Over the last few years, herbal tea has grown massively in popularity as more and more people realize it’s not only delicious but wonderfully healthy too. But with so many teas available, which ones should you buy?
Although it’s often down to personal taste, there are several popular teas which are noted for their particular health benefits as well as their flavor.
1) Green Tea
Green tea is a favorite among health-conscious herbal tea fans and for a few very good reasons. It’s packed with antioxidants called catechins, the natural compounds that protect and repair the body’s cells. This helps to protect against cancers of the digestive system, as well as keeping skin looking young and healthy.
However, perhaps the biggest benefit of green tea is its ability to lower the levels of artery-clogging cholesterol. This, in turn, reduces blood pressure, and so helps prevent heart disease and strokes.
Lastly, green tea has been shown to give a small but significant metabolic boost, making it easier for the body to burn off calories. This means green tea is a favorite among people looking to control their weight.
2) Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has been popular for centuries, thanks mainly to its calming properties that help soothe away insomnia. However, it’s also excellent as a digestive aid, reducing cramps, bloating, gas, and acid reflux.
3) Hibiscus Tea
As with green tea, hibiscus works to lower cholesterol for all-around heart benefits, particularly in the control of blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
Hibiscus is also used to soothe sore throats and can combat gum disease thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Finally, hibiscus tea is high in both iron and vitamin C, which work in combination to assist treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
4) Rooibos Tea
Organic Rooibos tea has many health benefits, but its most important use is to improve liver function for better detox and more effective cell regeneration. However, it can also relieve digestive cramps and other unpleasant problems of the lower bowel.
5) Dandelion Tea
Dandelion’s powerful anti-inflammatory agents are noted for easing digestive issues, stimulating appetite, and relieving upset stomachs.
It’s also useful as a detox tonic, thanks to its beneficial effects on the liver and kidneys, and in particular its actions against kidney stone formation.
6) Ginger Root
Ginger has long been used as a cure for nausea caused by motion sickness, morning sickness, or a stomach bug. Additionally, it has an antihistamine effect to reduce the symptoms of allergies from hay fever to pet hair.
And helpfully, its strong and warming flavor makes it great for mixing with other less tasty teas taken for purely health reasons.
7) Peppermint Tea
Peppermint’s high menthol content makes an excellent tea for treating colds and flu. It works as a natural decongestant to clear sinuses, a mild analgesic to soothe sore throats, and also a gentle mental stimulant to lift the fug of a cold.
8) Cinnamon Bark
Cinnamon’s antiviral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a powerful ally in the fight against acne breakouts. It’s also good for reducing fever from colds, flu, and other viruses. And although this isn’t yet scientifically proven, some arthritis suffers say it helps relieve their symptoms.
9) Lavender
Aromatic lavender makes the ultimate calming tea, both mentally and physically. Use it to soften stress and insomnia, and also to ease aches, pains, and cramps. However, its strong taste and powerful effects mean it’s best used alongside other herbs rather than on its own.
10) The Sage Family
Clary sage has a reputation for minimizing the symptoms of menstrual cramps and PMS, as well as reducing anxiety, mood swings, and insomnia. However, all members of the sage family are helpful for easing dental pain, sore throats, and mouth ulcers.
11) Juniper Berry Tea
Lastly, juniper is a great tea to alleviate urinary tract problems, thanks to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It also works as a natural diuretic to reduce water retention and help flush toxins from the body.
There dozens of herbal teas available, each with their own special health benefits and taste. But if you make sure your pantry contains at least these eleven teas, you’ll have a soothing, healing drink on hand whenever you need it.