Favorite non-caffeine teas? [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

Lise

09-04-2006, 05:36 AM

I recently learned that the wierd feeling I get in my chest sometimes is a benign heart problem called "premature ventricular contractions" or PVCs. All the other tests were normal, so it's nothing to worry about (per my doc), but it is annoying. Makes my heart skip beats irregularly. Cutting out almost all caffeine has helped. It would also help if I got a low-stress job with no night shifts, but that's not likely to happen in the profession of midwifery! :rolleyes:

I looove good strong black coffee. Alas, it is a thing of the past for me. It's just not worth the feeling of my heart spazzing out in my chest! I got some decaf French Roast coffee, but I'm also working on finding tasty decaf teas.

So far I really like Celestial Seasonings' decaf Chai teas, and this morning I'm trying Madagascar Vanilla Red, a Rooibois tea. What are your favorites?

Pax

09-04-2006, 05:53 AM

I'm in the same boat these days Lise so I started trying out different teas. I've found oolongs and white teas to be wonderful! Really flavorful and interesting.

If you get a chance to go to Water Tower Place sometime there's a place called "Teavana" that sells amazing teas. (or you can check them out on the web - Teavana (http://store.teavana.com/)). If you go to the store they have some tea brewed for you to try and will open all the bins and discuss the pros and cons of the different teas.

Lise

09-04-2006, 05:56 AM

Oh, now that sounds fun, Queen! I've got two weeks' vacation coming up, and a big part of the plan is "hang out and do fun stuff". I think I'll ride down to Water Tower--I didn't know the tea shop was there! Thanks. :D

run it, ride it

09-04-2006, 06:27 AM

Peppermint tea mixed with light hot chocolate. Tastes like girl guide cookies without the guilt!

Brandy

09-04-2006, 06:39 AM

Trader Joe's Organic Orange Spice Rooibos Herbal Tea is YUMMY!!!!! I drink it both hot and iced. It has a lot of flavor and no caffeine!

bikerz

09-04-2006, 07:05 AM

Celestial Seasons Tension Tamer is one of the only herbal teas I can drink - it has a very nice flavor that is hard to describe.

Tiffanie

09-04-2006, 07:10 AM

Trader Joe's Organic Orange Spice Rooibos Herbal Tea is YUMMY!!!!! I drink it both hot and iced. It has a lot of flavor and no caffeine!

I was just going to post about this. :D Since I had it in Mexico last week after Brandy made a pitcher, I've since been hooked!!! It is sooooooooo yummy.

Lise, my daughter (4) has PVC's too. Although she doesn't complain of any symptoms, we know how often they're happening with her. I obviously worry, but the docs say no harm is being done and we're finally down to annual monitoring. Sorry about your diagnosis - it would really bother me to have to feel that so frequently!

::hug::

Lise

09-04-2006, 07:33 AM

Celestial Seasons (CS) Tension Tamer is one of the only herbal teas I can drink - it has a very nice flavor that is hard to describe.
I bought this last night to take to the clinic! I went a few days there without drinking my ususal thermos of coffee, and realized I really missed having something hot to drink. The City's air conditioning is set at "Arctic", and the only other setting, appearantly, is "off". It can be such a hectic, frustrating place to work, so "Tension Tamer" looked perfect. I'm glad to hear you think it's tasty. I'm going to take a big thermos of hot water and just make tea for myself throughout the day.

I liked the CS Rooibos tea this morning--made myself a second cup. I'll bet it's tasty cold, too. I need to get a teapot.

Tiffanie, how did you discover your daughter's PVCs, and how do you know when she's having them?

winddance

09-04-2006, 08:10 AM

My favorite is Stash peppermint tea. I could drink gallons of that stuff. I also am a fan of a tea made my Celestial Seasonings called "Misty Jasmine" but I haven't been able to find it lately. I am not sure they are still making it.

