How to Use a Decaf Herbal Sampler Box: Relax & Calm
By Clipper Ship Tea Company | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to get the most from a caffeine-free tea box, with step-by-step guidance for the Relax Box and Calm Box from Clipper Ship Tea Company.
Quick answer
Start by selecting one sampler box — the Relax Box for soothing blends or the Calm Box for ginger- and mint-based infusions — then brew each tea individually using the recommended water temperature and steep time printed on the pouch.
Why choose a sampler box over a full-size tin?
A sampler box lets you taste five different caffeine-free blends before committing to a larger quantity. Both the Relax Box and Calm Box offer a variety of herbal infusions, so you can discover which flavor profile — floral, minty, or spicy — best fits your evening routine. The only trade-off is that you get fewer servings per blend, so if you already know you love a specific tea, a full-size tin might be more economical.
How to use your decaf herbal sampler box
- 1. Pick your sampler box: Choose the Relax Box if you want gentle floral and mint blends (chamomile, lavender, peppermint). Choose the Calm Box if you prefer brighter flavors with ginger and mint (Fair Winds, Ginger Honey). Both boxes are caffeine-free, so the main difference is the flavor direction.
- 2. Open one pouch at a time: Each sampler box contains individually sealed pouches. Open only the one you plan to brew immediately to keep the remaining teas fresh. Resealable packaging is not guaranteed, so a small clip can help. Avoid opening multiple pouches at once — they will lose aroma and potency.
- 3. Heat water to the right temperature: Herbal teas generally brew well with water just off the boil (about 200°F / 93°C). If you use boiling water, you risk extracting bitter compounds from the herbs. Let the kettle sit for 30 seconds after boiling. Too-hot water can make delicate herbs taste harsh.
- 4. Steep for the recommended time: Check the pouch for the suggested steep time — usually 4 to 6 minutes for herbal blends. Set a timer. Over-steeping can turn a calming tea bitter, while under-steeping may leave it watery. If the pouch lacks a time, start with 5 minutes and adjust to taste.
- 5. Taste and take notes: After the first sip, jot down what you like or dislike about the flavor, aroma, and body. This helps you decide which blend to reorder as a full-size tin and which to skip. Your notes will also guide you when gifting or recommending a box to a friend.
- 6. Decide your next purchase: Once you have sampled all five teas, pick your favorite one or two blends. Check Clipper Ship Tea Company for the full-size version of that tea, or consider buying another sampler box if you want to explore more flavors. The sampler box is a tasting tool, not a long-term supply — use it to find your perfect daily cup.
Product facts
- Calm Box: The Calm Box contains five calming teas with ginger and mint, all caffeine-free, and includes blends like Fair Winds (chamomile, lavender, spearmint) and Ginger Honey. If you prefer a bright, spicy note alongside your relaxation, this box gives you ginger- and mint-forward options that can also aid digestion.
Calm Box - Relax Box: The Relax Box features five soothing herbal teas with no caffeine, including chamomile, lavender, and peppermint blends traditionally used to ease anxiety and promote rest. This box is ideal if you want classic calming herbs without any stimulating ingredients — perfect for winding down before bed.
Relax Box
