The best teas for hydration and wellness, and why filtered water makes them even better

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You pause, pour and everything feels a little more manageable. Does that sound like you? We all know water is life, the foundation of hydration, but there are delicious alternatives to plain H2O that support health and wellness. Herbal teas are among them. And when you sit down to enjoy that cup of goodness, we promise it tastes infinitely better when steeped in filtered water. But what are the best options to choose from?

Water Filters Australia offers high-quality inline filters that give you access to cleaner water for everything you eat and drink. That includes your daily tea or teas. Let’s take a closer look at all things tea and how we can help you enjoy the flavour and the health benefits even more.

Herbal teas are great for hydration because they don’t contain caffeine. Rooibos, hibiscus and chamomile won’t increase the need to urinate, so your body holds on to more of the fluid. They also offer antioxidants and trace minerals without the sugar or calories found in juices or other flavoured drinks.

If you prefer green or white teas, that’s perfectly fine. Both are lower in caffeine than black tea and easier on the body than coffee. They offer just enough of a pickup to get you through the afternoon or early evening without affecting your ability to have a good night’s sleep later. The lightness and less bitter flavour and lower tannin content also make them easier to enjoy on their own, without needing to add sugar or sweeteners.

The diuretic effect of caffeine is the key variable in hydration quality. Caffeine stimulates the kidneys and can even increase urine output when consumed in high doses (typically over 300mg per day). While moderate intake won’t dehydrate most people, the less you consume daily, the better. The water in tea still contributes to your daily fluid intake, but how effective it is depends on the caffeine content. A single cup of black tea is unlikely to make a difference, but drinking several in a row may start to offset the benefit. Sensitivity to caffeine also varies, and for some people, switching to herbal tea is best.

In addition to hydration, some teas are rich in antioxidants that support immune and metabolic health.

Green tea is rich in catechins, a type of antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals and ease oxidative stress. This kind of stress has been linked to inflammation and cell damage, which can lead to chronic disease over time. By supporting repair at a cellular level, these antioxidants may help the immune system do its job more effectively. Some research even suggests mild antimicrobial properties that help the body defend itself against everyday pathogens. Green tea has also been linked to subtle improvements in metabolism and fat burning.

Calming teas like lemon balm or lavender also have healing and wellness properties, particularly when it comes to managing stress and improving sleep. Both contain natural compounds that interact with receptors in the brain, including GABA receptors, which help regulate nervous system activity and mood. Unlike taking sleep medications, these teas will help you rest without leaving you drowsy the next day. When used regularly, they can also ease feelings of restlessness or anxiety.

Digestion is another area where tea shines. Ginger and peppermint settle the gut by relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. This can ease cramps and bloating, especially after indulging in a heavy meal. Ginger contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory effects and may relieve nausea, indigestion or travel sickness. These teas also support the natural movement of food and gas through the gut. A lot of people prefer to start with tea before turning to medication.

Let’s talk about taste and aroma. The chlorine, organic matter and many other impurities found in regular tap water affect the enjoyment of your food and beverages. While chlorine needs to be added to municipal water as a disinfectant, even trace amounts can dull or distort the flavour and scent of tea. It also reacts with natural oils in tea leaves and herbs, which can lead to a flat, bitter, chemical or metallic aftertaste. Yuck.

Softer teas are delicate and easily overpowered. Filtered water strips out all unwanted elements, lets the flavour build properly as the tea steeps and preserves the integrity of the herbs and their natural properties. Chamomile, lemon balm, hibiscus and other herbal varieties rely on essential oils and volatile compounds for effect and flavour. Impurities in the water can alter their chemistry during brewing, which not only affects taste but may also reduce the potential health benefits.

Filtered water also reduces the risk of heavy metal contamination and sediment. In some areas, ageing pipes and plumbing can leach trace metals like lead or copper into the water. Sediment affects clarity and mouthfeel, and those tiny particles can cloud your tea and make the texture a little bit gritty.

Let’s start with the obvious: use filtered water. But not just any—use cold, freshly filtered water, and only boil what you need. Reboiling or overheating isn’t energy efficient, and stale water can take on flat or metallic notes. Cold water also holds more oxygen, which helps the flavour open up as the tea steeps.

Secondly, the steeping process depends on the tea type. Different teas need different timing and temperatures. For example, green, white and oolong teas are sensitive to boiling water and should steep at lower temperatures of around 70–85 degrees Celsius to avoid becoming bitter. Herbal and black teas are more robust and can handle water that’s near boiling. You should always follow instructions for timing. Understeeping leaves the beverage bland, while oversteeping ruins flavour and may reduce nutritional value by drawing out excessive tannins or breaking down beneficial components.

Storage matters. Air, moisture and light degrade tea quality, so always keep tea in a sealed, opaque container in a cool, dry place.
Lastly, choose organic or additive-free blends to get the most out of your tea, which in turn supports hydration. Artificial flavourings, colours or preservatives can compromise purity and reduce its value as a wellness drink. Organic teas also offer peace of mind for anyone concerned about chemical exposure.

Tea’s one of the few drinks that keeps you hydrated and gives something back at the same time. You get a unique combination of fluid intake and bioactive compounds that have innumerable potential health benefits like reduced inflammation and improved vascular function. Using filtered water to make your favourite brews will only enhance the flavour, experience and quality.

At Water Filters Australia, our inline water filters are available online from our Australian distribution centre. They are manufactured in the United States to the highest quality and functionality standards. We only supply independently Watermark Certified systems, and we stock a complete inventory of certified replacement cartridges with 100% Australian-based customer support.

Winter is almost here, and if you find yourself reaching for a warm tea a little more frequently now, we can help you enjoy it in its purest form. Shop online today or contact our team for personalised advice on the best system for your home or caravan.