Coffee giving you the jitters? Keeping you up at night? Causing stomach upset?
I’ve crafted a rich dark morning herbal tea that has served me as a coffee replacement. Here’s the why and the how to brew it.
I love coffee but I can’t drink it. Caffeine combined with my introverted ADD wiring creates anxiety. My brain is already racing most of the day. I don’t need MORE stimulation. The acid gets my stomach too.
However, I do love the taste and the ritual of coffee. The preparation, the comfort of the warm morning beverage, the pause.
Why I Finally Quit Coffee
I finally quit coffee 100% after I did a Viome gut health test. Before this, I tried to make decaf work, but it was always a net negative. Viome’s test gives you foods to absolutely avoid, foods to eat in moderation, and “superfoods”—foods to consume regularly. Coffee was at the top of my avoid list!
I made a caffeine-free herbal tea blend from loose teas that is very satisfying. It incorporates items that have health benefits, including chicory, which was one of my Viome superfoods, and is also used in coffee, especially in New Orleans.
The Dark & Rich Coffee Replacement Recipe
Here’s my recipe and some varieties that I use and some pointers for making satisfying tea.
First, I use a glass teapot with a removable stainless steel filter, which is awesome. I get them online for $20-25. Way better than the tea balls and other loose tea options I’ve tried.
Here’s what my Dark Rich Coffee Replacement Blend contains:
- Roasted dandelion root – roasted rich, slightly bitter flavor
- Rooibos – touted as a gentle mood lifter
- Chicory – Nutty and bittersweet
- Licorice root – for sweetness and body
- Optional: cinnamon, pinch of cardamom
Licorice root is a big key to a satisfying array of tea blends because you don’t have to add any sweetener if you like licorice. Licorice brings natural sweetness and adds a nice mouth feel. It does not overpower the other flavors. It adds a base.
Other Calming Variations
Some other tea blends I like:
- Tulsi/Holy Basil + Licorice Root. Holy Basil is touted as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Nettle/Chamomile + Licorice root. Chamomile for calm, nettle is also anti-inflammatory.
- Mint + Licorice root. Mint is a mild stimulant and brightener.
- Ginger is also a nice additive to a lot of these blends. It’s strong, but it’s very refreshing. You can do ginger and licorice, or ginger, licorice, and holy basil.
There are many other variations of the components that I’ve discussed. I have a shelf with glass jars full of loose tea and I experiment.
Replacing the Ritual
In addition to being caffeine-free, I’m alcohol-free, so it’s nice to have something that fills that gap. For me the culture, the craft, the sourcing, and ritual of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages were always part of the enjoyment.
A big part of the coffee thing for me was always the ritual. I’ve created a ritual that’s satisfying and beverages that feel special without having the caffeine. Given my introverted ADD and anxiety, this ritual is a much healthier, more grounded practice.
Managing things like caffeine intake are an important part of living a mindful, centered life.
Check out my Free interactive nervous system regulation guide for practical tips to stay grounded and calm throughout your day.