Herbal Teas and their health benefits
For thousands of years, Herbal Teas in the East have been a key to good health, naturally.
Over time, a cup of Herbal Tea each day can actually make a difference in your body, without having to change your lifestyle.
Herbal Teas are generally made from the flowers, seeds, roots and fruits of Plants. They have been used as natural home remedies for thousands of years throughout the world.
Long before we had modern medicines and pills, herbs and plants were used for treating anything from infections, colds and fevers, rashes and even to reduce bruises.
There are so many health benefits of Herbal Teas, such as reducing the symptoms of colds and flu, encouraging healthy weight loss, lowering cholesterol, healthy digestion and detoxifying qualities and some Teas may help with cancer, heart dis-ease and diabetes.
Herbal Teas are also rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, which not only makes your body healthy but also can help in you relax, recover and refresh.
Herbal Teas are naturally decaffeinated, so they won't leave you dehydrated, and they often carry sweet flavours and soothing scents.
Wondering what Herbal Teas are out there? Below are some of my favourites and their health benefits and some you never would have considered:
Bergamot
Bergamot is the main ingredient in Earl Grey Tea and may help to ease mild depression and is good for digestion problems. Bergamot is best used in other blends, rather than taken as a straight stand-alone blend.
Chamomile
The dried Flowers of Chamomile have been used for Centuries to help induce sleep, the Plant has a tranquilising effect on the Mind and Body. Chamomile soothes the stomach and helps with nausea; it is also good for Abdominal Cramps and Period Pain. They say that rest is a big part of getting over Colds, Flu, and Illness, making Chamomile one of the best Teas for this.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon in your herbal tea helps improve digestive problems and may help with weight loss too. Cinnamon is a warming tonic, making it a perfect ingredient for easing winter chills, especially those of us who feel the cold.
Echinacea
Echinacea has been used by Native North America Tribes as a traditional healing cure. Medical studies have shown that by taking an Echinacea supplement may reduce your chances of catching a cold by up to 58%, and may also reduce the length of the symptoms by more than a day. Brewing Echinacea in a Tea is great way of getting all that protective goodness in a tasty.
Elderberry
Elderberries are filled with health-boosting antioxidants, their Polyphenol content is higher than Blueberries and Cranberries. Elderberry syrups and extracts have been shown to reduce the length and severity of cold and flu symptoms. Put on the kettle and brew up a pot of sweet, fruity Elderberry Tea.
Ginger
Singers and Actors use Ginger Tea to soothe sore and tired throats. Ginger has a Bioactive ingredient that acts as an anti-inflammatory and may inhibit the micro-organisms that may lead to infection. Ginger also has a nausea relieving quality about it, helping to settle upset stomachs.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus Flowers are rich in Vitamin C, Minerals and contain high levels of antioxidants. It is also may help with weight loss. Hibiscus can help with Blood Pressure Management, aids digestion and is great for Period Pains. A Tea made from Hibiscus Flowers can help a sore throat.
Juniper Berry
Juniper Berries are not actually Berries, but these little beauties are high in antioxidants and are a natural antiseptic and antifungal. Juniper Berries can aid restful sleep and help improves skin conditions too. Juniper Berries in a Tea will need to be boiled and can be mixed with other ingredients to make a Herbal Brew.
Lavender
Lavender Flowers are used in Herbal Teas to promote a feeling of calm but is strong and should be used in combination with other ingredients. Lavender is Antiseptic, Antibacterial and Antispasmodic. Lavender Flowers help to reduce Tension headaches, relive stress and anxiety and is particularly good for insomnia.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass aids digestions and is particularly good for treating bloating and flatulence. A good pain reliver, it is helpful for headaches and nervous exhaustions. Lemongrass can help to lower cholesterol and prevent infections.
Lemon Myrtle
Lemon Myrtle is great for winter colds and flu and can be mixed with black tea and honey to help with winter symptoms. Lemon Myrtle has a calming and sedative quality about it and can help with indigestions and other GIT disorders.
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice Root is a popular herbal remedy in Chinese Medicine. The Root / Stick is traditionally used to treat Gastrointestinal issues. Licorice Root has antimicrobial and antiviral qualities which could help you when in getting over Cold and Flu Symptoms. If you like a sweet Tea, try Licorice Root Tea.
Peppermint
Just a few sips of Peppermint Tea can start to make you feel better, especially if you are feeling a little sick in the stomach. The Menthol in the leaves can have a slight anaesthetic effect on your throat too, helping to supress your cough. Peppermint has been found to have significant antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
Vervain
Vervain Tea can be used to calm the nervous system and is good for depression, anxiety and insomnia. Vervain can be used to ease Headaches. It can be used as a digestive tonic and is a good diuretic too.
I hope these little natural remedies help you get through this Winter, but remember, always seek advice from a professional if your cold and flu symptoms persist.
Blends
I have added a few little blends to help:
Kidney Blend: Couch Grass, Crataeva Bark, Horsetail, Lavender, Marshmallow Root and Nettle
Calming Blend: Cornflower Petals (Blue), Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Peppermint
Immune Boost: Echinacea, Ginger, Ginseng, Lemongrass, Mint
Sleep Blend: Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, Valerian Root
I hope these little natural remedies help you get through this Winter and everyday life, but remember, always seek advice from a professional if your cold and flu symptoms persist. This advice is not meant to be used to replace the advice of a professional. If you have any health concerns, you should always seek advice from a professional prior to self-administering herbs.