Many people look to tea's caffeine content to jump-start their mornings, but others prefer to make tea a part of relaxing evenings. After all, is there anything more serene than curling up with a steaming mug of tea? Unfortunately, the same natural caffeine that makes tea energizing in the morning can also keep you up at night.

For some, the balancing effects of L-theanine are enough to make any tea relaxing, despite the caffeine. But for those who are sensitive to the stimulant, here are our top five teas with low (or no) caffeine - sure to be utterly relaxing in the evening. (Of course, if you are very sensitive to caffeine, we recommend sticking exclusively with caffeine-free herbal tisanes).

1. Chamomile

CAFFEINE LEVEL: NONE

These small yellow flowers are technically not tea, but rather an herbal tisane, since they aren't harvested from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Chamomile contains absolutely no caffeine. In fact, Chamomile is commonly touted and studied as a sleep aid, thanks to a unique antioxidant called apigenin that inhibits receptors in the brain to naturally decrease anxiety and initiate sleep. Our fresh, whole flowers make a mild infusion with a sweet honey-like aroma that is sure to please your palate as well!

2. Caffeine-Free Chai

CAFFEINE LEVEL: NONE

Another caffeine-free herbal tisane, this blend includes all the spices that typically add flavor to traditional Masala Chai, without the black tea base. If you love the bold flavor of chai, but want to cut down on caffeine intake, this mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and orange peel might just hit the spot. We also love to experiment with steeping these spices in other beverages like apple juice (to make a mulled cider) or milk!

3. Inner Blossom Jasmine

CAFFEINE LEVEL: LOW-MODERATE

Although this beautiful blossoming is crafted from caffeinated white tea buds which encase the flower inside, your infusion method can reduce the caffeine. Because the blossom requires a large pot of water so it can bloom, the caffeine is naturally diluted, resulting in a less intense effect. Natural scenting with jasmine flowers gives this tea a captivating aroma, while the delicate white tea flavor comes through in a finish worth savoring.

4. Emperor Pu-erh, 2008

CAFFEINE LEVEL: LOW-MODERATE

With rich flavor and a dark color, most people would classify this as a ‘strong’ tea. But the natural fermentation process that gives this tea it’s bold color and taste also degrades much of the leaves' caffeine content. Though this breakdown is not well-documented, we have learned through experience that teas tend to lose some of their caffeine during long-term storage. As an added bonus, pu-erh teas like this are well known for aiding digestion, especially after a heavy or greasy dinner.

5. Aged Tung Ting, ca. 1980

CAFFEINE LEVEL: LOW-MODERATE

Another aged option with a rich flavor, this Taiwanese oolong went through several rounds of roasting during storage in Taiwan. This repeated roasting process helped to remove moisture in the humid storage climate, and added a layer of bold, toasty flavor. While it still contains caffeine, the aging and roasting processes both helped to degrade this tea's caffeine content. As with any Camellia sinensis tea, these loosely rolled leaves can be brewed many times in short infusions, drawing out more flavor as the leaf expands each time.

Check out our favorite tips for brewing multiple infusions >>

Do you drink tea to get moving in the morning, relax in the evening, or both? Have you tried any of the teas on this list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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