I also really like a lot of the teas from Mighty Leaf tea (http://www.mightyleaf.com/default.aspx). One tea bag of theirs will last me all morning, but they also have a large variety of loose teas.

Bikingmomof3

09-04-2006, 08:11 AM

My two favourite tea brands are Yogi Teas and BIJA teas.

alpinerabbit

09-04-2006, 09:18 AM

Hey Lise - looks like you got the same as me.

I try to keep taking enough magnesium, but I still think I feel it at night after a strenuous ride.
I did not realize caffeine might play a part in it. OTOH, I won't give it up.

I like Yogi tea's Ginger and Lemon, their classic and sometimes their chocolate. Also - Rooibos with vanilla or with spices, Hibiscus flower, Orange blossom, and some of the chest mixes - with some licorice and stuff.

Then there are mixes of Hibiscus, green leaves (such as blackberry leaves) and fruit (apples, raisins, orange peel) that are popular hereabouts.

And Korean Ginseng tea with honey, as the ultimate health potion.

pooks

09-04-2006, 09:45 AM

For iced tea I love Celestial Seasons herbal peach tea. They also make a black tea that's peach flavored. One thing I love about them is that they are all natural, no artificial flavorings. I also like to put crushed mint into it.

For a hot tea, I love Jasmine tea. It's green tea based and a friend in LA sent me a square yellow can of it that he picked up for two or three bucks at an Asian market. He said it's just generic cheap stuff, and I haven't found it locally, yet. Very delicate.

bcipam

09-04-2006, 01:00 PM

I'm a real green tea nut - having grown up on it - I usually have a cup of real Japanese green tea each morning but I have come to love some the Starbuck teas, especially ZEN. It has a mintier taste to it. Green tea is extremely healthy and good for you. I have trouble with black tea anymore and can't stand the smell or taste of coffee. Once you get away from the coffee habit you will come ot realize what it does to your body and your breathe. Coffee breath is as disgusting as smokers' breath (and put the two together - UGH - disgusting!).

SadieKate

09-04-2006, 02:32 PM

I too love Stash Peppermint. I adored Celestial Seasonings' Cranberry Cove but it is not made any more. The best substitutes I have found are Bigelow's Cranberry Apple or, even better, Celestial Seasonings' Peach Apricot Honeybush. My dad loves Good Earth's Original, a blend of cinnamon and orange, that is available in decaf.

Let me know if you want me to mail a few bags of any to you. I hate buying a big ol' box just to discover it's not my thing. Also, be careful of green and white teas as they still contain caffeine. http://www.stashtea.com/caffeine.htm#BOTANICALS

donnambr

09-04-2006, 03:26 PM

I like Celestial Seasonings Roastaroma. It has chicory and dandelion root in it, amongst other things. I also enjoy those powdered coffee substitute drinks like Cafix and Inka.

Pedal Wench

09-04-2006, 04:44 PM

Thank you! I forgot that I have some Teavana teas! I've got a cup brewing right now! They were sampling a blend of Plum Harvest and Rooibos Sweet Amore. They're fine on their own, but become rich and complex when blended. Expensive, but I love it!

I also work in a meat locker - I mean recording studio that's kept brutally cold, so I drink hot tea all day long. I have to drink caffeine-free to help prevent breast fibroid lumps. For just everyday sipping (and cheap enough that I don't care if I leave a cup standing until it's cold) I like plain old Lipton's Decaffeinated Green Tea. As someone mentioned, regular green tea has caffeine, so you need to make sure it specifically says decaffeinated.

Perfect - my Plum Harvest/Rooibos Sweet Amore is ready to drink! Yum!

Pax

09-04-2006, 06:11 PM

HipGnosis6

09-04-2006, 09:04 PM

Choice Organics makes a Liquorice-Peppermint tea that's great - sounds wierd, but it's awesome.

Tiffanie

09-04-2006, 09:21 PM

Tiffanie, how did you discover your daughter's PVCs, and how do you know when she's having them?

