Türkiye leads the world in tea consumption per capita, with black tea as the primary choice. However, the country also has a rich tradition of herbal teas that are commonly consumed for their potential health benefits and as a caffeine-free alternative.
Herbal teas are widely available across Turkish cafés, especially during winter months. These drinks are typically brewed from fresh ingredients rather than prepared from tea bags.
One popular herbal tea in Türkiye is linden flower tea. Linden trees grow in many urban areas, and locals often use the flowers to brew a light, lemony-flavored tea. “Linden flower has been drunk for centuries in Türkiye, and locals attest to its benefits. It’s been scientifically proven to be helpful to the common cold, and may well help relieve fevers as well. The same effects that serve to relieve the common cold also serve to relax the body and relieve stress, meaning that linden flower tea can be great even if you just feel anxious or have a light headache, or have high blood pressure. It’s light enough that the tea is always safe to drink and always feels good even when there’s nothing wrong, and the delicious flavor helps make it an excellent winter drink.”
Chamomile is another herbal option that is both traditional in Türkiye and familiar worldwide. In Turkish culture, chamomile is often given to children at bedtime or used for nursing infants to aid sleep. “Chamomile has been proven as well to be a sleep aid, and is used to help with sleep apnea as well. It has a calming function and helps with menstrual cramps, and the antioxidants present in the tea make for fantastic stress-relievers.”
Sage grows abundantly in Türkiye but is more frequently found in teacups than kitchens. The local term for sage includes the word “tea,” reflecting its popularity as a beverage. Sage’s phytochemical properties are said to help reduce stress, sweating, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, and saliva production; it’s also used by some people for sore throats or mouth irritations.
Pomegranate tea rounds out some of Türkiye’s notable herbal options. Anatolia produces high-quality pomegranates known for their strong antioxidant content. Pomegranate tea is enjoyed not only for its reported health benefits—such as supporting heart health or reducing inflammation—but also for its distinctive taste: “But the best part of pomegranate tea is unquestionably its flavor! A burst of strong pomegranate, brewed fresh and heated up to warm the heart is really a great way to pass a cool autumn or winter day. It’s got a bit of a kick to it so you probably couldn’t drink tons of it at one sitting, but a couple glasses of pomegranate tea are really an amazing way to pass the day in Türkiye like you can nowhere else!”
These herbal teas remain an important aspect of Turkish culture beyond their role as remedies.