There is a significant difference between herbal and actual tea, which comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, the source of white, green, oolong, pu’erh, and black teas. Herbal teas are infusions of fruits, leaves, roots, herbs, flowers, spices, or bark of non-tea edible plants. Some teas combine herbal with traditional, such as Earl Grey, a black tea with bergamot orange rinds.
Herbal teas have a long history in holistic medicine due to their many physical, emotional, and cognitive health benefits. Also known as tisanes throughout Europe and other countries, herbal teas are welcomed for their flavor and pleasing aromas.
Another positive aspect of many herbal teas is the lack of caffeine in traditional tea. While decaffeinated versions of authentic tea are available, herbal tea is an excellent alternative.
Herbal tea can be enjoyed hot or cold and is easy to incorporate into your diet. For people who do not like drinking plain water, sipping herbal teas throughout the day is a better option than consuming chemical-laden soda or the extra calories in juice.
Benefits of Herbal Tea
Herbal teas have many health benefits demonstrated in countless studies and research. From weight loss to improved digestion and better sleep to increased energy, herbal tea has a place in everyone’s life. It is wise to do some basic research before sipping herbal teas, as you do not want to drink an energizing beverage at night or a relaxing beverage at the start of your day.
Many herbal teas have been used for thousands of years, such as ginger tea which dates back to Chinese and Indian communities over 5,000 years ago, as a powerful hydration booster and detox beverage. Herbs have long been a part of natural medicine for their healing properties, so it is no surprise that steeping them in tea form would provide superior benefits.
Here are some of the leading benefits of herbal tea:
- Detoxification
While not often the first benefit on people’s minds, herbal tea detoxification in the morning can help improve liver and gallbladder function, stimulate the immune system, and improve digestion. Teas used for detox often contain turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, and ginger and may utilize green or matcha tea.
- Anti-aging
Fighting free radicals contributing to oxidative damage and aging is the job of antioxidant teas such as hibiscus, which is teeming with vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Elderberry tea is another beneficial herbal option to help protect against sun damage and improve skin appearance.
- Can help find colds
Some herbal teas contain potent polyphenols, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that can help fight off invading germs. Others, such as mint teas, may help improve breathing caused by a stuffy nose thanks to their menthol properties. Dandelion and ginger teas are excellent immune system boosters.
- Smooth the digestive system
Various herbal teas, including dandelion, peppermint, and ginger, can help with digestion, nausea, and abdominal distress. The digestive system works overtime processing the food we consume and turning it into usable energy. Sometimes, gastrointestinal distress is caused due to poor nutrition or medical treatment. For example, too much human growth hormone in the body can lead to water retention, edema, and even sudden changes in urination. Be aware of what happens if you take too much HGH and how to get medical help in such cases.
- Can stimulate cognitive functions
Some herbal teas, such as cinnamon, can help improve blood flow to the brain to assist with concentration and focus. Cinnamon tea may also help block the protein Tau found in patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
- Can help with weight loss
Some herbal teas work so well on the digestive system that they help with weight loss. Hibiscus, ginger, rosehip, and rooibos teas are excellent choices.
- May help reduce chronic disease and inflammation
Various herbal teas help lower cholesterol, balance blood sugar, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits to the body. The antioxidants in some herbal teas can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.
- Relaxing function
Many types of herbal tea can help us relax and sleep better at night. Chamomile is often the first that comes to mind, but other teas, such as Holy Basil, rooibos, Linden leaf, and lemon balm tea, help reduce stress and anxiety.
Herbal Teas You Should Try
It is best to stick with organic versions free of pesticides and other chemicals when trying herbal teas. Because herbal teas are concentrated, you do not want to put concentrated versions of unhealthy chemicals in your body. There are many different types of certification for organic teas, so familiarizing yourself with the practices of organic certification to help you select the best brands of herbal tea to enjoy.
Many companies provide herbal tea blends for specific benefits, such as promoting sleep, increasing energy, supporting digestion and weight loss, and improving focus. Rather than purchasing a few different teas, a product combining various herbs may provide more value and benefits.
Here are some of the top herbal teas to consider:
- Chamomile tea
One of the most calming teas, chamomile, is often sipped before bed to improve sleep quality. It may help improve premenstrual symptoms in women and stabilize blood sugar levels. Chamomile may also provide anti-inflammatory, digestive, antibacterial, immune-boosting, and liver-protecting benefits.
- Ginger tea
The antinausea benefits of ginger tea make it an excellent choice for pregnant women dealing with nausea that is common during the first trimester of pregnancy. Ginger tea is also beneficial for nausea associated with certain medications, including cancer treatments. You may also want to try ginger tea to help with indigestion, menstrual pain, stomach ulcers, blood sugar control, and cholesterol levels. Ginger tea can also help with weight loss and improve cognitive functions.
- Echinacea tea
Long-used as a popular immune system booster, echinacea tea may help reduce the severity of and shorten the duration of a cold. Rich in antioxidants, echinacea may also improve the appearance of acne.
- Rooibos
South Africa provides red rooibos herbal tea high in vitamins and antioxidants. Its properties help lower blood sugar, cancer risk, and weight. Rooibos tea provides anti-inflammatory benefits and improves skin appearance. It can also help decrease cortisol so you unwind and sleep better at night.
- Rosehip
One of the best herbal teas for heart health, rosehip is rich in vitamin C for the immune system and is an excellent option for people with type 2 diabetes or those looking to lose weight. Rosehip tea contains anti-inflammatory properties.
- Peppermint tea
One of the best herbal teas for digestion, peppermint tea can help relieve indigestion, stomach pain, and nausea. It is an excellent option for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as it soothes bloating and gas. As a natural antioxidant, it has antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties, and can boost the immune system, reduce stress, and freshen the breath.
Conclusion
Along with the many health benefits of drinking herbal tea, it is also a pleasurable experience any time of day. From fruity after-dinner teas that can satisfy your sweet tooth while trying to lose weight to energy-boosting options, there is something for everyone. Some herbal tea blends come out at holiday times, invoking the spirit of the season they are in, such as pumpkin spice in the fall.
You can pair your herbal tea with tea sandwiches and scones, charcuterie platters, noodle dishes, salads, desserts, or anything you like. There is never a wrong time to enjoy a cup or glass of herbal tea; just select the appropriate one for the purpose and time of day.
