One of the most common questions we get asked at Valhalla Tea is about which type of tea folks should reach for depending on their mood and the time of day. For long-time tea drinkers, it can be obvious, but plenty of newcomers don't figure this out until way later (after some trial and error).
For example, if it's 9pm and you're looking to wind down, you wouldn't want to brew a cup of black tea because it has about 1/3 to 1/2 as much caffeine as a cup of coffee! If you drank that, you would have a harder time getting to sleep because caffeine is stimulant.
Caffeine works by blocking adenosine in your brain. Adenosine is a naturally occurring organic compound your body produces to tell your brain "hey, we're getting tired and we should find somewhere to rest soon". With caffeine in your system, that signal can't get through and your brain stays active and alert, which is the opposite of what you want when winding down at night!
As we round the corner towards fall and more cozy seasons, we wanted to take a moment to give some advice on how and when to reach for differing types of tea to match your mood.
Mornings: Black Tea
Black tea has the strongest caffeine content of any tea, so if you're reaching for something that will clear the morning fog, this is a great one to get. Black tea has about 40-70mg of caffeine. Enough to give you a kick, but not enough to make you feel wired, or worse... have a crash later.
Also, since black tea takes just 3-5 minutes to brew, this is a great opportunity in the morning to focus and center yourself while you're waiting for the brew process. Take these few minutes to clear your mind and reset from the day before. If you're the type to wake up in a hurry, it can make you feel rushed and frantic. In these moments, it's good to intentionally slow yourself down. Take a few minutes and do some breathing techniques, or some light stretches.
Of course, if you have the time it would be a great idea to spend a bit longer, but if brewing tea is part of your daily morning routine, then consistently spending these few precious minutes with focus and intention can help get your day started on the right foot. Don't have the time? Make the time!
Types of black tea: Assam black tea, Earl Grey, English breakfast black tea, and Darjeeling
Our black tea: Goddess of War, Loki, Santa Muerte, The Protector, Black Caesar, Elementary
Afternoons: Green Tea
For example, green tea has antioxidants and a type of catechin called "epigallocatechin-3-gallate" (EGCG), which research studies have linked to controlling inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis (when cells in your body die through a programmatic means).
Taking an afternoon break and brewing up some green tea is a healthy beverage choice, especially compared to sugary drinks, but it's also yet another chance to take a breather during the day. We've had plenty of people tell us that they've incorporated brewing into their daily routine in part to act as a checkpoint of sorts. It helps separate the day into discrete parts, especially if you're at home or the office all day. It's another chance to take a moment to slow yourself down, take a breather, and be still for a moment. Perhaps take a moment to practice some mindfulness techniques.
Hint: Our tea blend The Protector is also a great afternoon choice because it has Chai. The aromatic blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves will warm you from the inside out, providing a cozy escape from the hustle and bustle of the day.
Evenings: Herbal
The Power of Rest: How to Build a Healthy Sleep Routine.
Of course, you'll want to avoid black teas at night. Some people's bodies are even compatible with green teas, but we suggest reaching for herbal teas when it's time to wind down.
Herbal teas don't actually include the standard "tea plant" camellia sinensis, but rather they are made with fruits and other plants and are brewed in the same way black/green tea is brewed. Herbal teas that work great for night-time often include ingredients like chamomile, lavender, or even peppermint. These calming blends will help you de-stress and prepare your body for a restful night's sleep.
Goddess of Night flavor. It includes valerian root, which is a natural ingredient that promotes drowsiness by binding with your brain's gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. We've worked hard to counter valerian root's somewhat bitter taste with delicious ingredients so that it's not like drinking medicine. You'll actually want to finish this cup!
Bonus: Weekends
If you're in a routine during the week, take the weekend to try something new! Switch things up a bit and try to explore other tea flavors to see if you want to swap them into your daily ritual. Whether you prefer delicate white teas, robust black teas, or fragrant oolongs, there's a world of tea waiting to be discovered. Experiment with brewing techniques, and expand your tea palate with each new cup.
Also, if you find yourself around a campfire, don't forget to bring a cup of tea with you! The warmth of the fire paired with the beauty of the night's sky is a delightful combination. Tea is an easy thing to bring along. Just boil some water over the fire, let it steep for a bit, and relax under the stars with your favorite flavor.