Lise, I pm'd you. :)

Beverly Fay

09-04-2006, 10:22 PM

crazycanuck

09-05-2006, 03:37 AM

My neighbours introduced me to Rooibos tea & ohhhh...mmmmmmm...esp with honey.

It's the only tea I actively hunt down...:)

c

Lise

09-05-2006, 04:50 AM

Now this is tasty! http://www.celestialseasonings.com/products/product/988.php

I looked in my pantry and found this from last Christmas. I forgot how delicious it is! I'll bet the local store doesn't have it on the shelves until the holidays, though. I also love Nutcracker Sweet, but it's black (caffeinated) tea, so that's out. I tried drinking a cup of Chai tea with caffeine the other day-->heart goes whumpata, skip, whumpata, whumpata, skip...argh. It does that on its own, but it's noticeably worse after drinking caffeine.

I see that Celestial Seasonings has four kinds of Rooibos teas. Must try them all! http://www.celestialseasonings.com/products/rooibos_index.php

This morning I learned that my glass-lined thermal carafe is no good. It looks fine, but makes that tinkling/crunching sound when moved, and closer inspection reveals big cracks in the top of the glass. OK. Reasons to shop. Always good. :D

SalsaMTB

09-05-2006, 08:09 AM

I only drink tea occasionally, but I've been happy with The Republic of Tea brand. Right now I have the Orange Spice Green Tea flavor and it's delicious, but I don't think it's caffiene free. Their website lists all the flavors they have that are caffiene free

www.republicoftea.com

I'm not sure where you are located, but Cost Plus World Market carries a good selection of tea. I always enjoy going there and finding something new.

Trekhawk

09-05-2006, 08:57 AM

Love Tea - having a cuppa right now.:D

I love this Tea Company.
http://www.dilmahtea.com/web/home.asp

Have a look they do Decaf.:)

bikerz

09-05-2006, 09:04 AM

Lise - what was your opinion on the Tension Tamer?

Quillfred

09-05-2006, 09:08 AM

Lise

Thanks for this thread. I have been getting some sort of palpitations and perhaps they are PVCs also.

I need to seriously cut back on coffee. I am a total slug until I have a couple strong cups. Time to detox with herbal teas. Then having a cup with be a treat-not a necessity.

Quill

Tater

09-05-2006, 09:21 AM

I am caffeine sensitive, as I have found that stuff gives me the jitters something fierce! So, my tea tends to be Good Earth's Original Sweet and Spicy herb tea. Brew it a bit strong and it doesn't need sugar.

biking4health

09-05-2006, 12:35 PM

There's a great tea shop in Forest Park on Madison near Harlem called Todd and Holland. They also have a website you can order from, but it's more fun to drop in and have tea!

I've had to give up caffiene because of MVP, anxiety and reflux. I really miss a good cup of dark roast coffee :(

Carol

Selkie

09-05-2006, 01:25 PM

Republic of Tea just came out with an Apple Cider herbal tea. It's really great!

Lise

09-05-2006, 02:37 PM

Lise - what was your opinion on the Tension Tamer?
Haven't tried it yet--I'm saving it to take to work tomorrow. I'll let you know what I think!

Quillfred--if the palpitations keep up, it would be a good idea to see your doc. Mine were benign, but not all are.

I remember trying Good Earth's Sweet and Spicy and finding it to be way too sweet for me!

I woke up from a nap today really wanting a cup of coffee, mainly for the taste. Held off even making decaf, and had some Sweet Coconut Chai decaf instead.

yogabear

09-05-2006, 05:18 PM

I love the tea mentioned in the post...Madagascar Vanilla red roobis (sp?)...yum!

Also, I like Stash's peppermint as well as their decaf vanilla chai (the latter may have caffeine, despite it being decaf).

Pedal Wench

09-05-2006, 07:50 PM

... and had some Sweet Coconut Chai decaf instead.

