We could all use a little help staying focused sometimes, right?
Energy drinks may work in a pinch, but they're definitely not healthy for your body or mind -- and especially not every day.
Instead, reach for safer alternatives like teas for focus and a quick natural energy boost.
10 Best Teas for Focus and Natural Energy
Most of the options below are caffeine-free so you can indulge your senses without any jitters or threats of anxiety. Some teas below do contain moderate levels of caffeine so enjoy in moderation. However, all these teas also include added health benefits to support your mental and physical self on multiple levels!1. Matcha Green Tea
Not ready to give up caffeine? No problem! Matcha green tea contains a slightly higher caffeine content than standard green tea bags because you consume the entire ground tea leaves. Not only is matcha loaded with antioxidants, but it also has 5x higher l-theanine levels than regular green tea. L-theanine is an amino acid that can help reduce the anxiousness or jitters caffeine causes. (1) Not only that but when combined with caffeine, studies show that l-theanine can help boost cognitive function and focus.2. Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion's mane is a medicinal mushroom found naturally in parts of Europe, China, North America, and India.
A special fungus for brain health, lion's mane mushroom is known throughout traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to help support brain health.
Studies show that lion's mane mushroom may stimulate your brain's natural production of Nerve Growth Factor which is important for focus, alertness, memory, and well-rounded mental health. (2)
Add some lion's mane mushroom extract powder to your favorite loose leaf tea - it's like giving your brain a hug!
3. Spearmint Tea
Looking for a caffeine-free energy boost? Research shows that spearmint tea may be one of your best choices. Spearmint contains antioxidant polyphenols that may help boost new brain cell growth, improve your working memory, encourage restful sleep, and support overall healthy cognitive function. (3) For added health benefits, the antioxidant power of spearmint can also help protect your brain against free radical damage. Neumentix makes a great highly concentrated spearmint extract from plants grown sustainably inside the United States. (4)4. Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is a tea native to Latin America made from steeping fire-dried leaves in hot water.
Not only does yerba mate have about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee (85 mg per cup), but it's also loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols so it's the perfect tea for focus. (5)
Not only that but yerba mate also provides seven out of your nine essential amino acids.
Some studies suggest that this potent herbal tea can also support weight loss by boosting your metabolism, reducing appetite, and improving physical energy. (6, 7)
5. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is another awesome caffeine-free tea for focus. One study found that drinking peppermint tea may improve your cognitive skills, long-term memory, and mood. (8) In other words, it's perfect for those stressful afternoons. Just make sure to start steeping your peppermint tea ahead of time because it takes about 10 minutes to reach full strength.6. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is another popular memory and concentration supplement throughout traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurvedic practices.
Ginkgo is a great herbal tea for stimulating blood flow -- which is where it gets most of its claimed health benefits.
Studies suggest that ginkgo may improve symptoms of Alzheimer's and other memory-related psychiatric disorders.
Other studies show that ginkgo biloba may support memory and attentiveness as a supplement.
Give it a try as a tea for focus and see if it works for you!
7. Hibiscus Herbal Tea
Although it's made with parts of the hibiscus flower plant, hibiscus herbal tea doesn't taste floral at all. The flavor is actually much closer to cranberry. The biggest benefit of drinking hibiscus teas for focus is that they're loaded with antioxidants that may support liver health, blood pressure, weight loss efforts, and more. (9, 10) Lowering your blood pressure levels can come in handy to help you focus when that mid-morning stress hits.8. Chamomile Tea
Most people tend to think of chamomile as one of the top teas for relaxation and sleep -- not one of the best teas for focus.
However, chamomile is filled with cognitive potential because research shows that it might stimulate serotonin and dopamine production. (11)
Both of these brain chemicals are essential for helping you feel calm and content -- even in stressful situations. (12)
For an extra energy boost, pair chamomile with matcha green tea or yerba mate for well-rounded health benefits.
9. Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is an herbal tea best known throughout traditional Chinese medicine for its positive effects on mental health. Studies show that gotu kola may improve cognitive function and memory even in people with Alzheimer's. (13) Other research suggests that gotu kola may help reduce anxiety on days you didn't get enough sleep the night prior. Sleep deprivation prevents your brain from cutting waste and free radicals which leads to anxiousness, inflammation, and stress. Gotu kola may help combat these negative symptoms. Other studies suggest that gotu kola may help reduce symptoms of depression as well including stress and anxiousness. (14)10. Black Tea
Good old black tea can also help promote calmness and alertness.
While black tea does contain some caffeine, its caffeine content is much lower than your standard cup of coffee, so you won't feel jittery or anxious after a cup or two.
Plus, black tea also contains decent levels of the amino acid l-theanine which may further improve cognitive function, memory, and calmness. (15)
