Functional Tea Ingredient Glossary.
Let’s talk tea that does things.
This isn’t just a cute brew to sip while you scroll.
Our functional blends are packed with purposeful ingredients, think organic herbs, adaptogens, roots and leaves that have been used for centuries to help with everything from stress to sleep to digestion (and no, we’re not making it up).
This guide breaks down what’s inside your cup and why it matters, so you can sip smarter, feel better, and casually flex your wellness knowledge next time someone asks, “Wait… what’s ashwagandha again?”
Functional Tea Ingredient Glossary
What’s in your cup, why it’s there, and what it’s vibing with.
Alfalfa
What it does: A multivitamin in leaf form
Why it helps: Packed with vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and magnesium. It supports overall vitality, bone health, and detox.
Where it’s from: Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic use as a tonic herb.
Found in:That Glow Tho Tea
Ashwagandha
What it does: The stress-adaptogen superstar.
Why it helps: Clinical studies show ashwagandha extract can lower cortisol levels (stress hormone) by up to ~30%, helping you feel calmer, more focused, and even sleep better. It's been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to support mood, adrenal health, and resilience to daily stressors ScienceDirectCleveland ClinicGlamour.
Where it’s from: Traditional Indian Ayurvedic herb (Withania somnifera).
Found in:Calm AF Adaptogen Tea
Black Tea
What it does: Bold, balanced energy boost
Why it helps: More oxidised than green tea, making it rich in theaflavins and caffeine. Great for focus, heart health, and that solid morning "let’s do this" energy.
Where it’s from: A global fave with roots in China, India, and Sri Lanka.
Found in:Sticky Vegan Chai, Spice Things Up (Turmeric Chai), Mug Life English Breakfast, French Earl Grey, Earl Grey, Organic Black
Blue Cornflower
What it does: Gentle digestive and aesthetic stunner
Why it helps: Mildly soothing to digestion and lymphatic system, and adds beautiful blue tones (and antioxidants) to your brew.
Where it’s from: Traditional European herbal teas.
Found in: Golden Detox Tea, Tropical Tummy Tea
Blue Mallow
What it does: Soothing and anti-inflammatory beauty
Why it helps: Contains mucilage, which coats and soothes the digestive tract, and has calming, anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and gut.
Where it’s from: Traditional use across Europe and the Middle East.
Found in: Gut Me Feeling Good
Burdock Root
What it does: The internal cleanser and glow-getter.
Why it helps: Rich in antioxidants like phenolic acids, quercetin, and luteolin, burdock root helps support healthy circulation, lymphatic drainage, and detox pathways—especially for clearer skin and a happier gut. It’s also a mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory plant ally Dr. AxeRupa HealthSacred Plant Co.
Where it’s from: Traditional Chinese and European herbal medicine.
Found in:That Glow Tho Tea
Calendula
What it does: Skin-glowing anti-inflammatory queen
Why it helps: Contains flavonoids and linoleic acid to support healing and reduce inflammation—inside and out. It’s your skin’s best friend.
Where it’s from: European and Mediterranean herbal traditions.
Found in:That Glow Tho Tea, Gut Feeling Digestive Tea
Camellia sinensis
What it does: The OG tea plant – energiser, antioxidant powerhouse, metabolism buddy, and mood enhancer.
Why it helps: All true tea (green, black, oolong, white, pu-erh, matcha, etc.) comes from this one magical plant. Its leaves are rich in antioxidants like catechins (EGCG), theaflavins, and L-theanine — supporting brain health, gut health, energy, and longevity.
Each style of tea is processed differently, unlocking unique benefits:
- Green Tea (e.g. Sencha, Jasmine Green): Steamed or pan-fired to preserve antioxidants. High in L-theanine + caffeine = calm energy and focus.
- Black Tea (e.g. English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Chai): Fully oxidised. Bold flavour, stronger caffeine kick, and theaflavins that support heart health and digestion.
- Oolong Tea: Partially oxidised. Balances the lightness of green with the strength of black. Great for metabolism, skin clarity, and mood.
- Matcha: Stone-ground green tea leaves = concentrated chlorophyll, antioxidants, and caffeine. Great for focus, detox, and alert calm.
