Fixing a headache can be a headache. From a dull throbbing to painful pressure, different types of headaches can inhibit us from living life to the fullest. In this guide, we ranked and reviewed the best teas for a headache.
If you want to get some for yourself, we have a collection of the best teas for your headache right here in tea bags, loose leaf, or iced tea pouches.
What is the Best Tea for Headaches?
1. Yaupon Tea
Yaupon is the only naturally caffeinated plant native to North America. It has unique properties that traditional teas lack. One of these benefits is rutin, which is also found in apples and lemons. It’s an anti-inflamatory and Yaupon even has 4 times the amount of rutin as found in its popular cousin plant, guayusa. Furthermore, Yaupon has a pretty unique energy. With smooth caffeine (we see about 25 mg per serving), the boost is augmented by theobromine and theacrine to give a mental boost. Some folks say it's caffeine without the anxiety!
Benefits:
- Improve cerebral blood flow thanks to vasodilation of blood vessels from polyphenols and flavonoids.
- Decreased chronic inflammation via chlorogenic acid (CGA) that has anti-inflammatory properties.
- A gentle boost of caffeine that will energize you without the crash, and can help ease caffeine withdrawal headaches without the jitteriness.
Side Effects:
- May cause sleeplessness due to caffeine if large amounts of yaupon are consumed all at once.
Try our CatSpring Yaupon tea to soothe headache symptoms. It’s organic, non-gmo, kosher, sustainably grown, and naturally caffeinated.
2. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has been used for thousands of years as a cure for nausea and digestive problems in regions like Asia and India. As a rule of thumb, one cup of ginger tea contains about 250 milligrams of ginger so aim to drink two to four cups of this tea to alleviate symptoms of allergies.
Benefits:
- Makes you feel better faster than ginger ale because it contains higher concentrations of ginger and its natural compounds.
- May ease inflammation and ease the stress on your tissues and organs including your brain.
- May reduce pain though additional studies are needed to find out the extent of this effect.
Side Effects:
- Makes heartburn worse because it relaxes the muscle that prevents stomach bile from entering the esophagus.
3. Roobios Tea
Originating in Africa and now popular worldwide, it’s a caffeine-free alternative to traditional black tea and even similarly often undergoes oxidation though unlike black tea it is also often fermented. It has an earthy flavor that can be similar to yerba mate. Your brew is less likely to be bitter too because rooibos has less tannins than other teas. Just like Youpon tea, Rooibos has a compound called Rutin in it that help block the release of histamines which play a role in the cause of headaches.
Benefits:
- Caffeine free this is a great option for those who suffer from headaches at night.
- Protect your body with antioxidants that remove free radicals and protect your healthy cells and organs.
- Contains high amounts of vitamin C which helps boost your immune system.
Side Effects:
- Consuming too much rooibos has been linked to damage your liver so be sure to talk to your doctor
4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is primarily brewed from one of two daisy-like species of flower and commonly known for its stress-relieving properties. It’s long been believed to have health benefits though many are still under research. Its relaxing properties make it a great option for those suffering from headaches or migrains. Add it to your nightly routine to help deal with those lingering headaches.
Benefits:
- Increase calmness due to the powerhouse compound apigenin that can also relieve nausea, headaches, and fatigue.
- Promotes sleep due to its chemical structure, helping you relax and get that much needed rest.
- A natural relaxant, this tea can help tension headaches in particular.
Side Effects:
- Chamomile does cause drowsiness so be aware before consuming.
5. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea has a signature minty flavor due to its easy brewing using mint leaves. This menthol based flavor can help soothe a headache while also freshening your breath instantly. A refreshing glass that has a cooling effect, this is a yummy option for those looking to ease a headache. *Pro tip: you can also add peppermint oil to any beverage instead of using tea bags.
Benefits:
- Ease headaches as peppermint is a natural muscle relaxant while the menthol increases blood flow that creates a cooling sensation.
- Decrease nasal congestion in large part due to the vapors that increase the perception of airflow, easing congestion pain and discomfort that can contribute to headaches.
- Caffeine free and coming in oil or bag form, peppermint is a versatile option even for relieving headaches at night.
Side Effects:
- Can worsen acid reflux by relaxing the muscles around the stomach sphincter
6. Tumeric Tea
Turmeric has long been used in India in various dishes and is known quite well for its distinctive yellow color caused by curcumin. Ongoing research is determining the effects of curcumin in turmeric tea but it may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. Cucumin has been found to have neuroprotective effects to help mitigate the impact of migraine and headache pain. Peppery with a taste of ginger, this tea is tasty and helpful.
Benefits:
- No caffeine makes this a great bedtime option.
- With its anti-inflammatory properties Turmeric can relieve inflamed tissues throughout the body.
- Stimulate blood flow which helps to flush out toxins and remove debris from your vessels.
Side Effects:
- When consumed in high does turmeric tea can hurt some people's stomachs.
7. Lavender Tea
Made by steeping lavender buds in hot water, lavender tea is known for its calming properties. A florally aroma with hints of rosemary and mint, this is a great option for those looking for a caffeine free option that smells and tastes delightful while easing headaches.
Benefits:
- With anti-inflammatory properties, this tea can possibly help soothe irritated tissues.
- The smell of Lavender has also been shown to have a soothing effect and ease feelings of tension.
- Causing drowsiness, Lavender can help promote a good nights sleep.
Side Effects:
- Be careful of taking Lavender tea with any other sedatives
The Bottom Line
Owing to their amazing healthy-boosting properties, these are some of the best teas for headaches. Working as pain relievers, improving blood circulation to alleviate tension, and improving sleep quality, these teas can provide a remedy for headaches and their associated symptoms. If you want to get our best tasting tea for headaches, check out our organic, naturally caffeinated CatSpring Yaupon tea here.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. If you have serious health-related issues you should reach out to a medical professional. While we have studied the scientific research available, this is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
