a sweet-flavored tea. When blended with other ingredients, Rooibos provides flavors that range from smoky, woody, or grassy to fruity or sweet like honey.

3. BLACK TEA

Black tea is so popular, you probably expected to see this one at the top of the list. Black tea has been proven to boost energy and alertness.

Black tea is made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. It contains caffeine and powerful catechins that have been shown to increase energy levels. Black tea can boost energy for up to six hours, so be careful what time of day you drink black tea.

An 8oz cup of black tea typically ranges from 30-50mg of caffeine. This can vary based on the amount of loose tea used and the length of the steep. As a comparison, an average 8 oz cup of coffee contains 91mg of caffeine.

Even though black tea contains caffeine, it also contains L-theanine which provides a feeling of calm. Paired together, caffeine and l-theanine may help increase focus and attention.

Black tea is unique in that it contains polyphenols called theaflavins formed during oxidation. Theaflavins, which are antioxidants, protect cells from free radicals and benefit heart and blood vessel health. They also support your own natural antioxidant production.

4. YERBA MATE TEA

Yerba Mate, an herbal tea from South America, has been consumed for hundreds of years. The flavor of Yerba Mate is best described as green tea with a touch of peppermint. Yerba Mate provides a good source of energy, yet has less than half the caffeine content of coffee. Yerba Mate creates an energy boost by increasing metabolism and providing a sense of alertness.

Traditionally enjoyed with a metal straw and gourd, Yerba Mate is packed with health benefits. It also blends well with other ingredients such as in Samurai Spirit Mate or Mocha Hazelnut. Read on if you'd like to learn more about Yerba Mate.

5. GINGER TEA

Ginger has been used as an ayurvedic medicinal aid for hundreds of years. The sweet but spicy taste can be found in many caffeine-free tea blends. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help decrease tension and increase blood circulation which may help boost energy, focus, and cognition.

Ginger naturally helps improve the secretion of adrenal catecholamines which are compounds in our body that help modulate our consumption of energy. So give a cup of ginger tea a try next time you need a boost to go exercise.

6. PEPPERMINT TEA

As an herbal tea, you wouldn't expect peppermint tea to give you a boost. But studies have shown that peppermint tea is also effective for boosting energy when you feel like you're dragging. It is a healthy alternative without caffeine or stimulants for increasing alertness, energy, and focus.

Our Moroccan Mint tea is a mint tea is blended with green tea adding some caffeine to the energy boost.

7. TEA WITH LICORICE ROOT

Another healthy, natural energy booster is licorice. Licorice root can be found as an ingredient in many tea blends. By working with your body's system, licorice root increases adrenaline making you feel focused and alert.

Licorice helps preserve your body's natural cortisone. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands to combat stress. Licorice assists these glands, preventing the breakdown of cortisol.

Keeping cortisol levels up helps your body maintain energy. And could also create a healthier response to stressful situations.

Plus, unlike coffee, licorice root is often used to ease stomach problems. Even though the caffeine content may be low, licorice root can still provide a boost of energy. However, it is not a quick boost as It can take about 30 minutes before feeling the effects.

Steep, sip, and enjoy a boost, naturally!