- White Tea: Least processed. Subtle, gentle, and super high in antioxidants.
- Pu-erh (fermented): Gut-loving, earthy, and good for digestion and cholesterol.
Where it’s from: Native to China and India, Camellia sinensis has been cultivated for thousands of years and is still central to rituals and daily life in Asia and beyond.
Found in: Focus Pocus Tea, Sticky Vegan Chai, Spice Things Up (Turmeric Chai), Mug Life English Breakfast, Sereni-Tea Now, French Earl Grey, Earl Grey, Oolong, Jasmine Green, Unmatcha’d Premium Japanese Matcha, Organic Black
Cardamom
What it does: Digestive delight & breath freshener
Why it helps: Stimulates digestion, reduces gas and bloating, and brings a slightly citrusy, refreshing flavour that pairs beautifully with other spices.
Where it’s from: Used in Ayurvedic medicine and Indian chai for centuries.
Found in:Sticky Vegan Chai, Spice Things Up (Turmeric Chai)
Chicory Root
What it does: Bitter digestive stimulator + prebiotic booster
Why it helps: Encourages bile production, supports liver detox, and feeds the good gut bacteria with inulin (a natural prebiotic).
Where it’s from: Used in Europe and traditional Chinese medicine.
Found in:Clear Mind Tea, Golden Detox Tea
Cinnamon
What it does: Spicy-sweet blood sugar balancer
Why it helps: Contains cinnamaldehyde, a powerful compound that supports healthy blood sugar levels, digestion, and circulation. Also antimicrobial and comforting AF.
Where it’s from: A staple in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Middle Eastern medicine.
Found in:Focus Pocus Tea, Sticky Vegan Chai, Spice Things Up (Turmeric Chai), Gut Feeling Digestive Tea
Dandelion Root
What it does: Gentle digestive stimulator and liver friend.
Why it helps: Acts as a mild diuretic and supports bile production—helpful for digestion, reducing bloating, and easing liver load. Often paired with burdock for detox synergy Sacred Plant CoHerbalHermit USA.
Where it’s from: Traditional Western, Chinese, and Native American medicine.
Found in:Clear Mind Tea, Golden Detox Tea
Earl Grey
What it does: Fancy morning pick-me-up
Why it helps: Black tea infused with bergamot (a citrus fruit) for a bright, fragrant cup. Great for mood, digestion, and afternoon-tea-core moments.
Where it’s from: British invention with Italian bergamot flair.
Found in:Earl Grey, French Earl Grey
Flax Seed
What it does: Omega-rich fibre hero
Why it helps: High in soluble fiber and ALA (a plant-based omega‑3). Flax supports digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and offers hormonal balance support, especially useful in blends targeting gut or mood.
Where it’s from: Used in Ayurvedic and Western herbal traditions.
Found in: Concentration Tea (Focus Pocus)
Ginger
What it does: Warming digestion champion and nausea ninja.
Why it helps: Known for easing nausea and inflammation, ginger supports circulation, soothes GI discomfort, and offers a cozy spice kick. It’s also studied for immune-support and anti-inflammatory benefits HerbalHermit USA.
Where it’s from: Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal traditions.
Found in: Focus Pocus, Chai Hard, Calm AF, Gut Me Feeling Good, Gut Feeling Digestive Tea
Hemp Leaf
What it does: Anti-inflammatory, balancing, earthy chill
Why it helps: Full of antioxidants and plant polyphenols that reduce inflammation and support the endocannabinoid system, without any THC.
Where it’s from: Traditional uses from China and India for relaxation and wellness.
Found in:Leaf Me Alone (I'm Healing)
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
What it does: The ultimate adaptogenic all-rounder
Why it helps: Balances cortisol, boosts immunity, supports respiratory health, and enhances mood. Basically, it helps your body cope.
Where it’s from: Revered in Ayurvedic medicine as “The Elixir of Life.”
Found in: Sip Happens (Stay Calm)
Honeybush
What it does: Naturally sweet, antioxidant-rich hug
Why it helps: Caffeine-free, rich in polyphenols, and supports digestion, immunity, and hormone balance. Think of it as rooibos’ chill cousin.
