Herbal teas are
teas made from plants, seeds, flowers, roots or fruits of all plants except
Camellia sinensis. They have been used as natural home remedies for thousands or
hundreds and thousands of years. Before the invention of modern medicine, herbs
and seeds were used for treating anything from infections to rashes and
fevers.
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. Interestingly, modern science has begun to find
evidence supporting some of the traditional uses of herbal teas, as well as
some new ones.
Here
is a list of 10 healthy herbal teas you’ll want to try.
1. 1. Chamomile
Tea
Chamomile tea is most commonly known for its calming effects and
is frequently used as a sleep aid. Two studies have examined the effects of
chamomile tea or extract on sleep problems in humans. In one study of 80
postpartum women experiencing sleep issues, drinking chamomile tea for two
weeks led to improved sleep quality and fewer symptoms of depression Another
study in 34 patients with insomnia found marginal improvements in waking up
during the night, time to falling asleep and daytime functioning after taking chamomile
extract twice a day
What’s
more, chamomile may not just be useful as a sleep aid. It is also believed to
have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and liver-protecting effects
Studies
in mice and rats have found preliminary evidence that chamomile may help fight
diarrhea and stomach ulcers. One study also found that chamomile tea reduced
symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, while another study in people with type 2
diabetes saw improvements in blood glucose, insulin and blood lipid levels
While
more research is needed to confirm these effects, preliminary evidence suggests
that chamomile tea may offer a range of health benefits.
Summary: 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.
2.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is one of the most commonly used herbal teas in
the world.
While
it’s most popularly used to support digestive tract health, it also has
antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Most
of these effects have not been studied in humans, so it’s not possible to know
if they might lead to health benefits. However, several studies have confirmed
peppermint’s beneficial effects on the digestive tract.
Several
studies have shown that preparations of peppermint oil, which often included
other herbs as well, can help relieve indigestion, nausea and stomach pain. Evidence
also shows that peppermint oil is effective at relaxing spasms in the
intestines, esophagus and
Lastly,
studies have repeatedly found that peppermint oil is effective at relieving
symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Therefore, when you experience
digestive discomfort, whether it be from cramping, nausea or indigestion,
peppermint tea is a great natural remedy to try.
Summary: 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.
3.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a spicy and flavorful drink that packs a punch of
healthy, disease-fighting antioxidants.
It
also helps fight inflammation and stimulates the immune system, but it’s most
well known for being an effective remedy for nausea. Studies consistently
find that ginger is effective at relieving nausea, especially in early
pregnancy, although it may also relieve nausea caused by cancer treatments and
motion sickness.
Evidence
also suggests that ginger may help prevent stomach ulcers and relieve
indigestion or constipation. Ginger may
also help relieve dysmenorrhea, or period pain. A number of studies have found
that ginger capsules reduced pain associated with menstruation.
In
fact, two studies found ginger to be as effective as non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen at relieving period pain.
Finally,
some studies suggest that ginger may offer health benefits for people with
diabetes, though the evidence has not been consistent. These studies have found
that ginger supplements helped with blood sugar control and blood lipid levels.
Summary: 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.
4
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.
In
addition to its bold color and unique flavor, hibiscus tea offers healthful
properties.
For
example, hibiscus tea has antiviral properties, and test-tube studies have
shown its extract to be highly effective against strains of the bird flu.
However, no evidence has shown that drinking hibiscus tea could help you fight
off viruses like the flu .
A
number of studies have investigated the effects of hibiscus tea on high blood
lipid levels. A few studies have found it to be effective, though a large review
study found that it did not have a significant effect on blood lipid levels.
Nevertheless,
hibiscus tea has been shown to have a positive effect on high blood pressure. In
fact, many studies have found that hibiscus tea reduced high blood pressure,
although most studies were not high quality. What’s more, another study found
that taking hibiscus tea extract for six weeks significantly decreased
oxidative stress in male soccer players.
Be
sure to avoid drinking hibiscus tea if you’re taking hydrochlorothiazide, a
diuretic medication, as the two may interact with each other. Hibiscus tea may
also shorten the effects of aspirin, so it’s best to take them 3–4 hours apart.
Summary: 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.
4.
Echinacea Tea
Echinacea tea is an extremely popular remedy that’s said to
prevent and shorten the common cold.
Evidence
has shown that echinacea may help boost the immune system, which could help the
body fight off viruses or infections. Many studies have found that echinacea
can shorten the duration of the common cold, lessen the severity of its
symptoms or even prevent it.
However,
results are conflicting, and most studies have not been well designed. This
makes it difficult to tell if positive results are due to echinacea or random
chance. Therefore, it’s not possible to say definitively that taking echinacea
will help with the common cold.
At
the very least, this warm herbal drink may help soothe your sore throat or
clear up your stuffy nose if you do feel a cold starting.
Summary: 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.
5.
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. South Africans have
historically used it for medicinal purposes, but there is very little
scientific research on the topic.
