Whether it is a cold winter morning or a rainy summer evening, some sneezing before the sniffles, or just a sore throat – there are very few things that come to mind, and herbal tea is definitely one of them. Herbal tea is one of the most popular beverages around the world.
Originating as a traditional Ayurveda technique to keep up one’s health, it is used for many other reasons. Consumed all year round regardless of the weather, temperature, or time, its benefits can be enjoyed as you sip the warm teacup cozying on your couch.
So let’s dive into some facts about herbal tea and why it is so beneficial!
Where Does Herbal Tea Come From?
Unlike the standard tea types such as black tea, green tea, and oolong tea, herbal tea is not made from the generic tea plant Camellia Sinensis. In fact, herbal teas are not made from a singular type of plant at all. Instead, herbal teas come from multiple varieties of dried flowers, herbs, fruits, and even spices. This is the primary reason you have herbal teas in almost every flavor combination possible and can use them for so many different reasons.
Every different type of herb or flower used in the tea mixture makes the tea unique and beneficial for many different reasons. Moreover, it has led to tea being produced, demanded, and consumed worldwide, with certain tea types being more popular than others. You can find teas from the European region. Then there are popular Chinese herbal teas, tea types from Africa, and flower tea combinations from America, among other types.
10 Amazing Benefits of Herbal Tea
There is no doubt that tea is an automatic choice for people who consciously watch their health and look after what they consume. Hence, unlike standard tea and coffee selections that can lead to caffeine addiction, herbal teas are enriched with vitamins, minerals and are definitely caffeine-free. So following are the top ten benefits of herbal teas that make them an amazing all-rounder beverage and help you enjoy freely without worrying about your health.
Let’s have a look!
1. Boosts Your Immune System
One of the regular health benefits of drinking herbal tea is that it greatly boosts your immune system. Even those who do not tend to drink herbal teas regularly can vouch for this benefit they acquire by having herbal teas every once in a while.
Moreover, herbal teas are enriched with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a great choice to ward off disease and infections. It consequently lowers the risk of chronic diseases building up over time.
That is why our body craves something warm and soothing, like a serving of hot herbal tea when we feel a bit under the weather. The medicinal qualities of herbal tea make it a great choice to help alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
Some of the best types of herbal tea blends you can use to boost your immune system are Licorice Root Tea, Ginseng Tea, and Cayenne Tea.
2. Stimulates Brain Function
Occasional tea drinkers might not enjoy this benefit as it only comes from drinking herbal tea regularly. Over time your brain starts to identify and implement the brain-stimulating properties of the herbal tea and use it to power its functionality.
Herbal tea works by increasing the blood flow to the brain, thus providing the brain with necessary nutrients, a boost of endorphins, and oxygen needed for a healthy, stimulated mind.
Even a study done by the University of Newcastle has found that herbal teas like lemon balm tea can be used to stimulate brain receptors and enzymes that control and emit nerve signals. This shows that herbal tea lovers can choose particular types of tea to stimulate brain function.
Our top three picks for herbal tea that are great for stimulating brain function are: Of course Lemon Balm Tea, Ginkgo Biloba Tea, and Ginger Root Tea.
3. Help Alleviate Nausea
Many people feel nauseated in the morning and can’t shrug off the feeling all throughout the day. Suffering from nausea and feeling like you can’t eat without throwing up is a nasty feeling that can easily disrupt your day-to-day life.
Well, what if we tell you herbal tea can cure that for you? Yes, herbal teas are great for alleviating symptoms of nausea like the nasty nauseous feeling, gagging, and feeling like throwing up. It can be instantly uplifting and ease the knots in your stomach.
This is the very reason that if your doctor allows you, pregnant women can safely enjoy herbal tea to ward off their nausea. It will work like magic and that too without any harmful side effects. However, we strongly encourage you to ask your doctor first.
The best herbal teas to drink regularly for alleviating nausea symptoms are Peppermint Tea, Dandelion Tea, and Ginger Tea.
4. Aid in Digestion
Similar to feeling nauseous, indigestion can be extremely uncomfortable. Not only does it become embarrassing, but quite harmful to your health if disregarded. Moreover, some people may occasionally feel these problems like an upset stomach, gas, or constipation and would not want a regular medication prescribed for it.
So what do you do? Well, herbal tea to the rescue! Herbal teas are great for aiding in digestion as they absorb the unnecessary gas buildup in your stomach. Moreover, herbal teas stimulate blood flow. So naturally, your digestive tract also gets the benefits of eliminating toxins causing indigestion and clearing out the tract for proper flow.
Furthermore, herbal teas strengthen your inner linings like the esophagus, stomach lining, and digestive tract. This makes them stronger to withstand digestive troubles and reduce the chances of indigestion issues becoming chronic.
The three best herbal teas for aiding indigestion are Ginger Tea, Chamomile Tea, and Chai Tea blend, including cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
5. Anti-Aging Qualities
Did you know that you can enjoy anti-aging benefits by drinking herbal tea? Yes, indeed, herbal tea has been proven by research to do wonders for your skin. That is why herbal tea blends like ginseng and macha can be found as active ingredients in skincare products nowadays.
