HERBAL TEA
Herbal teas have been around for centuries.
Yet, despite their name, herbal teas are not true teas at all. True teas, including green tea, black tea and oolong tea, are brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
On the other hand, herbal teas are made from dried fruits, flowers, spices or herbs.
This means herbal teas can come in a wide range of tastes and flavors and make a tempting alternative to sugary beverages or water.
In addition to being delicious, some herbal teas have health-promoting properties. In fact, herbal teas have been used as natural remedies for a variety of ailments for hundreds of years.
- Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is most commonly known for its calming effects and is frequently used as a sleep aid.
Chamomile is well known for its calming properties, and preliminary evidence supports this. It may also help relieve premenstrual symptoms and high blood lipid, blood sugar and insulin levels.
- Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is one of the most commonly used herbal teas in the world
Peppermint tea is traditionally used to relieve discomfort of the digestive tract. Studies have found that peppermint oil can help relieve nausea, cramping, spasms and stomach pain.
- Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a spicy and flavorful drink that packs a punch of healthy, disease-fighting antioxidants
Ginger tea is best known as a remedy for nausea, and studies have repeatedly found it to be effective for this use. However, several studies have also found that ginger can help relieve period pain, and it may offer benefits for people with diabetes.
- Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is made from the colorful flowers of the hibiscus plant. It has a pink-red color and refreshing, tart flavor. It can be enjoyed hot or iced.
Hibiscus tea may help lower high blood pressure and fight oxidative stress. However, it shouldn’t be taken with a certain diuretic medication or at the same time as aspirin.
- Echinacea Tea
Echinacea tea is an extremely popular remedy that’s said to prevent and shorten the common cold.
Echinacea tea is commonly used to prevent or shorten the duration of the common cold. While several studies have found it to be effective for this use, the evidence on the matter is conflicting.
- Rooibos Tea
Rooibos is an herbal tea that comes from South Africa. It is made from the leaves of the rooibos or red bush plant.
Rooibos tea has just recently begun to be studied by scientists. Preliminary evidence suggests that rooibos tea may help improve bone health and reduce heart disease risk, but more studies are needed.
- Sage Tea
Sage tea is well known for its medicinal properties, and scientific research has begun to support several of its health benefits, especially for brain health.
Several studies have found that sage improves cognitive function and memory. It may also benefit colon and heart health.
- Lemon Balm Tea
Preliminary studies have found that lemon balm tea may improve antioxidant levels, heart and skin health and even aid in relieving anxiety.
- Rose Hip Tea
Rose hip tea is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Studies have also found rose hips effective at fighting aging of the skin and reducing stomach fat.
- Passionflower Tea
Studies have found that passionflower tea may help improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
Herbal teas come in a variety of delicious flavors and are naturally free of sugar and calories.
Many herbal teas also offer health-promoting effects, and modern science has begun to validate some of their traditional uses.
Whether you’re a tea lover or novice, don’t be afraid to give these 10 herbal teas a try.