Green tea vs. Herbal tea: A simple guide to choosing what’s right for you

Tea is the world’s second most consumed beverage and has always been one of the most trusted choices, not only for flavour but for comfort, balance, and everyday wellness. But with so many varieties available, one question keeps coming up: What is the difference between green tea and herbal tea, and which one is right for me?

Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.

What is Green Tea?

Green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant — the same plant that gives us black, oolong, and white tea. What makes green tea unique is how gently it is processed. The leaves are carefully picked, withered, and rolled to preserve their natural antioxidants, especially catechins. These antioxidants are what make green tea popular for supporting digestion, mental clarity, and overall wellness.

Green tea is ideal for those who want a gentle energy lift, improved focus, or a refreshing everyday drink. It contains some caffeine, but far less than coffee, making it a balanced choice for the daytime.

What makes herbal teas different?

Herbal teas are technically the wrong term, as they do not always come from the tea plant and do not contain tea. These herbal infusions are made from dried flowers, herbs, fruits, spices, or roots. Chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and hibiscus are some of the most loved herbal infusions. Most herbal infusions are naturally caffeine-free, making them perfect for relaxation, night-time comfort, or moments when your body needs a little care.

Herbal infusions are ideal for soothing the stomach, winding down before bed, or adding gentle, natural wellness to your daily routine.

How to choose the right tea for your needs? The primary breakdown:

• For calm and relaxation: Choose herbal infusions like chamomile or peppermint.

• For focus and clarity: Choose green tea for its clean, refreshing lift.

• For a bedtime routine: Go herbal, especially caffeine-free flowers like chamomile.

• For everyday wellness: Alternate between both for balance.

Why do many tea lovers choose Dilmah?

While this guide focuses on helping you choose the right tea, the quality when choosing the perfect cup always matters. Dilmah offers both pure Ceylon green tea selections and a wide range of herbal infusions, all teas made with garden-fresh, handpicked ingredients and generations of artisanal craftsmanship.

Every cup also supports something bigger. At least 15% of Dilmah’s pre-tax profits go toward helping communities and protecting nature through the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation. When you enjoy a cup of Dilmah, you are choosing authenticity, quality, and tea made with kindness.