How to Make Herbal Tea Part of Your Daily Wellness Routine

Years ago, when I first started my journey into natural living, herbal tea was one of the easiest and most enjoyable changes I made. At first, it was just about replacing sugary overpriced drinks with something warm and soothing that didn’t break the bank. But the more I explored and tried new things, the more I realized how much herbal tea could support my energy, digestion, stress levels, sleep and overall well-being.

Now, herbal tea is woven into the rhythm of my day. A steaming mug helps me wake up gently in the morning, a refreshing blend keeps me focused in the afternoon, and a calming cup soothes me before bed. The best part? You don’t need a fancy setup or expensive ingredients—just a few good herbs and a willingness to experiment.

Whether you're new to herbal teas or looking for ways to be more intentional with them, this guide will help you build a simple tea ritual that fits seamlessly into your life.

In this post, you’ll learn:

1. How to start your morning with an energizing tea (without the coffee crash!)
2. The best midday teas to help with focus and digestion
3. Relaxing evening teas to promote deep sleep and reduce stress
4. Simple steps to create your own herbal tea blends for personalized wellness
5. Proper storage and brewing techniques to get the most out of your herbs
6. How to make herbal tea a fun and beneficial habit for the whole family
7. The benefits of keeping a tea journal to track your health improvements

Whether you’re new to herbal teas or looking for ways to make them a consistent part of your routine, this guide will help you create a daily tea habit that’s both enjoyable and beneficial.

1. Start Your Day with an Energizing Tea

Mornings can be chaotic, especially in a busy household. I used to hope coffee would help jolt me awake, but it often left me feeling jittery and crashing by mid-morning. Herbal tea became my go-to alternative, giving me a steady source of energy without the crash.

Great morning tea choices:

• Green tea – A natural source of caffeine that’s packed with antioxidants.

• Ginger tea – A warming, circulation-boosting tea that wakes up the body.

• Yerba mate – A traditional South American tea with natural caffeine known for enhancing alertness and focus.

One of my favorite morning habits is brewing a strong green tea with lemon and honey while the house is still quiet. I take a moment to sip it slowly before the day’s demands begin—it feels like a small moment of peace that sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

If you struggle with sluggish mornings, try swapping your usual caffeine fix for an energizing herbal tea. You might be surprised at how much more balanced and clear-headed you feel.

2. Midday Tea for Focus and Digestion

By mid-afternoon, it’s easy to hit a slump—especially if you’ve had a busy morning. Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee or a sugary snack, herbal tea can help keep you alert and support digestion at the same time.

Best midday teas:

• Peppermint – Refreshing, soothing, and great for digestion.

• Fennel – Helps with bloating and gut health after meals.

• Ginseng – An adaptogenic herb that enhances mental clarity and stamina.

I used to get drowsy and distracted around 2 or 3 p.m., but now I make a habit of brewing a peppermint-fennel tea after lunch. Not only does it help me stay focused, but it also prevents that uncomfortable post-meal sluggishness.

A simple way to work this into your day is to keep a thermos of your favorite blend at your desk or prepare an infusion in the morning to sip throughout the afternoon.

3. Evening Relaxation with Calming Teas

After a long day, winding down can feel impossible—especially when your mind is still racing. Herbal tea is one of the best natural ways to transition into a restful night.

Best teas for relaxation:

• Chamomile – Known for its mild sedative effects, perfect before bed.

• Lavender – Helps ease stress and tension.

• Lemon balm – A gentle herb that calms the nervous system.

I used to struggle with restless nights, but making an herbal tea part of my bedtime routine changed everything. Now, I mix chamomile and lavender with a bit of honey and drink it while reading. That simple ritual signals to my brain that it’s time to slow down, and I fall asleep much easier.

If you have trouble sleeping or relaxing in the evening, try brewing a calming tea about an hour before bed. You’ll be amazed at how much it helps shift your body into rest mode.

4. How to Create Herbal Tea Blends for Your Needs

One of the best parts about herbal tea is how customizable it is. You can mix and match herbs based on your health goals or simply to create flavors you enjoy.

Easy blends to try:

• Stress relief: Lemon balm + lavender + chamomile

• Digestive support: Peppermint + ginger + fennel

• Immune boost: Elderberry + echinacea + ginger

If you’re new to blending, start with a base herb, add a complementary flavor, and finish with an accent herb for extra benefits. Over time, you’ll develop favorite combinations that suit your body’s needs.

💡 Want to learn more about how herbal teas work? Check out my in-depth guide to herbal tea benefits here!

5. Storing and Brewing Herbal Teas for Maximum Benefits

To get the most out of your herbal teas, it’s important to store and brew them properly.

Storage tips:

• Keep dried herbs in airtight glass jars, away from heat and light. This prevents degradation from sunlight and will keep your herbs more potent.

• Label jars with the herb name and date of purchase.

Brewing tips:

• Use fresh, filtered water for the best flavor.

• Steep herbs for at least 5-15 minutes to extract medicinal properties.

• Cover your tea while steeping to prevent volatile oils from escaping.

If you’re using herbs for their healing properties, steeping them longer (up to 15-20 minutes) can help draw out even more benefits. Roots, barks, berries and twigs benefit from longer steeping times and even from gentle simmering to fully extract their healing properties.

6. Make Herbal Tea a Family Habit

Herbal tea isn’t just for adults—it’s a wonderful way to introduce kids to natural wellness, too! My little ones love hibiscus iced tea in the summer and warm chamomile tea in the winter.

Kid-friendly herbal teas:

• Lemon balm – Naturally mild and slightly sweet. An amazing calming evening tea for kiddos.

• Chamomile – Gentle on the stomach and helps with sleep.

• Hibiscus – Tart and packed with vitamin C. Freeze the sweetened tea for a fun alternative to fruit juice popsicles in the summer!

To make it more fun, let kids help choose the herbs or mix their own blends. You can also make herbal popsicles or sweeten teas with a bit of honey for an extra treat.

7. Keeping a Tea Journal to Track Benefits

The more you explore herbal tea, the more you’ll start noticing how different blends affect your body. Keeping a tea journal can help you track which herbs work best for your energy, digestion, stress, or sleep.

What to track in your journal:

• Which teas you drink and when.

• How you feel before and after.

• Any health improvements or changes.

• New blends you want to try.

💡 If you’re interested in creating a personalized tea journal to keep track of your favorites and more, pick up your own copy of my Herb & Essential Oil Journal HERE.

Conclusion: A Simple Step Toward Wellness

Drinking herbal tea daily is an easy, enjoyable way to support your health. You don’t have to make a drastic change—just start with one small habit, like replacing your afternoon coffee with a refreshing tea or adding a calming blend to your bedtime routine. Over time, these simple choices create a foundation for long-term wellness.

Looking for a way to track your tea journey? Grab my Herb & Essential Oil Journal here to log your blends, benefits, and favorite recipes!