If you are like 90% of Americans, chances are that you consume caffeine in one or more ways every single day. More than 50% of American adults consume 300 milligrams of caffeine per day (considered too much by health experts), making it the most popular drug in America.
What Is Caffeine?
Caffeine is the undisputed morning drug of choice for people. It wakes you up, alters moods, and stimulates the central nervous system the same way that amphetamines do. Caffeine actually blocks adenosine, a chemical in that body that promotes sleepiness, which can interfere with a healthy sleep pattern. Found in more than 60 plants, caffeine is the most popular stimulant in the world. It is a psychostimulant that makes you more alert. Yerba mate, guarana, coffee, tea, and certain herbs are the most common forms of caffeine.
Can You Increase Energy Levels Without Caffeine?
Most people don’t understand that caffeine is the short-term solution to increasing energy levels. And consuming too much caffeine results in a hardcore crash. The reality is that most people can’t imagine a life without caffeine, but it is possible to boost energy levels without it. The combination of regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, and stress-reducing techniques all improve your energy levels. Besides all of that, the following herbal, caffeine-free teas can give you that energy boost you’re looking for.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea helps to calm upset stomachs, but the secret benefits are that it can improve focus, memory, and energy levels. The tea has a minty flavor with hints of pine, and it tastes best when you brew it for five to ten minutes. Northrumbia University conducted a study with 180 individuals. One group took a placebo and the other drank peppermint tea. The group that drank peppermint tea experienced improved cognition and elevated mood.
Lemon Balm Tea
This isn’t high on everyone’s list of energy boosting beverages, but it may be after you read about it. Historically, lemon balm helped to regulate mood and improve cognitive function, making people more alert. People who drink lemon balm tea find that they are less irritable and have more energy without being nervous or jumpy.
Ginger Tea
You should always have ginger in your house. It’s a wonderful herbal remedy that helps reduce sore throats and stomach pain. Countless studies on ginger have examined its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to improve blood flow. Newer studies found that increased circulation can help boost energy levels. In fact, a study in Herbal Medicine found that ginger promotes adrenal catecholamine secretion. Since these chemical compounds regulate energy consumption, drinking ginger tea may help you sustain energy throughout the day on a chemical level.
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root is an adaptogenic herb, and it helps to regulate hormonal production. It encourages the adrenal glands to increase blood flow, which in turn contributes to increased energy. Licorice root does have that signature licorice flavor, but you can mix it with other herbal teas to reduce the intensity of the flavor. You can also sweeten it with raw agave or stevia to mellow the taste.
Rooibos Tea
Native to South Africa, rooibos is a small red bush that contains potent antioxidants, similar to the ones that are in green tea. Most health experts consider rooibos tea to be the best caffeine-free tea in the world, specifically for the antiviral activity, cholesterol lowering abilities, chemopreventative activity, and blood pressure lowering ability. It can help to decrease fatigue and improve focus, but it isn’t the best tea for energy on this list.
Astragalus Tea
Astragalus is a common herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Brewed from the root of the astragalus plant, astragalus tea helps to support the adrenal glands, where we get our energy. If you suffer from adrenal fatigue, astragalus should be one of your go-to herbs. Lastly, astragalus is a natural diuretic and helps to support healthy immune function.
Ginkgo Biloba
TCM uses ginkgo biloba to help increase blood flow throughout the body, opening channels of energy that improve overall health. Many people consume this tea to help boost brain health or improve memory. If you feel fatigued or have a cloudy mind, drink a cup of ginkgo biloba tea for mental clarity and a slight pick-me-up.
