6 Incredible Teas That Lower Inflammation in the Body
Like food, certain drinks can be considered
harmful, whereas others are essential and extremely beneficial for our
health. Water is good for us, and sugary drinks are bad, we all know
that but what if you’re looking for something more than just hydration?
What if you’re looking for a drink that could decrease inflammation in
the body and relieve you of the nagging pain and swelling that goes with
it? Well, in that case, tea is your best friend, as drinking green tea
and various herbal teas regularly can soothe your organs and joints and
provide various nutrients capable of reducing inflammation throughout
the body. These 6 teas are not only tasty but also particularly suitable
for calming the inflammatory processes in the body, be it chronic
inflammation or an ordinary cold.
1. Rosehip Tea (Rosa canina)
Rosehip tea is prepared from rose hips, small, bright red accessory
fruits that grow on a particular type of rose, the dog rose. Rosa
canina, the scientific name of the plant, is a widespread species of
wild roses common all around Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia,
and its fruits were traditionally used to treat different ailments for
millennia.
Rich in vitamin C, E and β-Carotene, these fruits were an important
source of vitamins for the previous generations, especially during the
winter, as dried rose hips can be stored for months without going bad.
Only recently, however, we have discovered that rosehip is extremely
rich in phenols, potent antioxidants that protect the cells from free
radical damage.
Apart from that, the fruits contain several triterpene acids, which are
known to prevent inflammation. Clinical trials have reported that
rosehip powder can reduce pain in rheumatoid arthritis, one of the most
common chronic inflammations.
How to Prepare Rose Hip Tea
Rosehip tea has a red hue and a fruity taste and can be enjoyed both
warm and cool. Rosehip is usually sold dried, and both seedless and
whole rose hips are available for purchase.
If you’re using seedless ones, simply toss around 7 pieces into a cup
and steep them for up to 10 minutes, further draining the solids. If you
have whole rose hips, you can boil the same amount on low heat for
10-15 minutes and drain them before transferring into a cup.
2. Turmeric Tea (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric tea is prepared from the roots of
the turmeric plant. The roots are sold fresh, dried and, most often, in
the form of a powder. Turmeric is common throughout Asia, and the bright
golden roots of this plant were used in Ayurveda and traditional
Chinese medicine for millennia. Powdered turmeric is also used as a
natural dye.
Turmeric owes its anti-inflammatory effects to the active ingredient
called curcumin which also gives the root its bright yellow color.
Several studies using a turmeric supplement confirmed that it’s
effective at relieving the pain and reducing inflammation caused by
chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD), and heart disease.
Turmeric was also shown to help joint and muscle pain and increasing
mobility both in osteoarthritis and post-exercise.
How to Prepare Turmeric Tea
Both turmeric spice and the fresh root can be used to prepare a
delicious cup of turmeric tea. If you’re using fresh turmeric, you’ll
need around 1 teaspoon of it to yield 1 large mug of tea, but if you’re
using powdered turmeric, only half the amount or ½ teaspoon of the
powder will suffice.
The preparation is simple as can be: simply simmer the water and
turmeric mixture for around 10 minutes, and then drain into a cup. A
little lemon and ginger complement the taste of this tea wonderfully.
3. Green tea (Camellia sinensis)
All tea varieties are made of the leaves of
the Camellia sinensis plant, but different growing and processing
techniques yield different kinds of tea. Green teas are generally
fermented and processed much less and more gently than red or black tea
varieties, and so it contains a lot more antioxidants and other
beneficial phytochemicals.
Green tea originated over 1.000 years ago in China, but ever since, it
spread to other Asian countries and is popular worldwide today. The
antioxidants we mentioned earlier are all polyphenols, and one of them,
EGCG, is considered to be most effective at dealing with inflammation.
Japanese matcha tea is reported to have the highest amounts of EGCG, but
most green teas will contain the beneficial ingredient as well.
Research reports that EGCG can relieve IBD symptoms and can dampen the
development of chronic degenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, heart disease
and some cancers).
Do keep in mind, however, that much like coffee, green tea contains
caffeine, and so it can be harmful to certain patients, so talk to your
doctor to check for any possible medication interactions.
Green tea comes in countless varieties, each having its own optimal
brewing time and temperature, so follow the instructions on the
packaging of the tea of your choice. We recommend opting for loose leaf
teas, as those are generally made of younger tea leaves that have more
antioxidants.
4. Fennel Tea (Foeniculum vulgare) 
If you’re surprised to find out that fennel can be brewed into a tea,
you’re likely familiar with the sweet and pungent vegetable that has its
own health benefits, but not its seeds. Yes, both the seeds and the
bulb of this Mediterranean plant are used for both culinary and
medicinal purposes.
Fennel seeds, in particular, are rich in phenols, just like rosehip, and
are often used to soothe digestive issues, particularly bloating, but
it is also a potent pain reliever for menstrual cramps.
How to Prepare Fennel Tea
Fennel tea has a light yellow color and a sweet taste comparable to
licorice. To prepare the tea, use 1-2 teaspoons of crushed fennel seeds
and steep them for 10-15 minutes in a cup of hot water.
Learn more about fennel seeds and their health benefits by clicking
here.
5. Ginger Tea (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger root needs no introduction, it’s one
of the most popular tea ingredients and an extremely widespread spice.
Ginger originated somewhere in Southeast Asia a long time ago, but
today, its medicinal and culinary uses span worldwide and go far beyond
traditional medicine and cuisine.
As of today, scientists discovered over 50 antioxidants in ginger, and
these powerful phytochemicals can reduce the inflammation in your entire
body. Studies involving diabetics, as well as patients suffering from
osteoarthritis have observed a global reduction in many inflammation
markers following a course of ginger supplements.
Do keep in mind, however, that ginger is not for everyone, which we
discuss in greater depth here.
How to Prepare Ginger Tea
Although my favorite way to include ginger in my tea is to combine it
with green tea or other herbal tea, you can prepare ginger tea alone as
well.
If you’re using dried ginger, only ¼ - ½ teaspoon will suffice to
prepare a cup of ginger tea. Steep the hot water and ginger mixture for 5
minutes.
If you’re working with fresh ginger, around 1 tablespoon of
the finely-sliced root will be enough to make 1 cup of ginger tea, but
keep in mind that fresh ginger takes longer to brew around 10 minutes.
6. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Also known as holy basil, this leafy plant
native to the Indian subcontinent is a recurring ingredient in
traditional medicine, especially in Ayurveda, where it’s known as a
powerful adaptogen capable of helping the body to cope with emotional
and environmental stress.
Modern research builds upon the traditional uses of the plant, with
studies finding that tulsi has anti-inflammatory properties throughout
the body, reducing blood sugar, blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol
levels. Other research found that the plant may also reduce swelling,
decrease pain and inflammation by inhibiting enzymes that trigger the
inflammatory response.
Finally, holy basil use was linked to a reduction of uric acid levels,
alleviating pain in such conditions as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
How to Prepare Tulsi Tea
Just 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh tulsi leaves will be enough to prepare
a cup of tea. Simply immerse the herb into a cup of hot water and let
it brew for 5 minutes.