We, the Irish, are well known as a nation of tea drinkers, for most Irish emergencies (and non-emergencies) the teapot is often called into active duty. But did you know that the tea you drink could help your health? It’s true, but it does depend on what sort you choose.
Herbal teas are not thought of as cures, more as an aid to relieving symptoms and the effects of everyday illnesses and stress. Their high vitamin and mineral content makes them a popular alternative to pills. They make very refreshing and tasty alternatives to ordinary tea and great for those who are giving up caffeine in their diet.
Below are some benefits of herbal tea, when consumed on a daily basis:
- Can help achieve a calmer, relaxed state of mind
- Can aid with Insomnia and poor sleep patterns
- Helps support a healthy heart
- Aid with stomach and digestive problems
- Provide cleansing properties for the body
- Promote energy, wellness and concentration
- Help to boost the Immune system
- Can help reduce headaches and anxiety
Herbal teas are made from mixtures of dried leaves, seeds, grasses, nuts, barks, fruits, flowers or other botanicals that give them their taste and contribute to an array of herbal tea benefits.
Herbal tea is surging in popularity thanks, not only to positive publicity, but the fact that more and more people are taking a healthy and holistic interest in what they eat and drink. There is a dizzying array of delectable flavours available for consumers to buy now, not only in health shops but also in any large supermarket. They are generally available in user-friendly teabag and ready-made loose options. As a bonus most are caffeine free and almost all are low in calories.
But what to choose and why…… below is a list of the most popular Herbal teas and their health benefits.
Chamomile – A popular tea and is known for its calming attributes. It can ease indigestion, reduce anxiety and calm the nerves. This tea can also help with Insomnia.
Chrysanthemum – Provides a nice, sweet tasting brew and is supposed to help reduce body heat resulting from fever. It also is known to help protect against liver damage and neutralize toxins in the body.
Elderflower tea – This is a comforting tea, and can be helpful when suffering from colds and flu. It is anti inflammatory and reduces perspiration.
Lavender Flower tea – A relaxing tea often drunk as a bedtime drink to aid sleep.
Peppermint tea – This tea is thought to have greater stress-relieving attributes than chamomile tea and help with stomach and digestive issues. Added bonus is that your breath will be fresh and minty.
Lemon Balm – Has been known to ease tension without causing drowsiness, aids digestion and soothes feverish conditions brought on by heavy colds and flu.
Lime flower tea – Has been known to relieve stress and headaches, reduces nervous tension, and helps with Insomnia.
Nettle leaf tea – Popular as a tonic, it has a high mineral and vitamin content, particularly iron. Can relieve allergic reactions especially hay fever. You can also make this tea yourself, spring and summer are the perfect times to collect some fresh new nettles leaves, boil them in water, allow the water to cool and enjoy.
Raspberry leaf tea – This tea is mildly astringent which makes it popular as a mouthwash or to gargle in treating throat infections. It is not recommended to be used during early pregnancy.
Rosemary tea – Often drunk at the start of day or when energy levels are starting to fall because of its highly effective power as a pick-me-up. This tea can also be effective in easing headaches and indigestion.
Rosehip tea – Made from crushed rose hips it is very rich in Vitamin C which makes it popular in warding off colds and flu symptoms.
The medicinal benefits of Herbal teas can be varied; almost all Herbal teas will have some benefits for the body. If you are buying Herbal teas to aid with a medical problem then please choose with care, a good health shop should be able to assist you with your purchase.
Those who are avoiding caffeine should be aware that some herbal teas do in fact contain caffeine, so you should always check before you buy. And lastly, pregnant women, many of whom carefully avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and unnecessary medications but may drink large amounts of herbal tea. Please be aware that some herbs are used for medicinal purposes and can be as potent as some medications, always check with your doctor or midwife first.
Anyone for a cuppa?
Catherine Conners-Bevalot
Stress Management Consultant, Time-Management consultant and Holistic Therapist, Trainer and Teacher.
Some great points about the benefits of herbal tea. A lot of people don’t realise how much more beneficial herbal tea can be over traditional tea.