8 Thirst-Quenching Herbal Teas for a Refreshing Summer

Chad Birt

Written by Chad Birt on Wed Jun 07 2023.

Herbal tea.

During the warm summer months, it’s essential you stay hydrated. But drinking the recommended eight glasses of water a day isn’t always easy. 

For some people, drinks like diet soda and fruit juice can provide some variety. But if you or your loved one have diabetes or other underlying medical conditions, you might need to avoid sugar altogether. 

Herbal teas provide a burst of flavor without the negative side effects of sugary drinks. Plus, they’re affordable, caffeine-free, and hydrating. 

What Are Herbal Teas and Tea Blends?

Herbal teas, or tisanes, are a type of tea made from herbs, spices, and other plant-based materials and are non-caffeinated. Unlike “true” teas, they don’t come from the tea plant (Camellia Senises). Instead, they’re made from other botanicals, like flower blossoms and dried fruits.

Tea blends are when different ingredients are used to create a tea. Leaves, flowers, roots, and fruits can all be mixed together to make a tea blend. Both herbal teas and tea blends are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and can assist with various health goals, from losing weight and lowering cholesterol to boosting immunity. 

How We Chose the Products in This Round-Up

The herbal teas featured in this round-up are a mix of our “Highest Rated” and “Best Selling” herbal teas. 

Thirst-Quenching Herbal Teas for a Refreshing Summer

1) Bigelow Blackberry Citrus Herbal Tea Plus Zinc

Bigelow’s blackberry citrus herbal tea is our number-one best-selling herbal tea. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that’s easy to sip, whether watching a baseball game or weeding the garden. Infusions of zinc offer various health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved immunity. 

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Gluten-free and non-GMO

  • Caffeine free

  • Incredibly refreshing on ice

  • Individually wrapped for easy steeping

2) Twinings Lemon & Ginger Tea

Twinings is world-renowned for its flavorful teas. Established in 1706, the company has more than 300 years of tea crafting experience. This herbal tea blend features lemon zest and ginger. It’s refreshing, soothing on sore throats, and promotes healthy digestion.

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Made with all-natural ingredients

  • Gluten-free

  • Packed with antioxidants to support the immune system

Carewell Tip

Drinking a glass of lemon and ginger tea after waking up can help kickstart your metabolism. Likewise, drinking a glass before bed can reduce anxiety, ease muscle tension, and help you relax. 

Twinings Lemon & Ginger Tea
Twinings Lemon & Ginger Tea

Price: $33.99

3) Celestial Seasonings Cold Brew Iced Tea Citrus Sunrise

Boulder, Colorado-based teamaker Celestial Seasonings is known for its eclectic line of herbal teas. The company sources the finest ingredients from all over the world to create flavorful brews that are as unique as they are delicious. It contains 100% of the recommended daily value for vitamin C and steeps in just five minutes.

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Kosher

  • Gluten-free

  • No boiling required

  • Several botanicals, including rose hips and hibiscus, for added health benefits 

4) Celestial Seasonings Raspberry Zinger Herbal Tea

Want something a little fruitier? Then Raspberry Zinger is for you! It features a mix of hibiscus, rose hips, roasted chicory, and raspberries for a mildly tart yet sweet tea blend Caregivers tell us this herbal tea is perfect served hot or as an iced tea.

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Each box has 20 tea bags

  • Caffeine free

  • Sustainable packaging

  • Easy-to-steep compared to loose-leaf tea

5) Bigelow Botanicals Strawberry Lemon Orange Blossom Tea

This herbal tea from Bigelow Botanicals combines sweet strawberries with tart lemon and features an infusion of orange blossom. It’s an excellent alternative to sugary beverages like soda and Kool-Aid. Each tea bag is individually wrapped in a foil pouch and contains hibiscus, chamomile, strawberry pieces, and lemon peel. 

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Caffeine free

  • Gluten-free and Non-GMO

  • 18 tea bags per box

6) Bigelow Ginger Peach Turmeric Herbal Tea

Here’s another one of our summertime favorites from Bigelow Tea –– ginger peach turmeric herbal tea. This blend features a rejuvenating mix of peach, ginger, and flavorful spices. If you’re bored with your current beverage routine, this mouthwatering blend is the perfect way to mix things up. 

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Gluten-free and Non-GMO

  • Caffeine free

  • Earthy, spicy, and sweet

Did you know? Turmeric is a seasoning commonly used in Indian food. It’s full of phytonutrients, or natural plant compounds, known to protect the body from free radicals

Bigelow Ginger Peach Tumeric Tea
Bigelow Ginger Peach Tumeric Tea

Price: $26.05

7) Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Peach Herbal Tea

Sleepytime Peach herbal tea from Celestial Seasonings. Sleepytime Peach fuses the flavor of freshly picked yellow peaches with the traditional Sleepytime blend of chamomile, spearmint, and lemongrass. It’s a symphony of taste, as refreshing as it is soothing. 

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Gluten-free

  • Caffeine free

  • No artificial flavors or preservatives

  • Sustainable packaging

8) Celestial Seasonings Peppermint Herbal Tea

Sleepytime Peppermint tea from Celestial Seasonings is a classic summertime tea for a reason! Using pure peppermint leaves from the Pacific Northwest, this tea offers a refreshing and cooling sensation with every sip. 

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Caffeine and gluten-free

  • No artificial flavors or preservatives

  • Sustainable packaging

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Commonly Asked Questions

1) How are herbal teas different from “true” teas?

Herbal teas aren’t made from the tea plant. Instead, they come from other plant-based sources, like roots, bark, flowers, and stems. Also, herbal teas quench your thirst, whereas traditional teas, like black and green tea, act as diuretics, increasing the risk of dehydration.

2) Is drinking more than one glass of herbal tea safe?

Yes. You can drink as many glasses of herbal tea as you want. Just make sure to continue drinking water. 

If you have allergies or take prescription medication, talk with your doctor first. Certain botanicals can interact with drugs and increase the risk of side effects.

3) Are herbal teas caffeinated?

No. Herbal teas don’t have any caffeine. As a result, you can drink them in the afternoon or evening without worrying about them keeping you up.  

Takeaways

Iced herbal tea is a fun and flavorful way to maintain good hydration all summer long. The herbal blends featured here are affordable, tasty, and recommended by family caregivers. Try one (or several), and then leave a review to let us know what you think.

Need Help?

Struggling to choose an herbal tea? Our Caregiving Specialists are here to help. Reach them 24/7 by calling (800) 696-CARE or sending an email to support@carewell.com. After a quick discussion of your goals and needs, they can point you in the right direction.

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Chad Birt
Chad Birt

Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.