10 Healthy Herbal Teas and How They Benefit You
Herbal teas have grown in popularity over
recent years and are feted by many for the range of health benefits they
offer drinkers. Of course, in some countries - such as China and Sri
Lanka - they have a long history of use for their medicinal qualities,
as well as their range of tastes and flavors. When choosing an herbal
tea, it's important to understand how each herb can help your health and
overall well being. This article will help you select and prepare the
right teas to match the health benefits most relevant to you.
What is Herbal Tea?
It's not really 'tea' at all, because tea is a specific type of plant.
It refers to an infusion of leaves, seeds, roots or bark immersed in hot
water. They should not be confused with 'fruit teas' (orange tea, lemon
tea etc.), which are flavored largely to make them taste good. Only
certain parts of many of the herbs used to make these drinks can be
consumed, as others might be poisonous, but drinking a generously
stacked portion of herbal tea can provide as much goodness as a vitamin
pill, in a way that is easy and enjoyable to digest.
Selecting and Preparing Your Herbal Tea
When selecting an herbal tea, it is important to look for a well-sourced
product made from natural ingredients. This is one sector where organic
is usually very much best, and if you want to gain the most health
benefits, avoid teas with added oils and artificial flavors. You should
also leave your teabag to infuse for a decent amount of time - at least
10-15 minutes when preparing your drink. Here are ten of the healthiest
herbal teas you can drink.
1. Chamomile
Main Benefits: Fights sleep problems & anxiety
Chamomile is a small flowering plant that looks similar to a daisy, and
it's golden buds have been found to help people who struggle to sleep
well or suffer from mild insomnia. This is because it contains
tryptophan, an amino acid known for its tranquilizing qualities. Studies
have shown that it also possesses anti-anxiety properties that can help
anyone prone to bouts of anxiety to relax. Chamomile has been used as a
medicinal herb for centuries and was favored by ancient Egyptians. It
is an effective, gentle and natural sedative with anti-stress
properties.
2. Elderflower
Main Benefits: Decongestant, allergy relief and treating the common cold
Elderflower is a white flower of the Elder plant, which belongs to the
Adoxaceae family and is found in subtropical areas of the world. Only
its ripe berries are edible (when cooked) and other parts of the plant
are poisonous. The berries have been used throughout history as a
treatment for the common cold, blocked sinuses, respiratory health, and
allergy relief. So if you want to breathe more easily, try Elderflower
Tea.
3. Peppermint
Main Benefits: Treatment for nausea, vomiting and Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS)
Peppermint is a hybrid cross between watermint and spearmint, and is
indigenous to areas of Europe and the Middle East, although it has now
been introduced to most areas of the world. It is a popular flavoring in
confectionery, ice-cream, and toothpaste, and is also used in soaps,
shampoos, and washes. It is also understood to encourage bile production
in the gallbladder, helping the body break down fat and combat symptoms
of nausea. It also provides short-term relief for people who suffer
from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
4. Lemon Verbena
Main Benefits: Aids digestion & boosts
the immune system
Lemon verbena or Aloysia citrodora is a native South American plant
brought to Europe in the 17th Century and cultivated for its oil. It is
traditionally used in France as a digestive aid because the citrus helps
to break down fats as they pass through the digestive tract. It can be
drunk before and after meals to serve its purpose. Studies have also
shown that it can reduce oxidative stress and strengthen white blood
cell production, encouraging a better functioning immune system.
5. Green Tea
Main Benefits: Strengthens tissue cells
Pages could be written about the many health benefits of green tea, and
no list of healthy herbal teas would be complete without it. It
strengthens tissue cells to help protect the body from aging (and
age-related diseases) and is high in antioxidants, which prevent cell
damage caused by pollutants. Green tea can help fight cancer, heart
disease, and diabetes and has a number of other benefits too. You can
find out more here. The Japanese drink gallons of it, and they have the
highest life expectancy of any nationality.
6. Fennel
Main Benefits: Treatment for constipation, colic, and flatulence. Also
aids weight loss.
Fennel is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean and has many
ancient culinary and medicinal uses. It has anti-spasmodic properties
that help relax intestinal muscles and provide an effective solution for
constipation, colic, and flatulence. Fennel tea is also an excellent
diuretic that encourages the urge to urinate, helping expel toxins from
the body. The herb also helps suppress hunger and speeds up metabolism,
making it an excellent weight loss tool.
7. Nettle
Main Benefits: Boosts a run-down body
Nettle is a British herb that forms the basis of an excellent,
all-around healthy tea. It is made from the plant of the stinging
nettle, a plant that causes pain if touched in the wild, and has been
used in medicine for many thousands of years. It has been shown to have a
range of health benefits, including the treatment of urinary tract
infections, hay fever, and osteoarthritis. It boosts the immune system
and supports the adrenal gland, just two of the properties that make it
an excellent tea to drink when you are feeling run down.
8. Milk Thistle or Dandelion Tea
Main Benefit: Cleanses the liver
Both milk thistle and dandelion tea are classed as weeds in the wild,
but when used in tea they are one of the best natural ways we can
regenerate, cleanse and purify the liver. Although both are beneficial,
they work in different ways. Dandelion is known to act as a liver tonic
and stimulates bile secretion, while milk thistle has antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties that help improve symptoms of hepatitis and
liver disease.
9. Ginger
Main Benefits: Cleansing, circulation, digestion & pain relief
Ginger is another plant with plentiful health benefits and has been used
for centuries to ease stomach upsets and relieve pain. Ginger tea can
be bought from the store, or made using a fresh piece of ginger placed
in water and simmered on the stove for 10-15 minutes. It is known for
its warming properties, so it is a great option if you have a fever. It
also promotes blood circulation and relieves joint pain, making it a
great healer.
10. Rosehip Tea
Main Benefits: Protects the skin, boosts adrenal function and promotes
immunity
Roses are among the best-loved flowers in the world, but they are not
just useful for their beautiful scent and aesthetics. Their fruit - the
rosehip - also provides a host of goodness that makes for a great
fragrant and healthy tea. Rosehip is one of the best sources of vitamin C
in the natural world, important for healthy skin, a successful immune
system and tissue health. Rosehip also boosts adrenal function,
providing plenty of extra energy and alertness. It's worth reaching for
next time you feel run down.