So imagine if you would just drink your way to anti-aging with herbal teas? Herbal teas are enriched with antioxidants and minerals that slow down the aging process. They help in the prevention of wrinkles, fine lines and make your skin look smooth and flawless.
Moreover, it strengthens your body’s core by restoring the healthy cells of your body, in addition to making your outer body appearance better. So it is safe to say that herbal teas can be an all-rounder when it comes to stimulating the anti-aging process.
The three best teas to try out for anti-aging benefits are Ginseng Tea, Ginkgo Biloba Tea, and Rosemary Tea.
6. Low-Calorie Drink Great for Weightloss
Herbal teas are made from dried flowers or leaves, herbs, and spices. None of these ingredients can lead to you gaining weight, but they are amazing for losing weight. Herbal teas make up for a healthy, low-calorie drink that can easily help you in your weight loss journey.
Moreover, herbal teas are a great replacement for just water. You can have them chilled to help you get refreshed and help detoxify after a workout session. However, it is important to note that adding extra ingredients like sugar or honey can increase your calorie count while the tea itself is calorie-free.
Ingredients like fennel, lemongrass, and psyllium husk are some amazing ones that are popular tea blends and help burn fat. They boost your metabolism and encourage weight loss for the body with naturally activated endorphins.
Hence, the best teas to consume for weight loss are Lemongrass Tea, Fennel Blend Tea, and Elderberry Tea.
7. Detoxification
There is probably no replacement for the goodness of herbal tea when it comes to detoxifying the body. Given how many toxins we ingest daily, our bodies require a kick every day to boost our detoxifying processes, and herbal teas are a great way to do it.
Herbal teas clear out your blood, detoxify your body against digestive problems, aid in metabolism, and increase brain functionality – making it the perfect drink for the betterment of your body and helping it perform daily tasks on an optimum level.
Moreover, antioxidants also help prevent brain deterioration over time and help your remain both fit and smart for long. There is a reason elderly people regard certain herbal teas as their secret to health and happiness when asked.
The three best herbal teas for detoxification are Hibiscus Tea, Rooibos Tea, and Ginseng Tea.
8. Reduces Pain, Inflammation & Soreness
Whether it is a sore throat, common cold, or the resistant flu, herbal tea can take care of it easily, thanks to its anti-inflammatory qualities. Many herbal teas have this quality to help reduce the pain and soreness that the body may be going through internally.
Certain herbal teas are also great against menstruation cramps and severe pain as it soothes the tightening of the muscles and reduces the inflammation around the uterus. However, it is vital to check with your prescribing physician if herbal tea is a good choice for you or not.
In addition to all this, herbal teas can work effectively against headaches and gastrointestinal distress that are caused by inflammation. Overall, it can make you feel like a new person in a matter of a day or two without any adverse effects.
The following three tea types are the best herbal teas for reducing pain, soreness, and inflammation: Turmeric Tea, Feverfew Tea Blend, and Peppermint Ginger Tea.
9. Best for Unwinding At the End of a Long Day
Had a long day at work? A tiring day at home with the chores? Stressed about something? If you can relate to any of these situations, then herbal tea is the answer for you. It is a great way of unwinding after a long day. Not only a cup of hot tea can warm you up, but it’s greatly effective for de-stressing.
Herbal teas are known to have calming effects on people and have been used for this very reason for centuries now. However, who knew that such qualities of herbal tea would be great for the pressures of the modern world and help you unwind at the end of a tiring day.
Soon enough, after you have started sipping the warm come, you may feel that your muscles have started to relax, and an overall feeling of relaxation may take over you. That is also the reason why many people combine herbal teas with their meditation routines.
The three best herbal teas for unwinding at the end of a tiring long day are Chamomile Tea, Peppermint Tea, and Passion Flower Tea.
10. Great for a Goodnight’s Sleep
Last but not the least, while herbal teas are just as great to kick start your day, they are extremely effective to have at night, right before you go to bed. Many people regard this as aromatherapy effects too of the herbal tea that the smell of certain ones helps induce sleep.
However, drinking herbal teas is a great stimulant to ward off insomnia and have a much-needed goodnight’s sleep. Herbal teas are also mild antidepressants making them a great choice to have before bed. So that none of the intrusive thoughts disrupt your sleep.
Moreover, herbal teas cleanse your palate and are great for your oral health, too, so you can have them as the absolute last thing your drink before bed and then go to sleep right after. Therefore, herbal teas can be an effective choice for people who suffer from sleep issues.
Three best teas for having right before bed are: Chamomile Tea, Eucalyptus Tea, and Echinacea Tea
Our Final Thoughts
Herbal teas are easily available and greatly effective for various reasons. It is always great to talk to your doctor before self-administering and using herbal tea products for diseases and chronic conditions. Other than that, there is probably no way you can go wrong with a nice, warm cup of herbal tea every day. Cheers!
