Tea by intention
Digest tea
The teas in this category are have one aim: aid digestion. Among the teas that form this roster are matcha as well as the lesser known, pu-erh. Matcha, known as a powerful digestive aid is the powder made from tea leaves. Similarly, pu-erh aids digestion as well as quenches the thirst and revitalizes the spleen.
Featured digest teas
11 teas
Brewing with intention
Brewing an after-meal cup
Tea types for after dinner
After-meal teas are mostly herbal. Peppermint is the most popular, with a cool, clean finish that many people find refreshing after a heavy meal. Ginger brings warmth and spice; fennel and anise are sweet and lightly liquorice-like; and chamomile is soft and mellow. Among true teas, ripe pu'erh and roasted oolong are traditionally served with rich food in Chinese cuisine, and their earthy, toasty flavours make a good match for a big dinner.
When and how to drink it
A small cup 20–30 minutes after eating is a common habit. Keep it unsweetened or lightly sweetened, and choose caffeine-free blends in the evening. Fresh ginger slices or a sprig of fresh mint can be added to a loose leaf blend for a brighter cup.
A note on liquorice root, which appears in many digestive blends: it tastes naturally sweet, but large daily amounts are not recommended for people with high blood pressure, so check with a healthcare professional if that applies to you.
Brewing tips
Seeds such as fennel release more flavour if lightly crushed before steeping. Roots like ginger benefit from a longer steep — up to 10 minutes.
Caffeine notes
Herbal after-dinner teas like peppermint, ginger and fennel are caffeine-free, so they will not keep you up after a late meal. Pu'erh and oolong do contain caffeine, roughly comparable to a lighter black tea, which makes them better suited to lunch or an early dinner. If you like the earthy taste of pu'erh but want an evening cup, a quick rinse and short steeps keep each small cup lighter.
| Tea | Water | Steep | Leaf | Caffeine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peppermint | 100°C | 5–7 min | 2–3 g | None |
| Ginger & fennel blends | 100°C | 7–10 min | 2–3 g | None |
| Ripe pu'erh | 95–100°C | 2–4 min | 2–3 g | Moderate |
This information is for general interest only and is not medical advice. Our teas are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant or nursing, take medication, or have a health condition, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding herbal teas to your routine.
Frequently asked questions
Which herbs are traditionally used after meals?
Peppermint, ginger, fennel, anise, chamomile and dandelion have long histories of use as after-dinner infusions in many cultures.
Should I drink it hot or cold?
Warm is traditional and many people find it more comforting after a meal, but peppermint and ginger blends are also refreshing iced.
Is peppermint tea right for everyone?
Most people enjoy it without issue, but some find peppermint aggravates heartburn. If that is you, try ginger, fennel or chamomile instead.
Can I drink these teas every day?
Most caffeine-free digestive blends are enjoyed daily. Blends with a lot of liquorice are best enjoyed in moderation.
Can I mix my own after-dinner blend?
Yes. Peppermint with a pinch of fennel seed, or chamomile with a slice of fresh ginger, are easy combinations. Start with equal parts and adjust to taste.
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