“Fancy a cup of tea, honey?” Maybe you’re already familiar with various types of herbal tea and have grown tired of the usual cup. Would you like to try a unique herbal tea? A special tea that helps you completely unwind or, on the contrary, gives you more energy? Tea, but with a twist?
Herbal tea at Dutch-Smart: what’s in it and what does it do?
The difference between the herbal teas in this category and a standard herbal tea from the supermarket lies in the active ingredients. Coca leaves contain coca alkaloids, kanna contains mesembrine, turmeric contains curcumin, and hemp tea contains cannabidiol (CBD). That makes this not just ordinary tea, but a functional beverage with a noticeable effect. Below, we explain the most important types.
Mate de Coca
Mate de Coca is a traditional Peruvian tea made from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca). In the Andes, coca tea has been drunk for centuries to combat altitude sickness and fatigue. The active compounds in the leaf (including coca alkaloids in very low concentrations) can provide a mild stimulating and refreshing effect. The flavor is slightly spicy and grassy. Dutch-Smart offers coca tea as ground leaves (tea powder), in bags, and in blends with chamomile or anise.
Kanna tea
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a South African plant traditionally used by the Khoikhoi and San peoples. The main alkaloid is mesembrine, which acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Users report a mood-enhancing and mildly relaxing effect. Kanna tea is available as loose tea or in bags, combined with rooibos, ginger, chamomile, vanilla, or coconut.
Turmeric tea (Golden Hibiscus)
Golden Hibiscus (Taka Turmeric) combines turmeric (Curcuma longa) with hibiscus. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is being studied in scientific literature for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, although its bioavailability when taken orally is limited. The flavor is warm and slightly peppery.
Hemp Tea (CBD)
Organic hemp tea is made from the flowers and leaves of industrial hemp and contains cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. CBD is associated with relaxation, though the effects when consumed as tea are milder than when taking CBD oil orally, as bioavailability via tea is lower. The THC content is less than 0.2%, and the tea has no intoxicating effect. You can find more CBD products in the CBD category.
Passionflower, sleep-inducing herbs, and more
In addition to the varieties mentioned, our assortment includes various other herbs that you can prepare as tea. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is traditionally used to promote relaxation and sleep. In the relaxation category and among the sleep-inducing herbs, you’ll find more options for preparing functional teas. Ceremonial cacao can also be prepared as a hot drink and has a mildly stimulating profile due to its theobromine content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is herbal tea with active ingredients safe?
The herbal teas in our assortment are legally available in the Netherlands. As with any product containing active ingredients, the following applies: start with a low dose, read the product information, and do not combine with medications without first checking for potential interactions. Kanna, for example, affects the serotonin system and should not be combined with SSRI antidepressants.
Which tea boosts energy?
Mate de Coca has the most stimulating profile in this category. For more energy-boosting products, you can also check out the energy herbs or the energizers.
Which tea is the most relaxing?
Kanna tea and passionflower are the most popular choices for relaxation. Hemp tea with CBD is a milder option. You can find more relaxing products in the relaxation category and among the relaxation herbs.
