Lesser-Known Herbal Tea Herbs — Fennel, Moringa, Lemongrass & More

Beyond chamomile and peppermint: ten herbs you haven't tried yet — with benefits that rival the classics.

At a Glance

Fennel — Foeniculum vulgare

The post-meal debloater. Crush 1 teaspoon fennel seeds lightly with the back of a spoon before steeping — this releases the anethole. Pour boiling water over, steep 10 minutes. Fennel is carminative (prevents and expels gas) and mildly antispasmodic. Works within 20 minutes. The taste is sweet and licorice-like — pleasant without sweetener. Pairs with peppermint for the ultimate digestive duo.

Moringa — Moringa oleifera

The nutrient powerhouse. Moringa leaf contains 7x the vitamin C of oranges, 4x the calcium of milk, and 3x the potassium of bananas by dry weight. Use 1 teaspoon dried leaf powder per cup. Water at 185°F (cooler than most — the nutrients are heat-sensitive). Steep 5 minutes. Grassy, slightly bitter, green-tasting. An acquired taste with genuine nutritional density. Add lemon to improve iron absorption.

Lemongrass — Cymbopogon citratus

The bright digestive refresher. Use 1-2 teaspoons dried lemongrass or 2 tablespoons fresh chopped stalk per cup. Steep 5-7 minutes at 200°F. Bright, citrusy, digestive, and mildly antimicrobial. Excellent iced in summer. Pairs beautifully with ginger (warming) or hibiscus (tart). A staple in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine for good reason.

Calendula — Calendula officinalis

The golden skin and lymph herb. Use 1-2 teaspoons dried petals per cup. Steep 10 minutes. Earthy, mildly bitter. Calendula is a lymphatic mover and skin herb — beautiful golden petals that produce a sunny yellow tea. Traditionally used both internally and topically (cooled tea as a skin wash) for wound healing, skin inflammation, and lymphatic support.

Catnip — Nepeta cataria

Yes, catnip for humans. It has the opposite effect on us than on cats — catnip is a mild, gentle sedative for humans. Use 1-2 teaspoons dried leaves, steep 10 minutes. Minty, pleasant. Traditionally used for children's upset stomachs, mild insomnia, and teething (cooled). Safe enough for children and far gentler than valerian or passionflower.

Mullein — Verbascum thapsus

The respiratory herb. Use 1-2 teaspoons dried leaves, steep 10-15 minutes. Strain through fine cloth — the tiny leaf hairs can mechanically irritate the throat. Mullein is a traditional respiratory herb for dry, irritating coughs and bronchial congestion. Pairs with thyme for a comprehensive respiratory tea.

Thyme — Thymus vulgaris

The antimicrobial respiratory powerhouse. Use 1 teaspoon dried thyme, steep 7 minutes. Strong, savory, herbal. Thymol is potently antimicrobial against respiratory pathogens. Thyme tea is best for productive coughs with mucus — it's an expectorant that helps thin and expel phlegm. Add honey (also antimicrobial) for a medicinal-strength cough remedy.

Sage — Salvia officinalis

Hot flash relief with clinical evidence. Use 1 teaspoon dried sage, steep 5 minutes. Astringent, savory, strong. Sage has clinical evidence for reducing menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. Also traditionally used for cognitive support — sage inhibits acetylcholinesterase, keeping more acetylcholine active in your brain.

Rosemary — Rosmarinus officinalis

Memory and focus. Use 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, steep 5 minutes at 200°F. Piney, savory. 1,8-cineole (rosemary's primary active compound) improves cognitive performance and memory in human studies. Combined with peppermint, it's the ultimate caffeine-free focus blend. Best enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon.

Yarrow — Achillea millefolium

The traditional cold/flu herb. Use 1 teaspoon dried yarrow, steep 10 minutes. Bitter, astringent. Yarrow is a traditional diaphoretic — it promotes sweating, which can help break fevers. Named after Achilles, who supposedly used it to treat battlefield wounds. Use at first sign of cold or flu. Avoid during pregnancy.

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