Best Herbal Teas for Health and Wellness
Herbal teas aren’t just a caffè lattes alternative, these herbal infused beverages deliver a wide variety of health benefits.
Unlike true teas that are brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas can be made from flowers, fruits, roots, or spices. They’re caffeine-free and typically low in calories.
1. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is a delicious and healthy alternative to coffee. It’s also low in sugar and calories, so it can be enjoyed by those with diabetes or who are watching their weight. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce blood pressure.
It can be steeped in hot or cold water, making it easy to enjoy any time of the day. It can also be sweetened with a variety of ingredients, including honey and sugar cane syrup. It’s also a great way to boost the flavor of your favorite dishes and drinks.
The antioxidants found in hibiscus tea can help keep you healthier and prevent diseases like heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps lower high cholesterol and triglycerides. It can also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, per StatPearls.
Several test-tube and animal studies have shown that hibiscus can also help regulate blood sugar levels, according to MedlinePlus. Chronic high blood sugar is linked to a variety of health problems and can lead to kidney, liver and vision damage.
This is why it’s important to control your blood sugar level. Consuming a healthy diet and exercising regularly is essential to keeping your blood sugar at a healthy level.
Drinking hibiscus tea can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, but it’s best to consult with your doctor before starting. You should also avoid hibiscus if you have already taken medication to control your blood pressure.
Hibiscus tea has a sweet, fruity flavor that’s light on the calories and sugar. It’s also a good choice for those with low blood pressure or those who are sensitive to caffeine.
You can make hibiscus tea by boiling 1 tablespoon of dried hibiscus flowers in 8 ounces of water for about 10 minutes. Leave the petals to cool before removing them and adding your favorite sweetener.
Aside from a delicious taste, hibiscus tea has many other health benefits. It’s loaded with antioxidants and is a great source of vitamin C, which is important for maintaining the immune system. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and is a good choice for those with cardiovascular disease, according to StatPearls.
2. Ginger Tea
Ginger is one of the most common herbs in the world and it has been used for hundreds of years as a remedy. It has many health benefits that include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and digestive properties.
It is also used as a natural pain reliever. Studies have shown that ginger tea can help reduce inflammation in people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition, it has been found to regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Research suggests that ginger tea can aid in weight loss as well.
Drinking a cup of this tea is also said to boost your mood and improve cognitive function. It can also reduce stress and anxiety.
Regardless of its health benefits, however, it is important to drink it in moderation. Overconsumption can lead to negative side effects, so it is best to only consume this herb in small amounts.
Fresh ginger is a great ingredient to have on hand, as it can be used in a variety of recipes and culinary preparations. It is also a good source of nutrients and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, copper and vitamin C, as well as polyphenols like gingerols, shogaols and paradols.
These compounds are powerful antioxidants that combat free radicals, which can damage the body’s cells. They also reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes and cancer.
Another benefit of ginger is that it contains a number of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron and phosphorus. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help fight infections and ease the symptoms of colds and flu.
It can be brewed as a hot or iced tea, depending on your taste preference. In either case, the best way to brew it is with boiling water.
This makes it a delicious, flavorful brew that is also beneficial to the body. In addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger has also been shown to increase energy levels.
Moreover, it is also believed to support healthy digestion and help alleviate nausea and motion sickness. It is said to work by slowing down the release of stomach acid in the gastrointestinal tract. This can be especially helpful for pregnant women and those who suffer from morning sickness.
3. Nettle Tea
Nettle Tea is made by infusing the leaves of the plant, Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle. This herb has a wide range of health benefits and is often used in traditional herbal medicine.
It contains antioxidants, which fight off free radicals in the body. These free radicals are a result of cellular metabolism and can lead to chronic diseases. The antioxidants in nettle tea help the body to deal with these free radicals and prevent their harmful effects on the body.
The antioxidants in nettle tea also have anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They can also treat achy joints and improve joint mobility. In addition, they can ease the discomfort caused by urinary tract infections (UTI).
Drinking a cup of nettle tea before bed can boost your sleep cycle and promote better quality rest. It’s also an excellent alternative to coffee, which can interfere with sleep patterns and cause you to wake up feeling groggy in the morning.
Another benefit of drinking nettle tea is its ability to reduce blood pressure. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. It can also lower cholesterol levels.
Having a cup of nettle tea before a meal can aid in digestion and promote a healthy stomach. It can also be helpful for people who suffer from acid reflux. This digestive issue is caused by the backflow of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus.
It’s also a good way to increase iron levels in the body. It’s an excellent source of this mineral, which is essential for healthy red blood cells.
Nettle tea can be used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments and has been used for thousands of years in many cultures. It’s a natural source of minerals and vitamins, including potassium, iron and vitamin C.
It can be brewed like any other herbal infusion, using about one teaspoon of fresh or dried nettles per two cups of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, pour over the nettles and allow them to steep for five to 20 minutes. This will produce a strong, flavorful infusion that can be enjoyed straight away or stored in the fridge for up to three days.
4. Sage Tea
Sage is a medicinal herb that has been used for thousands of years. It has a reputation for being an effective treatment for a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, menstrual pain, and mouth disease.
It’s also known for promoting healthy cholesterol levels, and it can help with inflammation in the body as well. It can also be helpful for boosting energy, and it’s a great option for those who are recovering from illness or surgery.
To make sage tea, boil water and pour it over sage leaves. Leave the tea to steep for 5 minutes or more before straining it out. You can also add lemon and honey for extra flavor.
The sage plant, which is called Salvia officinalis, is a perennial evergreen shrub that has a refreshing taste when infused in hot water. It is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor.
It can be eaten fresh, cooked into a soup or used as a spice in cooking. It’s also commonly used as a fragrance in soap and cosmetics.
Traditionally, it’s been taken to treat digestion problems, such as loss of appetite or gas (flatulence). It is also used for irritable bowel syndrome and heartburn. It’s also been used for headaches and for reducing the overproduction of saliva and perspiration.
Another benefit of sage tea is that it can promote a healthy heart. The herb has been shown to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol and increase ‘good’ cholesterol, which can help prevent cardiovascular diseases. It may also be beneficial for those who are trying to lose weight because it can increase the body’s ability to burn fat and decrease appetite.
The plant also has antioxidant properties, which can reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. It can also be beneficial for inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
If you’re a smoker, sage can help curb your smoking habit by preventing lung damage. In addition, sage tea has been shown to decrease the risk of respiratory infections.
In addition, sage has been proven to improve the overall health of the body by boosting immune system function and by decreasing blood pressure. The herb is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, copper, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
