Steaming cup of deep red Chai tea on a white coaster, with loose leaf tea and branded pouch displayed on a light surface, by Yerba Buena Tea Company.

The Tea Journal

Deepen your connection to the leaf. Explore expert guides on organic ingredients, the science of steeping, and the stories behind our Oregon-blended teas. Your resource for sipping with intention.

A brewed cup of Good Night organic herbal sleep tea by Yerba Buena Tea Co.

The Best Tea for Sleep: 7 Ingredients That Actually Work

The best teas for sleep, ingredient by ingredient: what chamomile, kava, valerian, lavender and more actually do, how fast, who should skip them, and which blend to try.

A glass mug of brewed organic yerba mate beside a Yerba Buena Tea Co. Clean Energy tin

Yerba Mate vs Yerba Madre: What Changed (And What Didn't)

Guayaki rebranded to Yerba Madre in May 2025. Here is what changed, what stayed the same, and how organic loose-leaf yerba mate fits in.

Iced tea with lemon slices in a tall glass surrounded by fresh citrus on a bright white surface, from Yerba Buena Tea Company.

How to Make Iced Tea with Loose Leaf Tea (The Fast Way + Cold Brew)

Make smooth iced tea from organic loose leaf two ways: the fast hot-brew-and-chill method for same-day tea, plus overnight cold brew. Ratios, times, and tips.

Kava plant growing outdoors alongside dried kava root pieces and ground kava powder prepared for traditional beverages.

Is Kava Safe? Side Effects, Liver Health, and How to Use It Wisely

Is kava safe? For most healthy adults, yes, in moderation, with caveats worth knowing. Here are kava's real side effects, what the liver research actually says, and who should skip it.

New Year, New Rituals: 3 Ways to Reset Your System (Without Starving)

New Year, New Rituals: 3 Ways to Reset Your System (Without Starving)

Ditch the impossible resolutions. Three simple tea rituals for the New Year: gentler mornings, calmer digestion, steadier focus.

2025 Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Organic Loose Tea Gifts

2025 Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Organic Loose Tea Gifts

Struggling to find the perfect gift? From the "Holiday Traditionalist" to the "Stressed Friend," we have curated the best organic loose tea gifts for everyone on your list in our 2025 Guide.

What is Yerba Mate? The Clean Energy Alternative to Coffee

What is Yerba Mate? The Clean Energy Alternative to Coffee

Tired of the coffee jitters? Meet Yerba Mate, the South American super-beverage that delivers a sustained, crash-free energy boost. Discover why this organic "drink of the gods" is the ultimate fuel for focus and productivity.

Why Your Green Tea Tastes Bitter (And How to Fix It)

Why Your Green Tea Tastes Bitter (And How to Fix It)

Does your green tea taste like bitter medicine? You aren't alone. Discover the one simple mistake almost everyone makes when brewing green tea, and learn the Tea Sommelier's trick for a sweet, smooth cup every time.