Herbal teas have been used for their health benefits for hundreds of years. They have slowly been coming back into fashion as people develop a more conscious and mindful lifestyle – and as more research is done to show their benefits. And with the advent of the internet, you are able to source good quality products at reasonable prices – ones that perhaps you would not have even thought of before.
This is a sponsored post by Tea&Coffee. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
The Benefits of Herbal Tea Offer More Than Just Taste
Many herbal teas, in addition to utter deliciousness, offer us some health benefits in the form of antioxidants and vitamins that can improve or add to our general wellbeing. They’re not only great for sitting down with an elegant cup on a cool day and reading a book – they’re excellent when put on ice, in a bottle or a thermos. Take it on a long hike, a bike ride or to the gym.
Herbal Tea Benefits and Recipes
Peppermint tea
Origin
While the origins of peppermint tea have been lost in the mists of time, dried leaves have been found in the pyramids that date as early as 1000 BC. Peppermint is actually a hybrid of two other types of mint (there are over 600) watermint and spearmint. Oddly enough, it didn’t become popular in England until the mid-eighteenth century. Greeks and Romans used it in cooking, and it is a characteristic flavor of the middle east.
The essential oil is one of the most popular oils used throughout history – and today! It was used as a cure-all – from relieving the symptoms of seasonal allergies, as a painkiller, and to eliminate foul odors.
Peppermint tea might not be as concentrated as the essential oils, but keep in mind that dried leaves do contain traces of the oils and can have similar effects.
Add fresh leaves of mint as a garnish to any tea – or steep them with black tea and honey for an amazing warm pick-me-up.
Benefits
Peppermint contains vitamins A. C, calcium, magnesium and potassium. It contains a high content of menthol that provides us with a variety of benefits:
- Alleviates headaches – opens up constricted blood vessels
- Treats sinus problems – relives pressure and pain of congestion, thins mucous, breaks up phlegm
- Digestion aid – relieves symptoms of indigestion and bloating
- Reduce painful period cramps – antispasmodic properties
Brewing
1 teaspoon dried leaves to 1 cup boiling water, or if using fresh leaves, steep 2 -3 minutes.
1 handful mint leaves, washed and torn to 2 cups boiling water, steep 5 – 7 minutes.
Elderflower
Origin
The plant that’s referred to as the elder or elderberry grows across most of the subtropical to temperate regions of the world. They tend to grow near human settlements, at the edges of fields and roads. In Europe, the elder was regarded as a sacred plant in most countries. It is said that its roots lead to the underworld, that fairies live in it and may carry you off if you fall asleep under it on Midsummer’s Eve. The bark was used to hasten labor and its branches were used to make magic wands. With the rise of Christianity, the Elder became associated with witches and tree worship. This amazing shrub was used medicinally in all of Europe. Although all parts of the tree can be used, elderflower tea is the most fragrant.
Benefits
Elderflower tea is a strong antioxidant with vitamins A and C, the flavonoids quercetin and anthocyanins that are anti-viral.
Benefits include:
- Helps regulate blood sugar
- Aids in colds, flu and sinus problems
- Boosts immune system
- Flushes out toxins-diuretic effect
- Great mouthwash
Brewing
1 teaspoon flowers per cup, steep for at least 10 minutes to get maximum flavor.
Turmeric
Origin
Turmeric is a perennial that comes from the Indian subcontinent. You may know it by looks – the bright, deep orange-yellow powder in the Indian section of the supermarket. It is used in curries as well. It is a huge part of traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. It is known as “Indian saffron”. Like saffron, it is used to dye fabrics, although the color does not hold for too long. If you can picture a Buddist monk’s robes, think of turmeric. It is also commonly used as a food dye – to color things like mustards, cheese, butter or margarine. It is the yellow in things we think of as yellow.
Recently, various turmeric concoctions became popular. People drink it in their Kombucha, as a drink mixed with juice, lemon, honey or sparkling water. The yellow root has become the wonder herb du jour.
Benefits
The natural ingredient benefitting us is curcumin and it can:
- Improve glucose control
- Reduce bad cholesterol
- Strengthen the immune system
- Improve digestion
- Natural detox for liver
- Anti-inflammatory
Brewing
Bring 2 cups water to the boil and add:
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- Pinch black pepper
- 2 teaspoons honey (optional)
- 1 cup coconut milk for a milky tea
Simmer for 10 minutes then add honey if desired.
Ginseng
Origin
One of the first mentions of Ginseng as a medicinal plant can be found in the Shen-Nung Pharmacopoeia, written in 196 AD China. It was highly recommended for convalescing patients to help with recovery. Throughout the centuries it has been cultivated both on farms and in the wild – the wild ginseng being more expensive. In China, the people who hand pick wild ginseng are known as simmani.
Ginseng literally means “human root” in Chinese. This is because the root can resemble human bodies.
There is also a type of ginseng known as Siberian ginseng which is actually of a different genus – it does have the same healing properties as it’s Asian cousin. This type of ginseng grows in the wilds of mountain forests in Russia, Japan, and China. A lot of ginseng available in stores is actually Siberian Ginseng.
Benefits
The benefits of Ginseng come from the ginenosides contained in the plant. These are a group of phytochemicals that can:
- Boost appetite
- Helps the body adapt to stress – both mental and physical
- improve digestion
- Lesson physical and mental stresses
- Lesson effects of Crohn’s disease, diabetes
- Lessen symptoms of arthritis
- Strengthen the immune system
Brewing
Much of ginseng tea is sold in teabags so use as you would any other tea bag.
To a cup of warm water add 1 teaspoon powder. Don’t use boiling water as any beneficial ingredients can be destroyed. Can be sweetened with honey.
Moringa
Origin
The Moringa is a small tree native to India, Pakistan and Nepal that has been used for hundreds of years to treat and prevent many diseases including arthritis, anemia, diabetes, digestive disorders, heart disease, liver disease, respiratory disorders and skin problems. It is distributed in the warmer climates of the world – humans have brought it with them wherever they can, as they have done with most medicinal plants.
In countries that have rough winters, it has become a fairly popular plant to grow indoors. Today, it is mostly grown as a cash crop in India. The usable parts of this plant include leaves, seed pods, flowers, roots, and fruit. The seeds are used to produce a very beneficial oil that can be used in cosmetics or as a food supplement.
It is a wonder plant, of which every part can be used. If you live in places where the Moringa tree doesn’t grow, you can always order a nutritious tea from an online tea store.
Benefits
Moringa leaves contain more protein than yogurt, more vitamin A than carrots, more vitamin C than oranges, more potassium than bananas, more calcium than milk as well as beta-carotene, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. The leaves containing vitamin B, vitamin C, provitamin A, vitamin K, manganese, and protein. (This is why the Moringa has been used to combat malnutrition.)
Benefits include:
- Lower blood sugar levels-chlorogenic acid slows our cells sugar absorption
- Anti-inflammatory affect-from flavenoids and phenols
- Maintain good levels of cholesterol
- Protects against toxicity from arsenic in contaminated groundwater
Brewing
Up to 1 teaspoon powder or dried leaves to 1 cup boiling water.
Moringa can have a laxative effect if you are not used to it. Use carefully at first.
While black tea and coffee are good for you – and recent studies only reinforce this fact, it is well worth it to explore the world of herbal teas. Your health will thank you!
Read Next: Learn How Moringa Oleifera Powder is Great for Everyday Use
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