PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
More people in Dehradun are drinking green tea and herbal infusions instead of the staple masala chai and milk tea for herbal infusions, driven by rising health awareness, lifestyle changes and a desire to cut back on caffeine intake.
According to health experts and vendors, herbal drinks such as chamomile, hibiscus and blue tea are becoming popular due to their zero caffeine content and perceived health benefits. This reflects a broader shift toward living a healthy lifestyle and mindful consumption, particularly among young people, fitness enthusiasts and senior citizens. Dietitian Deepshikha Garg said that the infusions are often considered lighter and gentler on the body. She said that chamomile tea is known for its calming properties and improved sleep quality, hibiscus (Jasud) tea supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure, while blue tea, prepared from butterfly pea flowers (Aparajita), is rich in antioxidants and helps manage stress. However, she added that to take full benefits of such beverages, one must combine these with balanced nutrition and an active lifestyle.
The changing consumption pattern is also visible at tea outlets and cafés across the city. Several vendors have added herbal options to their menus to meet growing demand. The owner of Sada Shiv Chai Bhandar in Paltan Bazaar, Deepak Gupta said that the customer preferences have evolved in recent months. “Earlier, customers mostly asked for milk tea or masala chai. Now many enquire about herbal options including green tea. Office-goers and senior citizens are increasingly choosing sugar-free and caffeine-free options,” he said.
People cite health concerns as a major reason for the shift. Navdeep Yadav said he reduced his intake of regular chai after experiencing sleep disturbances and acidity. “On my doctor’s advice, I switched to chamomile and blue tea. They feel lighter and do not affect sleep. Now chai is only consumed occasionally,” he said, adding that hibiscus tea helped improve his digestion and blood pressure levels.
Deepali Sharma echoed similar views, saying herbal teas helped her manage stress and irregular sleep patterns.
