by Dr. LaSonya Lopez, MD
December 17, 2024
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you’ve probably noticed the explosion of wellness trends sweeping the platform. From elaborate morning routines to skincare hacks and energizing iced drinks, TikTok has become the go-to place for discovering (and sometimes debunking) the latest health crazes. But while it’s fun to watch these trends unfold, the sheer volume of new “must-try” habits can get overwhelming—and sometimes, the simplest options get overlooked. Enter herbal teas: these timeless, natural remedies bring their own brand of wellness and can make excellent alternatives or additions to some of TikTok’s most popular trends.
So, if you’ve been scrolling through wellness TikTok and want a fresh, tea-inspired take, here are some herbal tea hacks that blend the best of ancient wisdom with modern trends. Get ready to sip your way through these popular TikTok-inspired wellness routines!
1. Morning Glow-Up: Swapping “That Girl” Routine with Herbal Tea Rituals
TikTok’s “That Girl” trend showcases aesthetically pleasing morning routines that include everything from green juices to intricate skincare steps. The idea is to start the day feeling polished, productive, and positively glowing. But if green juices aren’t your thing (or they feel a bit too much for the wallet), an herbal tea routine can bring similar benefits with a simpler, gentler approach.
Tea Swap: Start Your Day with Lemon Ginger or Peppermint Tea
Lemon ginger tea offers a warm and refreshing start, awakening the senses while supporting digestion. This caffeine-free option gives a natural energy boost without the jitters, and ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce bloating, a great bonus for those morning routines.
If you’re craving something cooling, peppermint tea is another excellent option. It’s naturally invigorating, helps clear morning brain fog, and even freshens your breath for the day ahead. Plus, a hot cup of tea is a grounding, calming way to begin the day—no blender required!
2. Skincare Fads: Herbal Teas for Natural, Radiant Skin
TikTok is filled with skincare hacks—some sound, some questionable. From ice-cold face plunges to DIY face masks, the goal is all about achieving clear, glowing skin. Herbal teas can be a fantastic addition to your skincare routine, both internally and externally.
Tea Hack: Rooibos & Chamomile for a Skin-Friendly Boost
For a tea that works wonders for your skin from the inside out, try rooibos tea. This caffeine-free tea from South Africa is packed with antioxidants, which help protect your skin from environmental stressors. Rooibos tea can also be brewed and applied as a cooling facial mist after it cools, helping to soothe irritation or redness.
Chamomile tea is another great option. Known for its calming properties, chamomile can help reduce inflammation, making it a gentle choice for sensitive skin. After brewing chamomile tea, let it cool and dip a soft cloth in it, then gently pat onto your face for a refreshing, all-natural toner.
3. Iced Coffee Alternatives: Herbal Infusions to Replace Sugary Drinks
Cold, creamy iced coffee drinks have become a TikTok staple, especially with added syrups and flavor shots. While delicious, these drinks can be loaded with sugar and caffeine, which might leave you with a sugar crash later in the day. For a healthier, herbal alternative that’s just as refreshing and satisfying, try iced herbal infusions.
Tea Swap: Hibiscus Iced Tea Lemonade or Iced Green Tea with Mint
For a tangy, colorful option, hibiscus iced tea lemonade is a fantastic iced coffee alternative. Hibiscus tea is naturally tart and refreshing, and when paired with a splash of lemon, it creates a vibrant, antioxidant-rich drink that’s just as satisfying as a sugary iced coffee but with none of the crash.
Iced green tea with mint is another refreshing choice, giving you a gentle caffeine lift without the jitters. Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus, balancing out its caffeine content. Just brew green tea, let it cool, add fresh mint, and pour over ice for a crisp, hydrating drink.
4. Sleep Hacks: TikTok’s Viral Sleep Remedies with a Herbal Twist
TikTok has seen its fair share of sleep hacks, from magnesium-rich snacks to lavender essential oils. Herbal teas are a tried-and-true sleep remedy that’s simple, soothing, and effective for winding down after a long day.
Tea Hack: Valerian & Lavender Tea for Sweet Dreams
Valerian root tea has been used for centuries as a natural sleep aid. It promotes relaxation and can help reduce anxiety, making it a great option for unwinding before bed. Valerian root is often described as having a mild sedative effect, helping you drift off to sleep more easily.
For a more fragrant option, lavender tea offers a calming aroma that’s well-known for its sleep-promoting qualities. Brew a cup about 30 minutes before bedtime, and let the floral notes help you relax and prepare for a restful night. Combine valerian root and lavender for a sleep blend that’s powerful yet gentle.
5. Stress-Relief Trends: Tea Alternatives to Anxiety Relief Techniques
We all know stress levels have been high, and TikTok has responded with tips on everything from breathwork exercises to grounding techniques. While those methods are effective, sipping on an herbal tea that promotes relaxation is a simple, mindful way to incorporate a calming ritual into your day.
Tea Hack: Holy Basil (Tulsi) and Lemon Balm for Calm
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is often called the “queen of herbs” for its adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens help the body adapt to stress, providing a sense of calm without sedation. Holy basil tea has a warm, slightly peppery flavor and can be enjoyed any time you need a mental break.
Lemon balm tea is another excellent choice for easing anxiety. This lemony herb belongs to the mint family and is known for its soothing effects. It’s gentle enough to drink throughout the day and makes a perfect companion for a quick relaxation break during work or study.
6. DIY Detoxes: Herbal Tea Hacks for Gentle Cleansing
Detox drinks have taken over wellness TikTok, with influencers touting everything from celery juice cleanses to elaborate detox smoothies. While extreme cleanses aren’t usually necessary, a gentle herbal tea can support natural detoxification without any restrictive measures.
Tea Hack: Dandelion Root & Burdock Root for Natural Cleansing
Dandelion root tea is known for its liver-supporting properties. The liver plays a big role in detoxification, and sipping dandelion root tea helps keep it in top shape. Dandelion root has a rich, earthy flavor, almost like coffee, making it a great alternative to cleanse-minded drinks.
Burdock root tea is another natural choice, often used to promote skin health by supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. Burdock root’s mild, slightly sweet taste pairs well with other herbal teas, allowing you to create custom blends for your cleanse routine.
7. Immune-Boosting Wellness Shots: Herbal Tea Alternatives to Stay Healthy
Immune-boosting shots, often loaded with ginger and cayenne, are popular for their “kick” and potential health benefits. But if you’re looking for a more gentle, warm option, herbal teas can offer similar benefits in a way that’s easier to enjoy regularly.
Tea Hack: Elderberry & Echinacea Tea for Immune Support
Elderberry tea has become a popular immune-supporting remedy, and for good reason! Elderberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which supports immune health. Sipping elderberry tea regularly can help you maintain a strong immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
Echinacea tea is another go-to herb for immune support. It’s often paired with elderberry in tea blends for a powerful immune boost. Echinacea has a floral, slightly earthy taste that makes it easy to drink, and its immune-supporting properties are backed by research, making it a reliable choice.
The Takeaway: Blending TikTok’s Trends with Herbal Tea Wisdom
While TikTok offers endless wellness inspiration, herbal teas provide timeless, natural ways to support your health and well-being without all the hype. So, the next time you’re tempted to try a trending wellness hack, consider reaching for a cup of herbal tea instead. It might not come with flashy filters or catchy music, but it’s a tried-and-true way to bring wellness into your daily routine.
Whether it’s to glow up in the morning, unwind after a long day, or give your immune system a little boost, there’s an herbal tea out there that fits the trend with a gentle, mindful twist. Happy sipping, and here’s to making wellness a little more down-to-earth!
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