Who makes this??? It sounds delicious! This thread inspired me, and I went to the store and got some Stash Mango decaf. I'll report after tomorrow afternoon's tea time. (I drink plain old Lipton decaf black tea with skim all morning, and switch to flavored or green in the afternoon. Weird, right?)

Lise

09-05-2006, 07:55 PM

Who makes this??? It sounds delicious! This thread inspired me, and I went to the store and got some Stash Mango decaf. I'll report after tomorrow afternoon's tea time. (I drink plain old Lipton decaf black tea with skim all morning, and switch to flavored or green in the afternoon. Weird, right?)

Celestial Seasonings!
http://www.celestialseasonings.com/index.php

biking4health

09-06-2006, 05:10 AM

One of my current favorites is Celestial Seasonings True Blueberry. I expected just so-so blueberry flavor, but this is really great blueberry flavor. It's wonderful hot and even better iced.

Carol

denda

09-07-2006, 09:56 AM

I have the same problem you do. Although the doctor has told me it is nothing to worry about, it still bothers me when I feel it.
I only drink herbal teas now, because even decaf teas and decaf coffees have some caffeine. I can't seem to tolerate any at all. Good thing I'm not a chocoholic!
I like Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime and Bigelow Perfect Peach

tattiefritter

09-07-2006, 12:55 PM

Another caffeine refugee here, have recently had to cut out diet coke completely and with it has gone my caffeine tolerance - it plays merry hell with my blood sugar. A coffee in the same day I am exercising is now a no no.

I've been cultivating a herbal/fruit tea habit now. I love peppermint tea and Celestial Seasonings Tension Tamer too (the Lemon Zinger is minging though), but unfortunately I can find very few CS teas around here, need to start looking harder after all the yummy sounding ones in this thread.

My current favourites are Dr Stuarts pure Fennel tea and Clipper Blackcurrant and Echinacea (yum yum yum). Also love the Yogi tea cinnamon spice

Lise

09-07-2006, 01:19 PM

I just made a pitcher of iced Madagascar Vanilla Red (Roibus) and True Blueberry (3:1), mixed it with pomegranite blueberry juice. YUM! No sugar, yet tasty and a bit tangy.

This morning I was making rounds at the hospital. No caffeine on board at all. I haven't had any caffeine for ... a week? Not even decaf tea. And my heart was really bugging me. I counted 8 PVCs in a minute. I was on call last night, but mostly was lying down in the call room. Didn't sleep well, got paged a couple of times, but it was an "easy" night, for sure. So. There's just no predicting it. It can be really uncomfortable when it gets going like that. The worst I ever counted was 18 in one minute. That's like skipping every third beat. :( I just remind myself that it would be worse with caffeine. I hope that, without caffeine, it will get better over time.

LynneK

09-08-2006, 11:41 AM

Tazo makes an Orange Spice tea that is my hands-down favorite tisane (the official, fancy-pants word for non-tea-tea!). Great both hot and iced.

Stash also makes a nice tea called "fusion" that's a white-green blend; it has some caffeine, but very little.

susiej

09-13-2006, 11:58 AM

I don't think God intended for us to drink decaffeinated teas, but if you must, you must (joke!).

The only one that tastes anywhere near the Real Thing is Twinings Decaf Earl Grey. It's actually quite good, and I drink it in the evenings after work.

If you're a loose tea groupie like I am, there are excellent websites for ordering decaf loose tea that taste reasonably good -- better than the bags, anyway.

Good luck!

Twinings Decaf is still too weak for me ;) (although I have a box of decaf English breakfast on my desk right now). Barry's Decaf is good and strong. It's imported from Ireland, and is in a green box, about the size and shape of a Twinings box. You can find it on line.

Todd & Holland (http://www.todd-holland.com) has a good, loose, EXPENSIVE decaf assam.

