Sipping on a hot cup of tea is a great way to warm up this season. But with all the different varieties of tea, how do you know which one will have the best benefits? Tea that keeps you energized won’t be the good choice to drink before bedtime. That’s why it helps to know about all of the tea types.

The Benefits of Different Tea Types

You’ll want to prep certain types of tea depending on your mood. Fortunately, there are styles that can suit your taste buds every time of day. And they each have their own benefits related to health and wellness—just be sure you’re choosing the right one for what you need!

Energy Boost

Drinking tea can be a much healthier (and more affordable) option over coffee or soda. Try these to get a little morning kick or as something to get you through the mid-day slump.

Black Tea

Despite having the most caffeine of all the varieties of tea, black tea is still below coffee’s caffeine level. One cup of black tea has about 40 milligrams per cup, whereas coffee can range from 50 to 100. Black tea can taste slightly bitter, but you can always customize the flavor by adding a little milk or a sweetener.

Yerba Mate

Unlike other traditional teas, yerba mate doesn’t come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead, it’s made from a plant related to holly that hails from South America. Long used for its rejuvenating effects, yerba mate also contains a number of antioxidants. As for flavor, yerba mate can be a popular choice because it doesn’t have a lot of bitter tannins. It’s also said to be easier on your stomach and cause less jitters than coffee.

Weight Loss

Staying hydrated is a big part of health and wellness. Some studies even show that drinking tea can help with weight loss!

Green Tea

If you want to speed up your metabolism, drinking green tea can be a great part of your daily routine. It has a unique compound called EGCG that’s been shown to help your body burn fast. Brewing your own tea and keeping it unsweetened tends to make the biggest difference. Green tea is said to have lots of other health benefits, too. Everything from heart health to arthritis could be helped with a couple cups of green tea every day.

Oolong Tea

A nice balance between green tea and black tea is oolong tea. It’s not quite as strong as black tea, but offers up a little more flavor than traditional green tea. Some studies have shown that oolong tea can raise your metabolism and help with weight loss. Of course, tea alone can’t be a total “magic fix,” but it can be a smart way to hydrate before a workout.

Relaxation

Sitting back with a steaming cup of tea can help you get some well-deserved quiet time. For these moments, opt for a calming tea blend so your comfort can really last.

Chamomile Tea

Some people find that drinking chamomile tea can help with some symptoms of anxiety. The Calm Clinic explains that a finding a healthy routine can help relax an anxious mind. Preparing a cup of tea is definitely is a good technique—even if it’s not a complete solution. Chamomile tea can be especially helpful, since studies link it to reducing cramps, tension, and aiding with sleep.

Peppermint Tea

Another good tea for reducing stress is peppermint. This blend works as a natural relaxant for muscles. Fixing a cup can be an easy way to calm yourself after a busy day or right before going to bed. The secret to peppermint tea is the menthol. Plus, the scent of this tea during wintertime is a great way to get in holiday spirit—without the sugar rush of a candy cane.

Cold and Flu

The research is in—drinking tea really can help during sick days. Most hot beverages would work the same, but these two root teas offer some extra benefits to make you feel even better.

Licorice Root Tea

Scratchy throats can get relief with a hot cup of licorice root tea. The root is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and even has a naturally sweet flavor. This type of tea is a great go-to for coughs. Just don’t make a habit of it. Drinking up to 6 cups a day is fine when you’re sick, but having licorice root tea for over month can mess with your body’s water retention and potassium levels.

Ginger Root Tea

You can also make your own batch ofginger root tea when you’re feeling a little under the weather. All you need is some ginger root, and maybe some honey and lemon for flavor. Cut your ginger into half-inch pieces (you don’t even have to peel it), and place in a small pot with water. Bring to a boil, and let simmer for about 15 minutes. This is an easy way to make tea from scratch and give yourself a little TLC. Just remember: Good tea can only come from great water. Having a drinking water filter will let you get the best base for all of your favorite tea types. For the best results, consider a reverse osmosis system. These units remove contaminants from your tap water so you only drink clean, healthy water and tea.