Initially, most doctors did not like the sound of herbal medicine. Few doctors believed in the benefits of herbs. With changing times, herbs have become common among many individuals in many countries of the world. Herbal tea, also, has become a common substitute for tea and coffee. People now prefer taking this type of tea because of the health benefits they carry. Herbal tea has been a popular drink, especially in China and Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, people have known their benefits with time, thus its adoption. Experts recommend that you should drink a cup of herbal tea without any sweetener or flavor. This is because you will experience full healthy benefits of the drink only when drunk plainly.
Herbal tea is made from roots, leaves, barks, and seeds that you steep in water. Usually, they should stay inside the water for about 10-15 minutes to make a better concoction. These drinks carry various benefits, which include:
- They can help in weight loss. In fact, most people drink herbal tea for this purpose. This is because they lack in sugar hence assist in beating up all the calorie and fat stored in the body.
- Ease the process of digestion and release of waste from the body.
- Individuals who have inflammation or aches can use herbal tea for pain relief.
- You can reduce stress levels when you drink herbal tea.
- Because herbal tea has less caffeine than the typical tea or coffee, it can help to lower the blood pressure and help protect organs like the heart and kidney from high blood pressure.
- If you have morning sickness problems, constant nausea, and vomiting, then the herbal tea will help conquer that.
- Herbal tea contains antioxidants that prevent cells from aging.
- Herbal tea also helps you recover from common colds.
Types of Herbal Tea that you Should try
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Ginger Tea
You make this herbal tea by putting a piece of ginger root and heating it in some water for 10 minutes or so. Add some lemon and honey when it cools. This tea will provide the energy that you need, improve digestion, tackle any level of nausea and vomiting, and help fight the common cold. Additionally, take the ginger in the initial stages of a common cold.
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Chamomile Tea
This herb looks like daisy plant. It is a small plant, with flowers, that can help to fight insomnia. In Ancient Egypt, this flower was a common medicinal herb. According to studies, the plant has tryptophan that contributes to relaxing the mind during stress. You can also use when you have any inflammation in the mouth and colds. However, individuals with chamomile allergies should avoid the tea.
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Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is an indigenous plant found in England. This plant is common in toothpaste and breath mints. However, most people are familiar with the plant from the fact that you use it to make peppermint tea. A cup of peppermint tea can help fight bloating and gas in the stomach. Additionally, if you have nausea and vomiting, chest related diseases such as common cold, asthma, and coughs, muscle pains, peppermint tea would work perfectly for you. However, you should avoid this type of tea if you have heart complications or heart burns.
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Lavender Tea
The lavender consists of purple flowers that have a sweet smell. You can also find lavender in soaps and shampoos. The plant, which finds its origin in the Mediterranean, can also make amazing lavender tea. The aroma helps to relax your body hence gives you better sleep as it deals with insomnia. In addition, lavender tea helps combats with issues in the digestive system such as indigestion. Patients with convulsions and spasms can take lavender tea to reduce the rate of occurrence. Do not use the tea if you have sore throats and rash.
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Lemon Balm Tea
This tea is common among many users. It comprises of lemon balm leaves that you mix with water. They contain mint and a combination of various constituents, which are healthy for the body. The compounds include tannins, citronellal, and flavonoids among others. People with flu, cold, headaches and digestion problems can highly benefit from this tea. Also, the tea helps to fight mood changes in women when they undergo their menstrual cycles. You can also take the lemon balm to reduce chances of herpes development, strengthen your immune system, and help patients with Alzheimer’s as a form of therapy and to help in concentration.
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Hibiscus Flower Tea
The hibiscus plant is an annual plant that makes an Egyptian Tea known as Karkade. You can also find the hibiscus in sauce, spices, and jams. You can drink the hibiscus tea while cold or hold but be ready to feel the sour taste. However, this can be an ideal drink for those who want to stay away from calories and caffeine for some time. The hibiscus tea is perfect for individuals with high blood pressure, lower cholesterol and beat down sugar levels, relieving women from menstrual pains, relaxes your body and to help deal with digestive issues. Be warned, however, because the hibiscus tea can cause hallucinations. In addition, pregnant women should avoid this tea unless advised by a doctor.
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Green Tea
Green tea originates from the same leaves used to make black tea. The difference, nevertheless, is that the leaves used to make green tea do not go through the fermentation process. Therefore, they retain all the nutrients and reduce the amount of caffeine in the leaves. This tea is ideal for people who want to lose weight. It also helps to keep the liver in check and reduces chances of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease infection. According to studies, you can reduce your chances of getting cancer with this herbal tea as it contains polyphenols that regulate tumor growth.
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Rosehip Tea
This tea comes from roses. It contains vitamin C and flavonoids. These two components help to fight diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. It also contains lycopene, polyphenols and ellagic acid that control the development of cancer cells in different parts of the body. It also provides strength to your immune systems. It is also important in overcoming fat accumulation in the body.
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Dandelion Root Tea
The dandelion root resembles coffee when roasted. Thus, it is an ideal coffee substitute. Most people use this type of tea to help in detoxification. If you have been on a drinking spree, then a well-prepared dandelion root tea will be the best drink for you. It purifies the blood, liver, and kidneys; helps to lose weight and keep the digestive system in check; contributes to relieving joint pain and restore your skin during infection. It is also a good drink to control blood sugar and improves blood circulation.
Before you drink any herbal tea, ensure that you consult a health practitioner. This is because they can have side effects if you drink them in large amounts. In addition, pregnant women and nursing mothers should get enough advice from their doctors. Also, if you are on any medications, it is advisable not to drink any herbal tea. Some people do not like the sour taste that comes with most of these herbal drinks. However, they offer more nutrients and benefits compared to when you add a sweetener. Therefore, it is wise to keep away from sweetening the sugar.