We love the holidays here at Harney & Sons because they bring sparkling lights, time with family, crackling fires, and hot tea. And while we’re counting down the days until we’re surrounded by our loved ones at the dinner table, there’s a part of us that feels a tad… stressed (I’m sure some of you can relate). So, we decided to make a list of teas to ease holiday stress before it happens, pair with festive foods, aid in digestion after one too many servings of mashed potatoes, and help you recover once the tree comes down.
Teas To Ease Holiday Stress
The week before hosting can sometimes bring out the worst in us. Not because we aren’t looking forward to having our extended family over (right?) but because we just want everything to be perfect. Unfortunately, that desire can create an unnecessary amount of stress during the very weeks that are supposed to be the happiest of the year.
To help reduce stress, we recommend taking deep breaths, getting plenty of sleep (7-9 hours), and sipping on one of our many relaxing teas. These blends feature ingredients such as chamomile, lavender, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), bergamot, and hemp, all of which promote relaxation and help reduce stress.
- Chamomile – This herb promotes both peace and stillness. We source the finest Egyptian chamomile flowers directly from Egypt, giving this premium herbal tea a light body that’s perfect for taking a moment of rest with.
- Chamomile Mint – Chill – This hemp-infused chamomile mint tea is the definition of mellow. The flavors of chamomile and peppermint blend beautifully to indulge and relax the senses in a smooth, chilled-out cup.
- New York Blend – This caffeine-free tisane has flavors of chamomile, soothing ginger root, and refreshing peppermint that was designed to ease the mind and delight the senses. It’s perfect for those who want to decompress from city life, like in New York.
- Yellow & Blue – This floral tisane brings together chamomile and lavender in a deeply comforting way. These naturally calming herbs will ease you into a peaceful state of mind after a long day of planning.
- Gaba Oolong – GABA is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and allows for better sleep (which is much needed before hosting or traveling this holiday season). This blend combines traditional Taiwanese craftsmanship with modern health-conscious benefits, making it a sought-after choice for those seeking both flavor and wellness.
- Hemp Avocado – This blend is a mixture of avocado leaves, hemp leaves, and herbs that creates a fascinating infusion to strengthen your vitality on the days when you need a boost of energy.
- Botanical Blend Earl Grey – This floral black tea with a lemony aroma of bergamot is caffeinated to get you through long days of travel or wrapping an endless pile of gifts, but delicate enough to fight off anxiety (thanks to the bergamot).
Teas That Pair With Festive Foods
We’ve taken the guesswork out of pairing teas, beverages, or sides with your holiday dishes. Our curated tea list lets you focus on the fun and skip the stress of one more decision this season.
- Earl Grey Supreme goes great with roasted turkey or savory cheese plates because the lemony flavors of the tea act like a refined palate cleanser that both elevates and balances rich, savory foods.
- Hot Cinnamon Spice brings out the cinnamon and clove notes of a glazed ham and the brown sugar glaze and caramelized edges of a sweet potato casserole. The black tea base balances the pairings of these dishes so they don't become overly sugary.
- Celebration Tea, known for its irresistible flavors of apricot, hazelnut, cinnamon, and spice, pairs nicely with sufganiyot, jelly-filled doughnuts. The black tea’s gentle astringency cuts through the richness of the fried dough and sweetness of the filling, so the two don’t feel too heavy.
- Williamsburg Ginger Cake goes well with not only spiced gingerbread cake, but also roasted pork. The cloves, cinnamon, and molasses in the tea complement the cake’s flavors without overwhelming them due to its mild astringency that helps balance the sweetness between the two. When the tea is paired with a savory dish like roasted pork, it enhances the caramelized crust of the pork, giving you all the fall feels.
- Mulled Plum Cider is, of course, best paired with a hot apple pie due to its delicious fruity and spicy cider profile. It also goes well with a custardy bread pudding because the tea’s fruity acidity and cinnamon-clove warmth cut through the richness of the dessert while simultaneously enhancing the dessert’s cozy spice.
- Chocolate Mint is best paired with desserts other than chocolate (not to dissuade chocolaholics from trying it), so the chocolate and mint notes can shine without competing with other chocolate flavors. We think Chocolate Mint pairs best with shortbread or candied orange peels. The mint in the tea provides a refreshing contrast that cuts through the butteriness. Chocolate and orange have been a timeless pair that goes well together due to the citrusness of the peel enhancing the chocolate.
- White Christmas features sweet notes of almonds, cardamom, and vanilla, which make the tea pair beautifully with poached pears or almond butter. The light flavors of these holiday treats, poached pears and almond butter, pair wonderfully together with this warm and nutty blend.
