The Benefits of Herbal Tea
There’s a quiet kind of wisdom in herbal tea. Something that feels ancient and grounding—like the plants themselves are whispering, You’re safe. You’re supported. Slow down.
While many of us enjoy tea for its calming rituals or cozy charm, it also offers real, tangible benefits for gut health and emotional well-being. And unlike harsh supplements or restrictive protocols, herbal tea is soft, nurturing, and incredibly simple to weave into your day.
Here’s how herbal tea supports digestion, gut health, and your overall sense of calm.
1. Herbal Tea Supports Digestive Function Naturally
Certain herbs have been used for centuries to:
Reduce bloating and discomfort
Stimulate gentle digestive enzymes
For example, peppermint and fennel are well-known to help reduce bloating and aid in the smooth flow of digestion. I often sip a fennel-ginger tea after meals, especially if I’ve had something rich or heavier than usual.
2. It Offers Gentle Stress Relief
Herbal teas are deeply calming—not just for the body, but for the mind. Many herbs act as nervous system soothers and adaptogens (stress-balancing botanicals), helping the body regulate cortisol, reduce anxiety, and return to a state of rest and ease.
Some favorites include:
Chamomile – known for reducing anxiety and promoting better sleep
Lavender (favorite!) – calming to both the mind and the digestive system
Lemon balm – gently lifts mood and reduces nervous tension
Tulsi (Holy Basil) – an adaptogen that builds resilience over time
Sipping these herbs (especially in the quiet of morning or before bed) can feel like taking an exhale you didn’t know that you needed. And as your nervous system relaxes, your digestion improves too. It’s all connected.
3. Many Herbs Are Anti-Inflammatory
Gut inflammation is at the root of many chronic issues, from brain fog and fatigue to bloating and irregularity. Herbs like:
Chamomile
Ginger
Licorice root
Turmeric
…offer gentle anti-inflammatory support that helps soothe the lining of the gut and reduce irritation without the harsh side effects of over-the-counter meds.
4. Herbal Tea Calms the Gut-Brain Connection
The gut and brain are in constant communication (refer back to #2). Stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm can all lead to digestive symptoms like cramping, bloating, or nausea. Herbal teas help regulate this connection by calming both systems at once.
In fact, just sipping a warm cup of tea engages your the “rest and digest” state through scent, warmth, and ritual. It’s not just the herbs; it’s the experience.
5. It Hydrates the Digestive System
This might sound overly simple, but staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to support healthy digestion and regularity. And if plain water feels boring, herbal tea is a beautiful alternative—especially served warm or iced with lemon and herbs from the garden.
I love sipping iced hibiscus tea on warm afternoons—it’s not only stunning in color, but rich in antioxidants and gently liver-supportive, which plays a key role in digestion. Other favorites are green tea, or a cucumber mint!
6. Herbal Blends Can Help Rebalance the Microbiome
While herbal teas don’t contain live probiotics, many of them offer prebiotic benefits nourishing your existing good gut bacteria.
Some herbs even have antimicrobial or antifungal properties that help discourage overgrowths of harmful microbes while leaving beneficial ones intact. These include:
Ginger
Cinnamon
Licorice root
Clove
They’re especially lovely in warming blends during fall and winter.
My Favorite Herbal Teas for Gut + Mind Health
Peppermint – after meals or when bloated
Lavender – for stress-related digestive issues
Ginger + Lemon – first thing in the morning to awaken digestion
Hibiscus – cooling, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant-rich
thrive with a mix of plants.
What I love most about herbal tea is that it’s more than functional—it’s beautiful. It invites pause, presence, and intention. It’s one of the simplest ways to care for your gut and your nervous system in the same breath.
If you’d like to start weaving herbal teas into your wellness rhythm, we’ve created a small collection of seasonal Arden Grove tea tins that blend beauty with purpose—each one crafted to support gut health while offering a moment of peace in your day.
Because wellness should feel soft. Gentle. Nourishing. Like a cup of tea.