Put the kettle on! With incredible health benefits – like lowering inflammation, fighting heart disease and supporting the immune system – herbal tea offers a soothing way to support wellbeing.
Whether warming up with a hot beverage or looking for a refreshing iced drink mid-day, herbal tea can be enjoyed hot or cold. Either way, it’s caffeine-free and packed with benefits for the body. And with many unique flavors, herbal tea is easy to enjoy.
Herbal Teas Have Natural Ingredients
Unlike pure green or black tea, herbal teas contain a rich blend of fruits, herbs, spices or flowers along with the tea leaves. This natural fusion draws out a variety of unique flavors and health benefits. Many cultures around the world have long traditions of using herbal teas as a natural remedy.
Also, because herbal tea contains no caffeine, it can have a calming effect on the body – and the mind. This makes it a favorite for stress relief, pre-bedtime rituals, and as an alternative to morning coffee when caffeine is a concern.
5 Types of Herbal Teas with Health Benefits
Because plants have different chemical properties, herbal tea blends can target various issues in the body, offering a natural way to soothe and heal.
Chamomile Tea – The ultimate herbal tea for relaxation and stress relief, chamomile can improve sleep quality and help soothe menstrual cramps and muscle spasms. This herb has bioactive phytochemicals like flavonoids that provide antioxidant qualities. Chamomile has been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years.
Ginger – Just like ginger root and ginger candy, ginger tea is often used to soothe the stomach and fight indigestion. It is also used as an aid for morning sickness and nausea. Ginger has trace amounts of vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron and potassium, making it a healthy powerhouse.
Peppermint – The menthol in peppermint herbal tea makes it another great option for soothing an upset stomach. More specifically, peppermint tea can be used to treat constipation, IBS pain, and motion sickness. It is also used to ease headaches.
Hibiscus – Made from the colorful flowers of the hibiscus plant, this herbal tea has antioxidant qualities. It contains potassium, calcium, magnesium and other minerals, which is why it is often used for its antiviral properties and fighting the flu. Hibiscus tea is also used for cardiovascular health, as it can help lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels.
Rooibos – Rooibos is another herbal tea that lowers bad cholesterol to help improve blood pressure and circulation. Rooibos is also notable for supporting healthy skin and hair.
Bonus Tips for Getting the Most Out of Herbal Tea
- Avoid heavily flavored tea lattes. These often have lots of sugar and/or artificially flavored syrups.
- Pay attention to allergies. Always check the ingredient list to make sure you aren’t allergic to the flowers, herbs or spices used in the herbal tea.
- Avoid ‘diet’ and ‘detox’ teas. These may have laxatives.
- Look for plastic-free teabags made from natural ingredients. Synthetic teabags can leach micro-plastics into tea water. Loose-leaf teas and plastic-free teabags are better for maintaining the purity of herbal tea.