I used to love CS Lemon Zinger and Red Zinger, until I drank them through the first trimester of pregnancy (gave up caffeine for the baby, you know), and now associate both of them with morning sickness. Love the CS Grandma's Tummy Mint. I've stayed away from more than two cups of caffeinated black tea per day in the interests of moderation.

S.

Geonz

09-13-2006, 01:26 PM

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/13/dining/13tea.html?ex=1158292800&en=7d00d3db1dae08fb&ei=5087%0A

"Tea's got a brand new bag" - this is in the NY Times and honestly, worth registering for :-) (Not this article necessarily, but the NY TImes, even if they have just cut back some stuff and staff).

Meaux

09-13-2006, 03:13 PM

I had to cut out caffeine my junior year of college (what a bad time!!!) because I was getting very recurrent kidney/urinary tract infections. I'm a big fan of no caffeine. Republic of Tea makes a SUPER yummy Cinnamon Cardamom tea that I swear tastes like Christmas. They also make a red chai that's great with milk and a bit of honey.

slinkedog

09-14-2006, 09:26 AM

Love Tazo Wild Sweet Orange and Tazo Honeybush. Their Calm tea is good at bedtime.

BleeckerSt_Girl

09-14-2006, 06:09 PM

I like Tazo's Lotus green decaff tea. It has a very delicate hint of lotus blossom in it- very good green tea with just a bit of special flavor in it.
http://www.amazon.com/Tazo-Decaffeinated-Lotus-Bags-48-pc/dp/B0001CXS56

mtkitchn

09-26-2006, 07:32 AM

I'm just finding this thread....
Lise, how have your PVCs been? I've had them for years and cut out caffeine a few years back. I've worked my way back to drinking regular Irish tea, but it doesn't seem to affect me as negatively as coffee did. For a while I was drinking Stash Chai green tea, which I really liked.
Stress seems to be the biggie for me with the PVCs. I was able to cut back my work hours (which not everyone can do), started just doing more things for myself instead of worrying whether DH would get upset, and I listen to those soothing subliminal CDs at night about managing stress. Cheesy, but it works for me.
It's hard when your heart starts skipping, which makes you think about it more, which stresses you out, which causes the heart to skip more.....a vicious circle!!!! I've learned to accept it or concentrate on something else. Thanks to everyone for the tea suggestions!

DrBee

09-26-2006, 01:27 PM

I totally missed this one. I like Republic of Tea's Ginger Peach. I also like getting the confirmation email from the "minister of orders".

oldbikah

09-26-2006, 03:35 PM

annie

09-26-2006, 07:37 PM

Celestial Seasonings Decaf Mint Green Tea. It comes in a green box. It's delicious! I do not normally like the flavor of green tea, but with the mint added, yum! Tasty and soothing. I love to drink it right before I go to bed.

annie

Blueberry

09-26-2006, 07:55 PM

Try uptontea.com It is a wonderful mail order site for teas from all over the world. Many varieties and different sizes available for sampling as well. They had neat descriptions in their catalogue (on line and print)

I'll second this recommendation! I'm also partial to www.specialteas.com and www.harney.com. Both good. For the adventurous, there's www.artisanscup.com (you can pick your own tea flavors!).

Lise

09-27-2006, 04:25 AM

I sit here drinking Celestial Seasoning's Madagascar Pomegranite Red, one of their Rooibus teas. I still like the Vanilla Red best of those, and the Candy Cane Lane peppermint/vanilla green tea best of all so far.

MTK, thanks for asking about the PVCs. I notice them a fair amount when I get up in the morning--no caffeine at all, just the "stress" of getting up? :confused: I worked a 24 shift the other day, did get a few hours of sleep, but over the course of 12 hours consumed one Diet Coke and two squares of bittersweet chocolate (the diet Coke to sharpen up my brain, the chocolate to reward me for working so much!), and by the evening, end of the shift, my heart was jumping around. The caffeine or the fatigue? I don't know. It can be pretty annoying. I'm also guessing that perimenopausal hormone changes are playing a role here. In any event, back to the tea...!