Where it’s from: Indigenous to South Africa, used as a traditional health tonic.
Found in:Gut Feeling Digestive Tea
Lavender
What it does: Floral calm in a cup
Why it helps: Contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Great for sleep, tension, and taking the edge off.
Where it’s from: Herbal remedy in European folk medicine for centuries.
Found in: Don’t Call Me After 9
Lemon Balm
What it does: Vibe-lifter and tummy soother
Why it helps: Mild sedative and calming herb that eases anxiety, uplifts mood, and aids digestion. Also gently sweet and citrusy.
Where it’s from: Herbal traditions across Europe.
Found in: Calm AF Adaptogen Tea, Cool It Digestive Tea, Don’t Call Me After 9
Lemongrass
What it does: Zesty digestive helper & mood lifter
Why it helps: Antioxidant-rich and gently antimicrobial, it supports digestion, soothes bloating, and adds a bright, citrusy lift.
Where it’s from: Used in Southeast Asian and Ayurvedic healing practices.
Found in:Gut Me Feeling Good
Liquorice Root
What it does: Sweet relief for gut and stress zones
Why it helps: Glycyrrhizin helps soothe irritated mucous membranes, support adrenal function, and balance digestion. Its natural sweetness also smooths sharper herbs in blends.
Where it’s from: Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic use.
Found in: Calm AF, That Glow Tho Tea
Marshmallow Root
What it does: The digestive comfort buddy.
Why it helps: Its mucilage content coats and soothes the digestive tract and throat, calming irritation and reducing acid reflux or heartburn sensations HerbalHermit USA.
Where it’s from: European and Middle Eastern herbal traditions.
Found in:Cool It Digestive Tea, Golden Detox Tea
Matcha
What it does: Clean green power-up
Why it helps: Ground whole green tea leaves = 10x the antioxidants of regular green tea. High in chlorophyll, L-theanine, and gentle caffeine to support focus, mood, and energy.
Where it’s from: Japan, traditionally used in tea ceremonies and meditation prep.
Found in: Unmatcha’d Premium Japanese Matcha
Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
(aka St Mary’s Thistle)
What it does: Liver regenerating and detox-supportive hero.
Why it helps: Rich in silymarin flavonoids that aid in liver cell repair, improve detox pathways, and neutralize oxidative stress—a key tool for skin clarity and metabolic health energetichealthinstitute.orgRupa Health.
Where it’s from: Mediterranean herbal medicine.
Found in:That Glow Tho Tea, Golden Detox Tea
Nettle Leaf
What it does: Green goodness for skin, joints, and energy
Why it helps: High in iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Nettle supports detoxification, reduces inflammation, and nourishes the skin from the inside out.
Where it’s from: Used in traditional European herbal medicine for centuries.
Found in: That Glow Tho Tea
Olive Leaf
What it does: Antioxidant powerhouse with immune perks
Why it helps: Contains oleuropein, which fights free radicals, supports cardiovascular health, and gives your immune system a lift.
Where it’s from: Mediterranean folk medicine, especially Greece and Italy.
Found in: Leaf Me Alone (I'm Healing)
Oolong
What it does: The in-between superstar
Why it helps: Semi-oxidised tea that blends the richness of black with the freshness of green. Known for aiding digestion, metabolism, and skin clarity.
Where it’s from: Taiwan and China — famous for "slimming teas" and beautiful complexity.
Found in: Oolong
Orange Peel
What it does: Zesty immune-boosting brightness
Why it helps: High in vitamin C and flavonoids. Supports digestion, circulation, and brightens your brew both visually and aromatically.
Where it’s from: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western herbal blends.
Found in:Gut Feeling Digestive Tea
Parsley
What it does: Nutrient powerhouse and natural hydrator
Why it helps: Loaded with vitamins C, K, A, folate, iron, and flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin. It offers antioxidant support, promotes bone and eye health, supports immunity, and diuresis. Often blended with ginger for kidney and UTI support. Verywell Healthremedygrove. commedlicker.com
Where it’s from: Mediterranean traditional medicine, but loved globally.
