As caffeine awareness month is drawing to a close I would like to share with you my favourite top ten caffeine free hot drinks. 

But first, a little about caffeine itself. 

Most people know that caffeine is found in coffee but did you know that it’s also found in tea, some soft drinks, medicines, weight loss products  and of course many sports supplements. 

Like most things caffeine has its good and bad points,

On the plus side caffeine.

• It can act as a stimulant helping to keep us awake and alert by blocking adenosine uptake in the brain.
• It can help to keep us motivated by increasing our levels of dopamine
• It can provide mild pain relief by reducing levels of inflammation in the body
• It may even delay the onset of fatigue by allowing glycogen to be used more efficiently

However on the down side;

• While acting as a stimulant maybe useful in helping us stay alert in work after a long night parting, if consumed late in the day it can delay the onset of sleep.
• It can cause a rise in blood pressure
• It can also be mild to moderately addictive, with some unpleasant withdraw symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, irritability and low mood. 

Although the effects of caffeine diminish during the first three hours it has a half live of around 5 to 6 hours in the average person and may be considerably longer for those of us who have impaired liver function. Our ability to metabolize caffeine is governed by the actions of the gene CYP1A2 whose effectiveness is influenced by the actions of other genes resulting in differing metabolic rates in different individuals      

So on to my top ten favourite caffeine free hot drinks, in no particular order;

No.1 Bambu coffee by A.Vogel

Originally developed in the 1950’s Bambu is manufactured from acorns, figs, chicory and other cereals.

It is organic, caffeine-free, non-additive with a great taste and gentle on the digestive system making it ideal for adults and children alike and especially useful for people with sensitive stomachs, heart conditions, and sleep disorders. As well as those who are pregnant or menopausal.    

No.2 Turmeric Gold by Greens organic

Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for countless generations. It has hundreds of molecular components, each with a variety of biological activities. Which are known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-biotic, anti-tumour and cancer preventative properties and is often used to support liver, digestion, immune, nervous and circulatory systems, regulate blood sugar levels and maintain healthy joint function. 

Just add some nut milk, coconut oil, honey and a little heat to have yourself a tasty and very healthy hot drink.

No.3 Turmeric Latte by Lucy Bee 

This little number has all the health benefits of the above and is made in much the same way however in addition to the ginger and black pepper used in the Turmeric Gold, Lucy Bee’s Turmeric Latte also includes cardamom and nutmeg  giving this blend a nice rich, spicy aroma flavour. 

N0.4 Dandelion Coffee by Cotswold

This caffeine, Gluten & Casein free drink is made from 100% pure roasted dandelion root.

 Dandelion root is rich in nutrients and anti-oxidants and is believed to improve gall bladder & liver functions, reduce stomach pains, and cholesterol, has a mild laxative effect and may even fight against certain types of cancer cells.

It has a great coffee like taste; the only drawback is that you may need (although not essential) a small coffee grinder to grind the small pieces of root before brewing. 

N0.5 Dandelion Tea by Floradix

This Dandelion tea is made using both the dandelion herb (the greens) and root, both of which are organically grown and caffeine and tannin free. Thereby providing all the advantages of both root (already covered above) with the added benefits of the greens which are a good source of vitamin A known to promote eye health, They are anti-bacterial and  act as a strong diuretic thereby helping in the fight against UTI’s and reducing water retention. Dandelion may even reduce fat absorption and excretion of triglycerides (fat in the blood).    

N0.6 Detoxing Slim Tea  by Heath & Heather

A  delicious combination of Rooibos, Green Mate, Lemon Balm, Orange Peel, Spearmint, Blackberry Leaves, Cinnamon, Fennel, Lemongrass, Blond Psyllium and Guarana Seeds (all organic). This is a powerful collection of herbs known for their stimulating, detoxification and weight loss properties.  

No.7 Wild Rose Petal Cordial by Amberline.

Although not strictly speaking a hot drink in its own right, the cordial made from wild rose petals, rose essence, lemon juice and birch tree extract can be diluted at a ratio of 5:1 or stronger if preferred in a glass of warm water resulting in a lovely mild flavoured warm drink. Or it can be added to your favourite hot tea to soften the flavour.

Although rose petals have little nutritional value they have frequently been used in Traditional Chinese medicine (TMC) and Herbal tinctures for conditions of the heart.    

No.8 Liver Detox Tea by DR. Stuart

This highly beneficial tea is manufactured using Peppermint, Dandelion & Liquorice Root, Chamomile, Centaury Herb, Boldo Leaves, Couchgrass Root, Restharrow Root and Milk Thistle. 

Resulting in a lovely full flavoured aromatic tea designed to support liver function and detoxification. 

N0.9 Stomach Ease by Yogi Tea

A unique Ayurvedic herb & spice blend of Liquorice, Fennel, Coriander, Barley malt, ginger, peppermint, cinnamon, Black Pepper and Cloves. Producing a tasty and flavoursome calming, comforting tea which aids digestion and can provide relief from stomach upsets, blotting and indigestion / acid reflux. 

I like to unwind with a cup in the evening after a stressful day. Defiantly one you should keep in your tea cupboard.  

N0.10 Chamomile Tea by Suki Tea

This may be number ten on the list but it’s probably my number one night time tea which I enjoy most nights before bed. This brand is manufactured from 100% chamomile blossoms giving it a really delous chamomile flavour.  

Chamomile is a herb well known for its soothing and calming effects on both mind and body making it an ideal natural sleep enhancer. 

The only drawback some people may have with this brand of chamomile is that it’s a loss leaf variety, however in my opinions investing in the proper strainer for which there are a number of low cost options available, is an investment well worth making.