Herbal teas are gaining immense popularity in India for their different array of flavors and numerous health benefits. But did you know herbal tea is not actually tea?
Read on as we discuss why you must give herbal teas a try!
What are Herbal Teas?
Herbal tea is a beverage made from the infusion or decoction (extraction) of different herbs, spices, fruits, or other plant material in hot water. They are not “teas” because teas are prepared from the leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis.
There are different varieties of herbal tea available on the market today. Each one of them has their own unique taste and health benefits. Here we bring you a collection of five herbal teas that you must try!
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs. Also, chamomile tea is one of the world’s most popular herbal teas, and about a million cups are globally consumed every day. You can prepare this herbal infusion from dried chamomile flowers and hot water.
There are two types of chamomiles: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).
The dried flowers of chamomile contain many bioactive compounds, such as terpenoids and flavanoids, which contribute to its medicinal properties. It has proven anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties and cures numerous gastrointestinal conditions.
Chamomile, in general, treats an array of health problems like toothache, earache, anxiety, general depression, and skin and hair care. So, consuming chamomile tea daily will also have these benefits.
You can use the tea infusions to wash or gargle for inflammation of the mucous membranes or lining of the mouth and throat. Chamomile tea is popular for its calming effects, which aid in sleeping. It may also help relieve premenstrual symptoms and high blood cholesterol, blood sugar, and insulin levels.
Chamomile tea has no known side-effects but can develop allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to chamomile.
Ginseng Tea
Ginseng tea has become a popular beverage all over the world as an herbal drink. You can prepare ginseng tea from the roots, powdered roots, or cuttings of any part of the plant, or you can simply boil ginseng in water to prepare the tea.
The major health benefits of ginseng tea are due to the naturally occurring compounds called ginsenosides present in the root. These ginsenosides have anti-tumor effects that slow down the growth of cancer cells. They are potent enough to destroy ovarian cancer cells, lung adenocarcinoma cells, and prostate cancer cells. They also help in lowering high blood pressure and bad LDL cholesterol and fighting inflammation.
Consuming ginseng tea improves cognitive health and physical capability. It fights early aging and neurodegenerative disorders, controls blood sugar levels for type II diabetes, and is also good for hair and skin health.
Learn more about type 1 and type 2 diabetes here.
Additionally, ginseng is a great immune modulator that helps in maintaining immune homeostasis (maintaining a stable or equilibrium condition of bodily functions). Thus, it boosts immunity during infections and enhances resistance to illness. It also provides relief from menstrual cramps and aids in weight loss.
Caution: Prolonged consumption can lead to sleeplessness or heart ailments in people.
Peppermint or Mint Tea
Peppermint tea is one of the most common herbal teas in the world. You can prepare it by adding peppermint to boiling water. Peppermint has significant antimicrobial and antiviral properties, strong antioxidant and anti-tumor actions, and some anti-allergenic potential.
Several studies have confirmed peppermint’s beneficial effects on the digestive tract. Peppermint tea also helps to relieve pain resulting from bloating, cramps, and indigestion. The antibacterial properties of peppermint tea make it a good immune booster and also prevent coughs, colds, fevers, and headaches. Additionally, the menthol in peppermint calms inflamed mucous membranes in the sinuses and throat to thin mucous and act as a decongestant. This helps open up the sinuses to relieve the flu and stuffy nose.
Consult a doctor if you are prone to allergies or suffering from asthma or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) before consuming peppermint tea. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid taking peppermint tea, as it could have adverse effects on the baby.
Sage Tea
For centuries, sage has been used in traditional medicine. You can prepare sage tea from fresh sage leaves or dried leaves. Sage has many medicinal properties. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and also serves as an appetite enhancer.
Sage tea is very beneficial for people struggling with weak immunity, low circulation, and sleep disorders. It also benefits women going through menopause. Sage tea helps lower high levels of oxidative stress, anxiety, obesity, high toxicity, and diabetes. It is beneficial in treating fevers, colds, sore throats, lung congestion, headaches, indigestion, and gastrointestinal problems.
Side effects from sage tea are rare, but symptoms may include seizures, low blood pressure, and hormonal imbalance.
Rosemary Tea
Sage and rosemary are closely related, and they are often referred to as “sister herbs." Rosemary tea can be prepared from fresh, dried, or powdered leaves and stems of the rosemary herb. Traditionally, it has been used to ease muscle pain and spasms, support the circulatory and nervous systems, improve memory, and stimulate hair growth.
Many of the impressive health benefits of rosemary tea come from the rosmarinic, salicylic, and caffeic acids present in the herb. It also contains potassium and various antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant compounds. Furthermore, it is beneficial for people suffering from indigestion, chronic pain, arthritis, hair loss, high toxicity, anxiety, stress, and depression.
The side effects of rosemary tea are strong allergic reactions, gastrointestinal problems, uterine contractions, skin redness, bleeding disorders, and even seizures. Limit your intake to 1-2 cups to avoid these side effects.
Herbal teas come in a variety of delicious flavors and are naturally free of sugar and calories. However, before adding any of the above herbal remedies to your health regimen, it is best to consult your health expert regarding possible interactions or risks.
Let us know in the comments below which Herbal Tea(s) is your favorite and why!
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