Herbal teas bring in several health properties that make your immunity strong, and help you achieve better heart health, sleep quality, digestion, and so much more.
The holiday season is here but without the usual cough and cold. At this time, if you are a huge coffee drinker, it might help you to switch to herbal teas because sipping on them not only makes you feel warm but also aids in fighting cold and cough. Herbal teas, made with different spices can aid with common colds and coughs so they are essential in keeping us better not just in the winter, but throughout the year with seasonal changes. A cup of herbal teas like ginger, turmeric, or cinnamon is also beneficial when it comes to calming nasal inflammation. Their warm nature helps to keep your stomach warm and nourished in harsh weather.
Unlike regular black tea, which is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas are prepared from dried herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices. Apart from their great unique taste, herbal teas have been used as a form of ancient medicine and natural remedies for thousands of years. So here is the list of 10 herbal teas that are must try for you this winter.
- Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is most popularly used to keep your digestive health normal. But that is not it, this superfood also has anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. According to several studies conducted on peppermint tea, it is proved that preparations of peppermint oil can help in relieving indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, and many other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, while taking this tea on a regular basis, you have to keep in mind that it is still unclear whether the amount of peppermint oil found in the tea has the same impact as the concentrated supplements used in these studies.
- Chamomile tea
If you are not living under a rock, you must have heard about Chamomile tea and its calming effect on people which is why it is most commonly used for better sleep. Studies show that this tea has an impact on the sleep schedule and quality in postpartum women and older adults. Chamomile tea is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and liver-protecting effects on human bodies. While other research shows that this herbal tea could help you improve blood sugar control, it also can ease the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
- Hibiscus tea
Made from hibiscus flowers, this tea produces a bold, unique color along with a strong flavor that offers various healthful properties. According to some studies, hibiscus can significantly reduce total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, on top of reducing blood pressure. Another study found that taking hibiscus tea for 6 weeks straight can significantly decrease oxidative stress in male soccer players. However, make sure to consult with your doctor before taking diuretics as it can alter your medication.
- Rooibos tea
Rooibos tea is another herbal tea that was used for medicinal purposes in ancient times. Even though more research on human bodies is needed, one study found anti-allergy effects on rooibos extract. According to studies, rooibos may inhibit the formation of osteoclasts which are cells that break down old bones, essential for preserving, repairing, and reshaping the human skeleton. Taking this tea may help people prevent the production of too many osteoclasts, also known as osteoporosis. On top of that, some studies also show that this tea has an impact on reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
- Ginger tea
Ginger is the one superfood that you need in your daily diet to combat a lot of diseases. Taking ginger tea will come with a punch of disease-fighting antioxidants that are a well-known remedy for fighting nausea. Several studies have shown that ginger is extremely effective in relieving nausea, especially in early pregnancy. Additionally, nausea from cancer treatments and surgery also has an impact on ginger tea. This is not all, other evidence suggests that ginger has the ability to relieve indigestion, prevent stomach ulcers, and even reduce the pain related to menstruation. On top of that, drinking ginger tea also increases blood sugar control along with lipid levels in people with diabetes.
- Sage tea
Now this herbal tea does not only contain health benefits but also carries advantages related to your brain health. Different studies on sage show that there are significant improvements in the cognitive function of those with Alzheimer’s disease, although these studies have their limitations. Sage also has an impact on the improvements of mental function and memory in adults after they take just one of the different sage extracts. Although more research is needed, sage is also said to have the power to lower levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in adults.
- Echinacea tea
This is another ancient herbal tea that is said to have properties to combat the common cold in humans. Several studies show that echinacea extract helps boost the immune system in people and helps the human body fight against viral infections. Although more studies and research are needed, it is shown that drinking echinacea tea regularly can lessen the severity of cold symptoms and shorten the duration of the common cold.
- Rose hip tea
Rose hip tea is rich in vitamin C and compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that are extremely beneficial for human bodies. Several studies were made on the effects of Rosehip extract, and many of them found the powder may help reduce inflammation while improving symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, including severe pain. According to other older studies, rose hip is also beneficial for weight management and helps decrease body mass index (BMI) and belly fat in humans. However, more recent studies are required to fully understand the potential benefits of drinking Rose hip tea regularly.
- Lemon balm tea
Imagine a drink with a light, lemony flavor. Sound refreshing right? Well, Lemon balm tea can bring that for you along with tons of health benefits. One study shows that drinking lemon balm tea for 6 weeks improved arterial stiffness. This is a risk factor for major heart disease, mental decline, and stroke. Several researchers have also found that drinking lemon balm tea helps in increasing the human body’s natural antioxidant enzymes which helps in protecting the body from oxidative damage. Another review has also found that it can even improve symptoms of depression and anxiety, without any serious side effects on the body or mental health.
- Passionflower tea
This is yet another tea that has been used for several years to help relieve anxiety and improve sleep quality and quantity. According to one study, drinking Passionflower tea for straight two weeks improved certain markers of sleep quality in people with insomnia. Although there was no significant difference compared with a placebo. Some other studies suggest that passionflower extract helps in reducing symptoms of anxiety, especially during dental procedures.
To conclude, herbal teas come in different delicious flavors and are naturally free of calories and sugar. So they can be a great choice of drink for you that you will not only enjoy drinking because of the aroma and taste but comes with different health benefits too.
