I fear the unofficial TikTok doctors may be right about this one: Tea is the answer to all of your problems. Healthy, caffeine free, and incredibly tasty, herbal tea has remained popular across the centuries for a reason. 

For busy students, tea bags tend to be the go-to way to enjoy tea. They’re the most convenient and cost-effective, and they’re available at your nearest campus market! 

However, with so many different flavors, tea can be overwhelming for a newbie — where do you even begin? This guide will walk you through some beginner-friendly recommendations that won’t overwhelm you or your taste buds. 

Peppermint: Best for digestive wellness and gut health

If there’s one tea on this list you absolutely need to try, it’s peppermint. Soothing and calming, peppermint helps ease bloating, relieve gas, reduce indigestion, and actually tastes delicious. Subtle yet refreshing with a finish that lingers just enough to satisfy but not overpower your palate, this tea is exactly like a cool piece of minty gum!

A warm cup of peppermint after dinner is the perfect addition to your everyday routine and can quickly become a ritual to look forward to. Whether you’re bloated from that Panda Express you practically inhaled or the Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme bubbling in your stomach, don’t hesitate to grab some of this gut-saving tea. 

Chamomile: Best for improved sleep and relaxation

Chamomile is one of the most popular teas for a reason! A warm, comforting cup promotes better sleep, helps you unwind, relieves stress and anxiety, and supports balanced blood sugar levels — and those are just some of the benefits. As for the flavor, chamomile is gentle and earthy with a slight hint of sweetness. A sip of this tea transports me into a field of sunlit flowers, soaking up the sun and feeling its rays on my skin. 

Opt for a warm cup of chamomile to help you and your body relax before bed, especially after a long day of locking in. If your sleep schedule isn’t exactly ideal, this tea could help you get back on track.

Raspberry leaf: Best for menstrual cramps and period relief

Also known as the “woman’s herb,” raspberry leaf tea supports reproductive health. The fragerine in the leaf aids uterine muscles in contracting and strengthening. This translates into relief from menstrual cramps before and during your period. So, when your cramps start to feel like you’re skipping that mandatory discussion and that Tylenol just won’t kick in, consider this for an alternative solution. 

Though this tea seems fruity and sweet, its name is quite misleading. Instead of delivering a bold tang of berry flavor, raspberry leaf offers a light tartness with a slight velvety undertone that makes it slightly sweeter than chamomile. It’s the perfect warm drink that won’t overpower your tastebuds. Gentle and soothing raspberry leaf is a must-have tea for your collection. 

Looking for more period relief tips? Check out Lifestyle’s article on wellness advice for each stage of the menstrual cycle!

My personal favorite: Yogi’s DeTox tea

Last but not least, one of my favorite discoveries from my tea journey is Yogi’s DeTox tea. A blend of cleansing herbs like burdock, dandelion, and juniper berry, this mix is meant to cleanse the body and assist regular digestion and circulation. This tea blend may get the bowels moving, but only to support your body’s natural functions. It’s a great reset tea for taking a mental and physical breather during a heavy week. 

This tea is rich and flavorful, but don’t let that scare you away! Delicately sweet and a bit spicy, Yogi’s detox is an acquired taste that will soon prove to be your go-to comfy drink for any time of day. 

These are just a few herbal teas that I love, but don’t be afraid to explore new flavors! The worst that could happen: your tastebuds disagree. Here are some other crowd favorites:

Lemon Balm: Best for aiding digestion, relieving stress and anxiety, and improving thinking ability

Ginger: Best for alleviating nausea, stomach issues, and pain relief 

Rose hip: Best for an antioxidant boost and supporting immune system health

Hibiscus: Best for rich antioxidants, fighting inflammation, and heart health

Spearmint: Best for balancing hormones and managing PCOS — polycystic ovary syndrome — symptoms

Regardless of what tea you try, there’s one thing you should remember: Anyone can be a tea person. All it takes is for you to fall in love with one, and you’ve got your ride-or-die for life.  Take this as your excuse to start your mug collection. Happy steeping and happy sipping!