My Comfort Go-To: Why I’m in Love with Buckwheat Tea

There’s something about a warm cup of tea that feels like a soft hug and for me, the feeling of the cosiest hug, that tea is buckwheat. I discovered how comforting and grounding Buckwheat Tea can be, and now it’s my ultimate go-to comfort tea.

Known as Soba Cha in Japan, Memil Cha in Korea and Kuqiao Cha in China, this herbal tea has deep roots across East Asia, where it has been enjoyed for centuries as both a comforting drink and a wellness tonic. Traditionally made by roasting buckwheat kernels and steeping them in hot water, it was prized for its earthy, nutty aroma and gentle flavour. In Japan, it’s often served after meals for digestion and relaxation; in Korea, it’s a staple in homes and restaurants, enjoyed hot or cold throughout the day; and in China, it’s valued for its cooling, detoxifying properties. Across the region, buckwheat tea represents warmth, simplicity and balance a reflection of the mindful tea rituals that have long defined East Asian culture.

The first time I brewed it, I was instantly drawn in by its nutty, roasty flavour, it’s gentle yet full of character. Unlike many teas, this brew is naturally caffeine-free, so I can enjoy it any time of day. Sipping this tea feels like wrapping myself in a soft, sweet, nutty warmth from the inside.

What I love most about this herbal tea is its versatility. I’ll have it hot while reading a book in the evening; I’ve also tried it iced with just a touch of honey on warmer afternoons. In East Asia, people enjoy it both chilled and warm. Even without sweetener it carries a gentle, subtle sweetness all on its own.

Beyond flavour and comfort, buckwheat tea comes with a lovely wellness story. It’s rich in antioxidants, plant compounds like rutin and quercetin, that help support overall health. Because buckwheat (the seed behind the tea) is gluten-free and naturally caffeine-free, it’s a safe and friendly choice for so many: mothers, children, anyone who wants a soothing, gentle drink without the buzz. And for those of us seeking something soothing but nourishing, it’s spot on.

Some of my favourite “bonus” benefits I like to remind myself:

• It’s full of wellness properties that help promote calm, balance and vitality making it the perfect tea for both body and mind.
• It supports digestion and can help ease bloating or discomfort.
• It’s gluten-free (since buckwheat is a pseudocereal, not a wheat) so it works well in many health-minded routines.
• In Russia, it’s famously known as a beauty tea, celebrated for promoting healthy, glowing skin thanks to its rich antioxidant content.
• The warm nutty flavour gives it that “comfort” factor, perfect when the temperature drops, or even iced in the afternoon - when I just want a mindful pause.

For me this tea isn’t just about health or habit, it’s about ritual. I brew it, I sit down, I breathe. It becomes a little moment of calm. Whether It is a busy workday, winding down after the gym, or choosing a quiet Friday evening, I reach for it, it is always a treat.

So: should you try buckwheat tea? Absolutely. If you’re on the hunt for a “best comfort tea” that’s caffeine-free, safe for mothers and children, gentle on your body yet full of character, this is one to explore.

Check out our delicious, organic-compliant Buckwheat Tea in the link below and bring a little comfort into your daily ritual.

Totally Loose Leaf - Buckwheat Tea

Here’s a little guidance: steep roasted buckwheat in hot boiling water (around 95°C to 100 °C) for a few minutes and you're good to go. Try it plain first so you can savour that roasty-nutty essence, then experiment with an iced version or a drop of honey.

In a world full of choices, I’m so glad I have this tea. It’s become my daily comfort, my warm companion through changing seasons, my nutty-roasty ritual of wellness and calm. If you try it, I hope you love it as much as I do.