Our Science Editor’s Daily Tea Routine
Created with DAVIDsTEA
To say that I love tea is an understatement. I drink it all day, every day—when I wake up, while writing throughout the day, and when I wind down for the night.
Because I drink so much of it, quality is a must: I look for organic teas with no additives and no plastic-based tea bags. Right now I’m sipping three loose-leaf tea blends from DAVIDsTEA throughout the day: Organic Morning Detox, Organic Ashwagandha Chai, and Organic Mother’s Little Helper.
I especially like steeping these blends with my Nordic mug, which has its own stainless steel infuser and double-walled glass to keep the tea hot longer while the mug stays cool enough to hold. Plus, its lid can be used as a saucer to hold the infuser while I sip. The process is simple: Add about 2½ teaspoons of tea to the infuser. Pour one cup of hot water (about 200°F) over the tea leaves. Let it steep for about five minutes.
The Morning Tea: Organic Morning Detox
This tea has yerba maté, which is known to give you a gentle energy boost without the jitters typical of caffeine. I’m pretty sensitive to caffeine, but I still need something to help me start the day before a morning workout, school drop-off, and getting to the office. I also like what’s paired with the yerba maté leaves: gut-friendly ingredients like apple cider vinegar powder, turmeric, and ginger.
The Afternoon Tea: Organic Ashwagandha Chai
To help keep my energy steady—and avoid the midday slump while I’m writing—I take much-needed breaks and go for teas like this Organic Ashwagandha Chai blend. It’s a caffeine-free herbal chai with robust spices, including cinnamon, digestion-friendly ginger, and soothing cardamom. Ashwagandha root is the star, of course: It’s an adaptogen known to help balance your body’s response to stress and fatigue. This powerful blend of ingredients provides a full-bodied aroma that helps keep me alert and focused.
The Evening Tea: Organic Mother’s Little Helper
Nighttime tea is one of my favorite wind-down rituals. It’s part of my quiet time after my daughter has gone to bed, when I take a few minutes to myself. This particular blend includes chamomile (my favorite bedtime tea ingredient, which is known for its traditional use for relaxation) and valerian root, which studies show aids with sleep, plus peppermint and lemongrass. The comforting blend is designed to calm and relax the body for a restful night’s sleep. Finally.
