The knowledge conveyed through generations by Brazilian grandmothers is deeply rooted in the countryside and backyards lovingly grown by smallholder farmers. Long before pharmacies reached remote towns, fresh herbs picked right there in yards or along the garden’s edge were used for healthcare, to strengthen the body, and to soothe the spirit.
These homemade teas are part of Brazilian popular culture and carry stories of affection, wisdom, and healing. Whether for cramps, colds, anxiety, or indigestion, there is always a simple, effective recipe that starts with hot water, a few leaves, and some heartfelt advice, without the purpose of replacing medical treatment or professional advice.
What many people may not know is that several of these traditional ingredients also drive Brazil’s agriculture. They generate income for thousands of producers, promote sustainable farming, and are increasingly reaching international markets. Besides their cultural value, these plants currently also represent agro potential, rural resilience, and scientifically recognized health benefits. Here are five teas any Brazilian grandmother would recommend. They illustrate how ancestral knowledge and Brazil’s thriving agribusiness walk hand in hand, from the roots to the world.
Ginger: to warm, heal, and export
If your throat is sore or your body needs a boost, the go-to remedy is ginger tea. Often mixed with honey and lemon, it is a classic home treatment for colds and flu. Besides its medicinal uses, ginger is also an agricultural powerhouse. Brazil is among the world’s top exporters, with the state of Espírito Santo leading national production.
Ginger is grown mainly by smallholder farmers and harvested with great care. Its strong flavor and high quality are valued across the globe, especially in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is also used in cooking, herbal medicine, and natural beverages.
Chamomile: calm in a flower
Only a few scents evoke rest and relaxation as chamomile. Known for its soothing aspects, chamomile tea is often given to children and adults alike to ease anxiety, cramps, or sleepless nights. In Brazil, chamomile is widely grown in the southern state of Paraná, where small-scale farmers harvest the delicate flowers by hand.
Besides supplying the domestic market, a portion of Brazil’s chamomile production is exported, mostly in dried or processed form, to tea, cosmetics, and herbal medicine industries in Europe and the United States. It is a delicate product with significant added value.
Lemongrass: Brazilian aroma with global reach
Also known as “capim-santo” or “capim-limão” in Portuguese, lemongrass is a classic herb found in many Brazilian home gardens. Its refreshing and relaxing tea is used to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. As a typical ingredient in folk medicine, lemongrass has also found its way into global wellness and aromatherapy markets.
Brazil grows lemongrass for both fresh consumption and its essential oil extraction. Lemongrass oil, prized for its citrus scent and therapeutic aspects, is exported to the cosmetic and natural products industries in Europe and Asia.
Lemon, honey, and garlic: a homemade blend crossing borders
This powerful trio is the foundation for one of Brazil’s most traditional cold remedies. Steeped in hot water or mixed with natural syrups, lemon, honey, and garlic are staples in many Brazilian households, as well as in international markets.
Brazil is a leading exporter of Persian lime, especially to European countries. Brazilian honey, particularly its organic and wildflower varieties, is shipped to the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Garlic, mostly grown in southern and southeastern regions, is also present in neighboring markets and is currently gaining recognition as a premium ingredient. It is a grandmother-approved recipe with a Brazilian flavor and global appeal.
Fennel: from cradle to countryside
Fennel tea is one of the first remedies Brazilian children are introduced to. Used to ease digestive discomfort and calm anxiety, it is known for its sweet aroma and gentle flavor. It symbolizes care and comfort. While commonly grown in home gardens, fennel is also produced commercially, especially for the tea and natural food industries.
Although Brazil is not yet a major exporter of fennel seeds, the product holds potential in health, wellness, and baby food markets. It is a traditional herb that bridges generational wisdom and agricultural innovation.
Brazil’s warmth, shared with the world
Each of these teas carries stories, memories, and ancestral knowledge that continue to thrive in Brazilian farming communities. These ingredients demonstrate that tradition and innovation are not opposites. They walk side by side. What begins as an expression of love at home also represents development in the countryside and opportunities in the global marketplace.