What are herbal teas?
Herbal teas have been around for centuries and despite their name, these are not made from the tea plant or tea leaves.
Herbal teas are made by steeping dried fruits, flowers, roots, bark and spices or herbs in hot water. Herbal teas are used to increase health and well-being and for their medicinal properties. Here, we discuss the benefits of drinking herbal tea and a list of our favourite herbal teas. Surprisingly, herbal teas do not contain any caffeine. So, they can be had at any time of the day.
Benefits of drinking herbal tea
Boosts immune system
Herbal teas contain antioxidants and nutrients that are great for building the immune system and fighting disease and infections. They reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
They are great for fighting the common cold and flu and cough. They are also a great remedy to reduce the systems of asthma.
Improves digestion
One of the great benefits and well-known benefits of herbal teas is that they aid in better digestion. Drinking herbal teas can help in reducing the symptoms of indigestion, bloating, nausea and gastric troubles.
Reduces inflammation
Drinking herbal tea on a daily basis can help relieve inflammation in your body. They help people with arthritis. Herbal teas reduce swelling, pain, inflammation and muscle and joint pain.
Is an anti-ageing drink
It is said that ancient kings and queens drank herbal teas to reduce the appearance of ageing and also to increase their vitality. Herbal teas contain anti-oxidants and they help in slowing down the ageing process. Anti-oxidants prevent free radical damage and reduce cell ageing and increase cell repair in our body. This makes us look and feel younger.
Relieves stress and anxiety
Herbal teas calm and relax our minds and body. Some teas also act as mild anti-depressant. Herbal teas help in better sleep health and people with insomnia. They also help in lowering blood pressure without any side effects.
Is great for skin health
We already saw that herbal teas are great for anti ageing. They are also great for your skin and hair health. Herbal teas can improve skin elasticity, and reduce inflammation thereby reducing acne and increasing cell regeneration.
Best herbal teas
While there are thousands and thousands of herbal teas available, we will discuss some of the popular and easily accessible herbal teas here.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is one of the most popular and beloved herbal tea and rightly so. Chamomile tea provides calming effects and aids in better sleep. It also relieves stress and anxiety. It helps people with insomnia and also reduces inflammation in the body and soothes your stomach.
Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea helps in improving your digestive health. It reduces bloating and gastric problems. It is rich in antioxidants and antibacterial and antiviral properties. It helps to relieve spasms and cramps and also reduces nausea.
Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea is made from the petals of the hibiscus flowers and it has a sweet, tart taste. The striking red colour of the tea grabs our eyes. This tea can be had both hot and cold. Hibiscus tea helps to reduce high blood pressure and also reduce stress. Hibiscus tea does not react well with certain medications. So it is advisable to consult your doctor before you consume this tea.
Ginger tea
Ginger tea is great for digestive health. It has powerful antioxidants which fight diseases and improves the immune system. Ginger tea is effective for relieving nausea, indigestion, constipation, and menstrual cramps, and enhances brain function. A warm ginger tea after a long day soothes your soul and body.
Rooibos tea
Rooibos tea is made from the leaves of rooibos or red bush plant. Studies reveal that rooibos tea help in bone density and bone health. It also helps in lowering blood pressure and it treats headaches and allergies. Rooibos tea helps improve skin texture and reduces acne.
Rose hip tea
Rose hip tea is made from the fruits of the rose plant and is rich in Vitamin C. Rose hip tea is great for the immune system and helps with radiant skin. Rose hip tea has high antioxidants and helps reduce signs of skin ageing. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion
There are many health benefits to consuming herbal teas. Herbal teas come in various flavours and are free of caffeine and sugar and make a great choice when compared to other sugary drinks. They can range from sweet, and tart to more strong flavours, so you can surely find one that you like. Make sure to give them a try and we are sure that you won’t regret it.
