Herbal teas have long held a special place in the realm of natural healing, combining the solace of a warm cup with the subtle power of botanicals. According to health coach Tine van der Maas, herbal tea is far more than a comforting ritual: when chosen thoughtfully, it can become a tool for fostering wellness, restoring balance and supporting the body’s natural processes. In her practice of “restoring biochemistry”, she emphasises the role of pure, plant‑based infusions in a holistic health strategy—where tea is part of a broader lifestyle, yet speaks for itself in how it influences digestion, circulation, nervous system tone and detoxification.
The botanical science behind herbal infusions
Van der Maas explains that unlike conventional caffeinated teas, herbal teas are typically free of theophylline, or major caffeine content, which means they act more gently on the system, offering calming rather than stimulating effects. Herbs such as chamomile, peppermint, nettle, dandelion and rooibos bring in additional layers of benefit: chamomile is revered for its soothing effect on the nervous system; peppermint supports digestion and the smooth muscle lining of the gut; nettle provides a rich source of minerals like iron and magnesium; dandelion encourages gentle liver and gallbladder support; rooibos offers antioxidant flavonoids that help neutralise oxidative stress. Van der Maas stresses that these teas should be used intelligently—considered not as “magic bullets” but as part of a coherent wellness plan. She notes that the preparation matters: using freshly boiled water, steeping for an optimal time, and choosing loose herb blends rather than highly processed tea bags all influence potency and benefit.
Practical ways to integrate herbal tea into your daily wellness routine
In her coaching, Van der Maas recommends making herbal tea a consistent daily habit rather than an occasional indulgence. She suggests starting your day with a mild tea blend that supports circulation and energy without caffeine—for instance nettle plus lemon‑verbena—followed by a digestive supportive tea after meals such as peppermint and fennel. For the evening she advocates a calming herbal infusion—e.g., chamomile with lavender or rooibos with vanilla—to support nervous system recovery and promote better sleep. She also emphasises the synergy between tea and other lifestyle factors: hydration, whole‑food nutrition, gentle movement and stress management. According to her, when herbal tea is used as part of an integrated approach—rather than as a standalone “health product”—the results tend to be more noticeable: improved digestion, calmer mind, more robust immunity and better overall resilience.
Cautions, quality and a balanced perspective
While Van der Maas champions herbal tea for wellness, she also offers a realistic appraisal: herbs are active botanicals, and like all such substances, they should be treated with respect. She warns that individuals with chronic liver or kidney conditions, those on medication or pregnant women, should consult a qualified practitioner before using concentrated herbal infusions. Quality matters enormously: sourcing from trusted providers, ensuring proper species identification, avoiding blends with unnecessary fillers or excessive flavourings—and verifying that no contamination or adulteration has occurred. In her view, paying attention to quality and conscious use is what separates herbal tea as a therapeutic adjunct from simply a pleasant beverage. Acknowledge your entire health picture, she reminds us, and use herbal tea as one supportive strand in a broader tapestry of wellness.
