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Herbal Tea vs Green Tea – What’s the Difference?
Understanding how herbal and green teas differ in composition, effects, and wellness roles
Introduction
Tea is more than a beverage—it’s a wellness choice. But not all teas are the same. Green tea and herbal tea offer distinct health benefits due to their chemical composition, caffeine content, and traditional uses. While both can play a role in a balanced lifestyle, they serve different needs.
At Tea Therapy Singapore, we specialize in caffeine-free herbal infusions that support calm, digestion, skin health, and more—especially for those seeking a gentle, restorative ritual.
What is Green Tea?
Green tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used to make black and oolong tea. It is minimally oxidized, retaining high levels of:
- Catechins (especially EGCG) – powerful antioxidants
- Caffeine – a natural stimulant
- L-theanine – a calming amino acid that can balance caffeine’s effect
Green tea is widely studied for its potential to support heart health, metabolism, and cognitive function. However, the caffeine content (20–35mg per cup) may not be suitable for individuals sensitive to stimulants or looking for evening relaxation.
What is Herbal Tea?
Herbal teas are not “true teas” from the tea plant. Instead, they are infusions of dried flowers, fruits, seeds, roots, or leaves from a wide variety of botanicals—such as chrysanthemum, rose, osmanthus, goji berry, and peony.
Key features of herbal teas:
- Naturally caffeine-free
- Often richer in flavonoids, polysaccharides, and volatile oils
- Traditionally used in digestive, calming, and skin-supportive remedies
- Ideal for evening or night-time use
At Tea Therapy, our handcrafted tea bombs are formulated to deliver these gentle benefits, making them ideal for daily balance.
Comparing the Wellness Effects
| Feature | Green Tea | Herbal Tea |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | 20–35mg per cup | 0mg (naturally caffeine-free) |
| Key Compounds | Catechins (EGCG), L-theanine | Flavonoids, essential oils, polysaccharides |
| Energy Effect | Stimulating, mildly calming | Calming, grounding |
| When to Drink | Morning to mid-afternoon | Anytime, especially post-meal or before bed |
| Digestion | Can be slightly astringent | Often soothing and digestive-supportive |
| Suitability | For focused energy | For stress, relaxation, and gentle healing |
Why Herbal Tea is Ideal for Evening Wellness
Unlike green tea, herbal teas do not interfere with melatonin production, your body’s natural sleep hormone. Ingredients like:
- Lily and rose promote emotional calm
- Chrysanthemum supports liver cooling and detox
- Peony gently soothes the nervous system
…making them ideal choices for winding down after a long day.
Different Teas for Different Needs
Both green tea and herbal tea offer wellness benefits—but they support the body in very different ways.
- Green tea is energizing and antioxidant-rich, great for productivity
- Herbal tea is calming, nourishing, and better for long-term balance, especially for those sensitive to caffeine or looking to support digestion, sleep, or emotional well-being
At Tea Therapy Singapore, we believe that wellness should feel natural, beautiful, and restorative—one floral infusion at a time.