Found in: Concentration Tea (Focus Pocus), Ginger & Paw Paw Digestive Tea
Passionflower
What it does: Evening chill pill in a leaf
Why it helps: Passionflower increases GABA activity in the brain, helping slow racing thoughts, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality and duration. The Botanical InstituteScientific Originhealwithtea.com
Where it’s from: Native to southeastern U.S. & Central/South America; long used by Indigenous peoples for relaxation.
Found in:Don’t Call Me After 9 Sleep Tea (Snooze)
Pawpaw Leaf
What it does: Tropical immune ally and digestion helper
Why it helps: Packed with vitamins A, B, C, E, D, calcium, flavonoids, tannins, karpain, enzymes like papain. This combo supports digestion (especially breaking down proteins), reduces inflammation, improves immunity, and even helps ease mild PMS or viral symptoms. 15 Health BenefitsHow To Ripe
Where it’s from: Traditional Pacific Island and tropical medicine.
Found in:Concentration Tea (Focus Pocus), Leaf Me Alone, Gut Feeling Digestive Tea
Peppermint & Spearmint
What they do: Digestive soothers plus mood lifters.
Why they help: Mint contains menthol and other compounds that calm digestive spasms, relieve bloating, and refresh the mind. Spearmint may also support hormone balance in women by moderating androgen levels healthline.comhealthyhuemans.comSacred Plant Co.
Where they’re from: Mediterranean and European traditional usage.
Found in:Cool It, Leaf Me Alone, That Glow Tho, Zero Chill
Red Raspberry Leaf
What it does: Hormone-balancing uterine support
Why it helps: Contains fragrine, a compound thought to tone uterine muscles. Commonly used to support menstrual and reproductive health. Also high in antioxidants.
Where it’s from: Traditional use in Native American and European herbal practices.
Found in: Cool It Digestive Tea
Rice Malt Syrup
What it does: Sweet but subtle
Why it helps: A natural, low-fructose sweetener used in sticky chai to bind spices and black tea. Gives warmth and richness without being overpowering.
Where it’s from: Used in Japanese and macrobiotic cooking.
Found in:Sticky Vegan Chai
Rosemary
What it does: Brain-booster, digestion soother, antioxidant star
Why it helps: Rich in rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and other plant compounds that support memory, reduce inflammation, and help digestion. It’s the kind of herb that sharpens your mind while calming your gut. Natural Food Series Botanical-online
Where it’s from: Mediterranean herbal medicine—known for memory and mood support.
Found in: Focus Pocus Tea
Skullcap
What it does: Mild nervous-system relaxant
Why it helps: Used as a nervine to reduce anxiety, quiet the mind, and support restful sleep, without heavy sedation.
Where it’s from: Western herbal tradition.
Found in:Don’t Call Me After 9
Soursop (Graviola)
What it does: Tropical antioxidant + immune supporter
Why it helps: Rich in vitamin C and acetogenins, it's believed to support the immune system, digestion, and inflammation.
Where it’s from: Traditional Caribbean and Central American herbal remedies.
Found in: Gut Me Feeling Good
Star Anise
What it does: Aromatic immune booster
Why it helps: High in shikimic acid (yep, the same stuff used in flu meds). It supports immunity, eases digestion, and adds a licorice-like warmth.
Where it’s from: Traditional in Chinese and Vietnamese herbal teas.
Found in:Sticky Vegan Chai, Spice Things Up (Turmeric Chai)
Sencha Green Tea
What it does: Calm energy and antioxidant powerhouse.
Why it helps: Packed with EGCG (a key polyphenol antioxidant) and L-theanine, it helps boost alertness without jitters and supports metabolism, immunity, and brain health verywellhealth.com.
Where it’s from: Japanese tea tradition.
Found in:Concentration Tea, Leaf Me Alone, Sereni‑Tea Now
Turmeric
What it does: The inflammation fighter and liver-loving spice.
Why it helps: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It supports liver detox, soothes joints, and helps with digestion and brain health. Combined with ginger or black pepper, it becomes even more bioavailable (more absorbable) HerbalHermit USARupa Health.
Where it’s from: Ayurvedic and Indian traditions.
Found in: Chai Hard, Spice Things Up with Benefits, Focus Pocus, Golden Detox Tea
