Need a dose of health boost? Reach out for a soothing cup of tea. According to the Book of Tea published by Okakura Kakuzo, a Japanese Scholar states that “ Tea began as a medicine and grew into a beverage”. In this article learn all about the best teas for your health and well-being.
Regular Tea vs. Tisane or Herbal Tea
Your original tea – black tea, white tea, green tea, oolong tea are all brewed from the tea plant called Camellia Sinensis. Well known for its medicinal and anti-oxidant properties this plant is the origin of most of the teas, however, it contains traces of Caffeine in it. On the other hand are Psuedo teas – herbal teas infused with natural herbs, leaves, seeds, roots or bark extracted in hot water. It is these herbal teas that come with power-packed benefits whilst containing no caffeine at all.
From soothing a troubled tummy to easing insomnia and calming a turbulent mind, herbal teas have the most healing powers. It can be a great source of vitamins and minerals as well. By drinking a well-steeped herbal pseudo tea, you can also avail all the plant’s benefit in an easily digestible form.
How to Choose the Right Herbal Tea for Health
There is a tea for everyone depending on your taste, mood and health goals. When it comes to choosing a herbal tea, it is important to choose a well-sourced product that is made from high-quality ingredients.
In addition to this, make sure that you steep your loose tea or tea bags for a sufficient time as long as ten to fifteen minutes so as to reap its healthful properties to the maximum potential.
Here are some of the best herbal teas to choose from:
1. Peppermint Tea
This herb is one of the easiest to grow in your own garden. You can brew it fresh with your own home-made leaves along with a dash of honey to add to its sweetness. This tea is the best tea to relieve symptoms of bloating, gas and muscle spasms. It also aids to alleviate headaches by opening up the constricted blood vessels. Interestingly, even the aroma of peppermint tea is so inviting that it can give instant relief to colds and sinuses. Think of it as aromatherapy in a cup!
2. Chamomile Tea
A gentle and soothing tea that helps with your sleeping woes, this tea is brewed from chamomile flowers. It contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, anti-ulcer and astringent healing properties. Now that is one wholesome tea for all your health needs! Be sure to steep it well to get all its benefits.
3. Dandelion Tea
This tea is the best to optimize liver function. It helps the liver to regenerate and function at its best capacity by producing bile which can help with our digestion. Infusing natural dandelion green and roots in water fills your tea brew with all vital nutrients like calcium, iron, potassium, Vitamins, and riboflavin. It also has antioxidant properties with flavonoids like carotene and lutein.
4. Ginger Tea
Make a fresh cup of ginger tea by simmering a piece of ginger root on the stove for 10 to 15 minutes, add fresh lemon and honey for a refreshing flavor and sip it away. This tea can be made at home with ease and serves as a potent digestive aid, along with its germ-fighting properties. You can also make it with powdered ginger.
5. Hibiscus Tea
Steep in some fresh hibiscus flower petals in hot water for a cup full of benefits. This tea is the lowest in calories making it great for weight loss. Moreover, it has diuretic properties and works as a great detox aid that flushes out toxins through urine. It helps to soothe the nervous system and lower stress levels. Studies also indicate that it has anti-cancer properties and is able to prevent the growth of cancer by inducing Apoptosis.
6. Rosehip Tea
Made from the fruits of the rose plant, this is one of the best plant sources of Vitamin C. This tea is also rich in lycopene which is good for cardiovascular health. In addition to this, it is a great free-radical scavenger that kills toxins and helps prevent the onset of cancer with its bioflavonoids.
7. Rooibos Tea
Also known as red bush, rooibos is a plant local to South Africa and is very well-known for its medicinal properties. This tea has no caffeine and is naturally sweet. It is rich in antioxidants and is helpful to treat common skin problems like eczema and acne. It also helps to ward off cardiovascular diseases and signs of aging.
8. Lemon Balm Tea
This herb is very beneficial for lifting the spirits whenever you are down. It also improves concentration and memory function and is safe for children to consume. If you like iced tea, this tea makes a great one when flavored with lemon or maple syrup. It can also be used as a natural sleeping aid that promotes relaxation before going to bed.
Having a cup of tea or tisane as it’s otherwise called is the right way to carve out some self-indulgence time along with boosting your physical and mental well-being. Whether you are a tea lover or not, be sure to give these teas a try. Sip your way to good health!