Let’s be real—life is busy. We’re juggling a million things at once and trying to stay energized without crashing by 2 p.m. If you’ve ever reached for coffee only to find yourself jittery and anxious later, this post is for you.
Today, I’m pouring some serious tea (literally!) on three powerful plant-based energy boosters: Yerba Mate, Green Tea, and Matcha. Plus, we’ll dive into a little herbal wisdom on the difference between caffeine and adaptogens, and how they support your energy in very different ways.
Let’s sip, learn, and glow up your daily routine from the inside out 💜🌹
🍃 Meet the Three Leafy Legends: Yerba Mate, Green Tea & Matcha
All three are powerhouse teas with unique benefits, but they don’t all hit your system the same way.
Yerba Mate is bold and earthy with a naturally high caffeine content—think coffee buzz but smoother, with more minerals and less crash. I love using it in my energizing blends when I need to be on all day long without burning out.
Green Tea offers a softer lift. It’s like that gentle nudge that wakes you up without making you anxious. It’s loaded with antioxidants and calming compounds, so it’s a solid daily ritual for your body and brain.
Matcha? She’s the drama queen—in a good way. Since you’re drinking the whole leaf in powdered form, you get a bigger punch of caffeine, nutrients, and antioxidants. It’s creamy, rich, and makes a fabulous morning ritual or pre-workout blend for mental focus.
Each one of these teas has their own vibe—some feel more gentle and meditative, others are like a natural pre-workout. It all depends on what your body needs in the moment.
🔋 Caffeine vs. Adaptogens: Two Energy Paths, One Glowing You
Okay, let’s zoom out for a second. When we think of “energy,” most of us go straight to caffeine—but that’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Caffeine gives you an immediate boost. It stimulates your central nervous system, increases alertness, and helps you feel more awake. But it can also come with downsides like jitters, anxiety, or crashes—especially if your body’s under stress.
Adaptogens, on the other hand, are like the wise elders of the herbal world. Plants like ashwagandha, tulsi (holy basil), and ginseng help your body adapt to stress over time. Instead of hyping you up, they support your adrenal system, balance hormones, and build long-term resilience. You might not feel them right away, but they’re doing deep magic.
💜 My favorite trick? Combine them! A little caffeine for quick energy + adaptogens for steady support = balanced, beautiful stamina that doesn’t wreck your nervous system.
✨ My First Two Energy Blends Are Here!
Yes, you heard it here first. I’ve started creating small-batch herbal tea blends for energy, focus, sleep, digestion, and more—and my testers (aka, my coworkers and friends) are loving the vibe. 💃
Here are the two I'm starting with for ENERGY:
🌞 Sunshine Sipper – This is my caffeinated blend made with Yerba Mate, ginger, orange peel, and rosehips. It’s vibrant, citrusy, and perfect for your morning or midday pick-me-up. No jitters, just joyful focus.
🔥 Inner Fire – This is my caffeine-free energizer, perfect for sensitive souls or later in the day. It features rooibos, turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger—warming, grounding, and glow-boosting.
💜🌹 I’m starting with equal parts of each herb so I can gather feedback, then I’ll tweak future batches based on what my tea tribe loves most! (So yes—your input definitely matters!)
📥 Bonus for My Substack Subscribers!
Want the full comparison breakdown of Yerba Mate vs. Green Tea vs. Matcha? And a deeper look at caffeine vs. adaptogens?