Nevertheless,
a few animal and human studies have been conducted. So far, studies have failed
to show that it’s effective for allergies and kidney stones
However,
one study has shown that rooibos tea may benefit bone health. One
test-tube study suggests that rooibos tea, along with green and black tea,
might stimulate the cells involved in bone growth and density. The same study
found that the teas also lowered markers of inflammation and cell toxicity. The
researchers suggested that this might be why drinking tea is associated with
higher bone density.
Moreover,
preliminary evidence shows that rooibos tea may help prevent heart disease.
One
study found that rooibos tea inhibited an enzyme that causes blood vessels to
constrict, similarly to how a common blood pressure medication does. Also,
another study found that drinking six cups of rooibos tea daily for six weeks
lowered blood levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and fat, while increasing “good”
HDL cholesterol.
Much
more research is needed to confirm these effects and discover any further
benefits. However, the preliminary evidence shows promise.
Summary: 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.
6.
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.
A
number of test-tube, animal and human studies have shown that sage is
beneficial for cognitive function, as well as potentially effective against the
effects of the plaques involved in Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, two studies on
oral sage drops or sage oil found improvements in the cognitive function of
those with Alzheimer’s disease, although the studies had limitations. Moreover,
sage appears to provide cognitive benefits for healthy adults as well.
A
number of studies found improvements in mood, mental function and memory in
healthy adults after they took one of several different types of sage extract What’s more, one small human study found that
sage tea improved blood lipid levels, while another study in rats found that
sage tea protected against the development of colon cancer.
Sage
tea appears to be a healthy choice, offering benefits for cognitive health and
potentially heart and colon health. More studies are needed to find out more
about these effects.
Summary: Several studies have found that sage
improves cognitive function and memory. It may also benefit colon and heart
health.
7.
Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea has a light, lemony flavor and seems to have
health-promoting properties.
In
a small study in 28 people who drank either barley tea or lemon balm tea for
six weeks, the lemon balm tea group had improved elasticity of the arteries.
Arterial stiffness is considered a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and
mental decline. In the same study, those who drank lemon balm tea also had
increased skin elasticity, which typically tends to decline with age. However,
the study was of poor quality.
Another
small study in radiology workers found that drinking lemon balm tea twice a day
for one month increased the body’s natural antioxidant enzymes, which help
protect the body from oxidative damage to cells and DNA. As a result, participants also showed improved
markers of lipid and DNA damage. Preliminary evidence has also suggested that
lemon balm may improve high blood lipid levels. Furthermore, a number of
studies have shown that lemon balm improved mood and mental performance.
Two
studies including 20 participants evaluated the effects of different dosages of
lemon balm extract. They found improvements in both calmness and memory. Another small study found that lemon balm
extract helped reduce stress and improve math processing skills.
Finally,
another small study found that lemon balm tea reduced the frequency of heart
palpitations and anxiety. Lemon balm tea may offer a number of potential health
benefits and would make a good addition to any herbal tea collection.
Summary: Preliminary studies have found that
lemon balm tea may improve antioxidant levels, heart and skin health and even
aid in relieving anxiety.
8.
Rose Hip Tea
Rose hip tea is made from the fruit of the rose plant.
It
is high in vitamin C and beneficial plant compounds. These plant compounds, in
addition to certain fats found in rose hips, result in anti-inflammatory
properties
Several
studies have looked into the ability of rose hip powder to reduce inflammation
in people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Many of these studies
found it effective at reducing inflammation and its related symptoms, including
pain.
Rose
hips may also be beneficial for weight management, as one 12-week study in 32
overweight people found that taking rose hip extract resulted in decreased BMI
and belly fat.
Rose
hip’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may also help fight skin aging.
One preliminary study found that taking rose hip powder for eight weeks reduced
the depth of wrinkles around the eyes and improved moisture and skin elasticity
of the face.
These
properties may result in other health benefits as well, though more studies
will be needed to confirm these effects and investigate any new ones.
Summary: 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.
9.
Passionflower Tea
The leaves, stems and flowers of the passionflower plant are
used to make passionflower tea. Passionflower tea is traditionally used to
relieve anxiety and improve sleep, and studies have begun to support these
uses.
For
example, one study found that drinking passionflower tea for one week
significantly improved sleep quality scores. What’s more, two human studies
found that passionflower was effective at reducing anxiety. In fact, one of
these studies found that passionflower was as effective as an anxiety-relieving
medication.
Yet,
another study found that passionflower helped relieve the mental symptoms of
opioid withdrawal, such as anxiety, irritability and agitation, when taken in
addition to clonidine, the medication usually used for opioid detoxification
treatment.
Passionflower
tea seems to be a good choice when it comes to relieving anxiety and promoting
calmness.
Summary: Studies have found that passionflower
tea may help improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
The
Bottom Line
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.
If
you are looking for done for you tea blends I encourage you to consider Aroma-Thera
tea These blends are put together to help different health conditions. They are perfectly blended and include detailed instructions for it’s optimal use.
