Promoting Health with Herbal Tea

Not too long ago we shared some advice on the best herbs that you can include in your diet in order to boost your health. Today we would like to talk on a similar topic, but focus specifically on herbal teas!

 

If you are someone who naturally looks for the coffee pot when they first wake up, then you might not have much of an existing interest in herbal tea. However, there is much to be gained from giving it a go. One of the great things about herbal tea is that there is an abundance of different flavours and varieties. This means that there is always going to be one or more flavours that you absolutely love!

 

You might find it fun to go out and shop for a selection and then sample them over the course of a few days.

 

Going Caffeine Free

 

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that has the potential to improve concentration as well as combat tiredness. It has long been suggested that caffeine can have many great health benefits, but there are also negative consequences of including too much caffeine in the diet.

 

Over-consumption of caffeine can lead to trouble sleeping, feelings of irritability, feelings of restlessness, muscle tremors, and an increased heartbeat. Research has also shown that people who consume caffeine whilst pregnant can have lower birth weight babies than those who do not.

 

Caffeine, as a drug, has the potential to become an addiction. This can be a problem firstly because addiction can quickly lead to over-consumption, and also because withdrawal from caffeine can then cause further problems. People who have become physically dependent on caffeine may notice that they experience headaches, fatigue, and depression, among other detrimental side effects.

 

This is why caffeine-free herbal teas can go a long way to helping maintain health. 

 

Herbal Tea Health Benefits

 

The wide variety of herbal teas available means that there are several different health benefits to speak of, depending on the individual tea. A few common benefits are that the digestive system function can improve, sleep can become easier and more satisfying, and that the body will receive extra vitamins and minerals. This last nutrition related point can then have countless further impacts on overall health and wellness. 

 

Choosing the best herbal teas is important if you are to enjoy maximum health benefits. To do so you will want to steer clear of any teas that have added essential oils or unnatural flavours. Furthermore, when brewing your tea, it is a good idea to let the leaves stay in the water for upwards of ten minutes. This is not only great for increasing the health benefits, but can also boost the flavour. 

 

What is Herbal Tea?

 

Herbal tea is a hot drink made by infusing an extract of a particular plant in hot water. Although tea is typically made from the leaves, it can also be made from seeds, the bark, or even the roots of the plant. 

 

Let’s take a look at some delicious teas that you can easily find in the grocery store. You will also be able to find a much greater variety of herbal teas on the internet, so don’t feel as though you have to be limited! 

 

Ginger Tea

 

Ginger has so many great medicinal uses, and you may soon notice the difference to your health if you include ginger tea in your diet daily. If you have a digestive complaint, then ginger tea could be just the thing to soothe your symptoms.

 

You can either buy ready-made ginger tea, or you can simply get a chunk of fresh ginger and simmer it in hot water for upwards of ten minutes.

 

Peppermint Tea

 

Peppermint tea is incredibly flavourful, and is a fantastic way to combat bloating and gas. It is also thought to be helpful in reducing muscle spasms and feelings of nausea.

 

It is simple to grow peppermint in your garden and in doing so you can ensure you always have a stash to hand to make your tea as fresh as possible!

 

Chamomile Tea

 

Chamomile is most commonly thought of for its sedative properties, and can be helpful for those looking to get a good night’s sleep. If you suffer from insomnia, then you may try sipping a cup of chamomile tea in the evening. It has also been suggested that this type of tea can aid the digestive process, so a cup shortly after your dinner could support both your digestion and your sleep!

 

If you have a cough then chamomile tea could also be helpful, both for relieving your symptoms and for giving the immune system a boost. 

 

Dandelion Tea

 

Dandelion tea is said to be useful in supporting the function of the liver. This is largely attributed to the fact that it is a natural diuretic. It is also thought that drinking this tea regularly can aid those who are trying to lose weight. 

 

Patchouli Tea

 

This tea is believed to stimulate the sex drive, enhance the immune system, boost the mood, and help to promote a better sleep cycle.

 

Patchouli essential oil is often used to help tackle feelings of depression in order to enhance happiness, and drinking this herb in tea form could have similar effects. 

 

Valerian Root Tea

 

This type of tea has sedative qualities which makes it great for helping you to relax and maintain a sense of calm. Valerian is also widely available in pill form as a herbal sleep remedy. 

Turmeric Tea

 

This delicious variety of tea helps to stimulate the activity of antioxidants in the body. This in turn can help to soothe inflammation and protect against cancer.

 

Thyme Tea

 

This tea is often used to help relieve the symptoms of a cold, and can help to treat a cough and a headache. It can also be utilised anytime as an immune booster.

 

Drinking More Herbal Tea

 

If you are someone who has more than one cup of coffee a day, then perhaps the time has come to swap the extra cups of coffee for herbal tea! Enjoying a cup of coffee first thing in the morning can be a great way to kick-start the day, but if you are then reaching for the kettle to make a second cup within just a few hours then you could be heading towards the negative health consequences that we discussed earlier in the article.

 

Choosing to brew herbal tea instead will help you to keep a balance in your body, whilst also enjoying the amazing health benefits of your chosen drink.

 

Growing Your Own Herbs for Tea

 

You may feel as though some brands of herbal tea are actually quite expensive, and that you may want to try and grow your own instead! Growing your own herbs isn’t just something you may be inclined towards as a means of saving money, but can also simply be a fun activity.

 

Great herbs to try and grow yourself at home are mint, peppermint, lavender, lemon balm, thyme, jasmine and chamomile. You do not necessarily need a large amount of space in order to do this successfully, so get out into your garden today to get started! 

 

References

 

1)      https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271707.php

2)      https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/types-of-herbal-tea.html