Teas That Aid In Digestion For Post-Meal Relief
Now that you’re sitting on the couch after enjoying a big, holiday feast, you may be second-guessing that third (or fourth) serving of sweet potato casserole. Since we’re sharing all the ways to de-stress during the holiday season, we made a post-meal relief list featuring several of our favorite teas with digestive properties like peppermint, ginger, lemon, and soba that are best to drink after a large meal and before bedtime. We hope you’ll find some relief in these blends.
- Organic Ginger Lemon – Lemon aids in digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes, while ginger helps speed up stomach emptying and can reduce bloating and gas, so this blend will set good things in motion for post-meal relief.
- Organic Peppermint – Peppermint tea is one of the best teas for digestion, thanks to menthol, a compound in peppermint that improves digestive issues. Even people with issues like IBS can find symptom relief.
- Mint Verbena – This blend of lemon verbena and peppermint combines to make a relaxing and refreshing tisane. Similar to Organic Peppermint, Mint Verbena is light-bodied and can calm a temperamental stomach.
- Ginger Liquorice – Licorice root is known for promoting digestive health and easing the symptoms of digestive problems. It has a sweet taste, which is an incentive for brewing a cup of Ginger Liquorice after a big dinner.
- Soba Roasted Buckwheat – This traditional Japanese specialty has a delightful toasty flavor and nutty undertones. The fiber in this blend can help maintain regular bowel movements and support a healthy gut microbiome. It’s a great option for those looking for anti-inflammatory properties to soothe digestive distress after a big holiday spread.
- Organic Hibiscus Ginger – This organic brew has a lovely, fragrant aroma that is as beneficial to your health as it is to your taste buds. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and hibiscus has diuretic and gentle laxative properties, which can, much like Organic Ginger Lemon, get things going.
- Organic Golden Milk – Glimmer Wellness Blend – This blend is for those who like a kick of spice. Turmeric and ginger dominate the aroma, leaving those brave enough to try feeling warm from the inside out. The health benefits are worth every sip!
- Organic Chaga Chai – Nourish Wellness Blend – If you’re looking for a chai that’s not only tasty, but is good for you, we recommend this one. The chaga mushrooms in this blend have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help combat chronic inflammation. Unlike the Golden Milk blend, the spices in this one are toned down by the chaga.
- Organic Lemon Balm Chamomile – Chamomile is known for promoting relaxation, calming a churning stomach, and reducing oxidative stress. These beneficial properties to both your physical and mental well-being are important after indulging in endless piles of bread pudding. We recommend you sip on this mellow nutmeg and lemon balm blend after company has left (unless you think falling asleep while they’re still over is a surefire sign of getting them to leave).
- Organic Milk Thistle Mint – This delectable herbal tea has five organic herbs – milk thistle, fenugreek, ginger root, coriander seeds, and peppermint – all of which make it the ideal brew after a meal to aid you as you digest.
- Turmeric Ginger – Calm – It’s almost like this spicy blend was made for this moment! The combination of ginger and turmeric in this blend reduces nausea and eases indigestion. Those digestive properties, along with hemp oil, will send a wave through your senses and leave you feeling relaxed well into the night.
Teas That Help Recovery After The Holidays
We’d be lying to ourselves if we didn’t mention the post-holiday blues. These teas are for those who feel hungover after celebrating (and not just from alcohol) and are looking for detox teas that are rich in antioxidants and promote immunity.
- Chaga Ashwagandha – Since you already know chaga mushrooms have anti-inflammatory effects, you know part of why we included this dark, earthy-tasting blend. The other part is due to the Ashwagandha root we added to this blend, which resulted in a new herbal infusion and is perfect for those looking to rest and recharge going into the new year.
- Japanese Sencha – My grandfather, John Harney, drank this tea everyday for over 10 years because he valued the pleasant flavor and antioxidants (he was on the health-kick trend before it was even a thing). Since this is a mid-season Sencha, Japanese Sencha has good levels of amino acids and more body than most green teas, making it a great choice for supporting your immune system when it’s down.
- Bamboo – If detoxification were a drink, it would be this one. This herbal has a very distinct vegetal aroma, so it doesn’t only taste like it’d be good for you (it leans towards asparagus), but it actually is. Bamboo has an exceptional silica content, which helps promote collagen formation. That means your nails, skin, and hair will thank you after you enjoy a cup of Bamboo tea. It can also help remove toxins from the body, boost the immune system with vitamins like C and B, and possibly lower cholesterol levels.
- Organic Ginger Turmeric – This herbal infusion of two powerhouse roots is sure to rejuvenate you after a week or two of “cheat meals.”
- Avocado Leaf – Avocados are not only healthy and delicious, but so is Avocado Leaf tea. This rare, herbal blend (which truly does come from an avocado tree) is known for having a high level of antioxidants and is believed to support kidney function and help with blood sugar regulation.
- Moringa Leaf – This vegetal herbal is packed with micronutrients and has a delicious, mild, earthy flavor. If you’re looking to ease digestion, revitalize your immune system, and reduce sleep issues, this one is for you.
