6 BEST HERBAL TEAS YOU CAN TRY-min

6 BEST HERBAL TEAS YOU CAN TRY

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The use of herbal teas has reigned for a long now. They are a delicious additions to your healthy diet. They also come with several health benefits.

Their names should not confuse you. Herbal teas are actually not a true tea. Normally, true teas are only obtained from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and they include oolong tea, green tea, and black tea. On the other hand, dried portions of herbs, fruits, spices, or flowers are usually used to make herbal tea. For that reason, herbal teas can be found in various tastes and flavors, and you can even use them to replace sugary beverages. In addition, herbal teas have been used traditionally to treat many diseases,some of which have been backed by modern science.This article presents some of the common herbal teas you can try.

1.      Peppermint Tea

The National Institutes for Health states that peppermint tea is widely and commonly used in the world as one of the best herbal teas. Consumption of peppermint herbal tea has gained popularity due to its effectiveness at supporting the digestive tract. Besides that, peppermint tea possesses antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, and antiviral properties according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

However, most of these properties have not been examined on humans and so, it’s not easy to tell if they can elicit any health benefits. However, the benefits of peppermint tea on the digestive tract have been backed by several studies.For example, human studies by the National Center for Biotechnology Information have indicated that peppermint oil preparations combined with other herbs, can help reduce nausea, stomach cramps, and indigestion.

Similarly, other studies have also shown that spasms in the esophagus, intestines, and colon can be relaxed by taking peppermint oil preparations. What’s more, peppermint oil can also help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. You can therefore use peppermint tea to calm down any digestive discomfort like nausea, cramping, or indigestion.

2.      Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is a refreshing tart-flavored herbal tea that is pink-red in color. You can add it to hot water or enjoy iced. It is usually made from the flowers of the hibiscus plant. Consuming hibiscus tea comes with some health benefits.For example, one test-tube study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information indicated that hibiscus tea possesses antiviral properties. Its extracts acted effectively against the bird flu strains. However, researchers need to be done on this property of hibiscus to determine if it can ward off viruses.Some studies have also shown that hibiscus tea may help lower increased levels of lipids in the blood. In addition, this herbal tea can help reduce high blood pressure. However, research claiming these effects were of low quality.

3.      Chamomile Tea

If you have a problem falling asleep, you can use chamomile tea. It is widely used for its calming effects on the body. Taking chamomile herbal tea also comes with some health benefits.One study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information examined 80 postnatal women who had sleep problems. These women were reported to experience improved sleep quality after drinking chamomile tea. They also experienced reduced symptoms of depression.

Another study also examined 34 people with insomnia by giving them chamomile tea extract twice, every day. The study found improvements in waking up during the night, functionality during the day, and time of falling asleep.It has also been found that chamomile tea possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects as well as the ability to protect the liver.

4.      Ginger Tea

Ginger can be applied in a variety of uses. As an herbal tea, ginger provides very powerful antioxidants which help fight diseases.According to study findings by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, drinking ginger tea may help boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and most importantly, calm nausea.

Consistent study findings have indicated that ginger may effectively help relieve nausea, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. It may also relieve nausea that is associated with cancer therapies and motion sickness.In one study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, ginger was found to be effective at preventing gastric ulcers and relieving constipation.

5.      Rooibos Tea

Typically made from the red bush plant, or rooibos, this herbal tea hails from South Africa. Its consumption also offers numerous health benefits. In South Africa, rooibos has been traditionally used to cure minor ailments such as allergies and renal stones, but no modern study has supported them.One published study has shown that drinking rooibos tea may help promote bone health. It stimulates osteon cells, which are responsible for the growth of bones and their density.

Rooibos tea is also thought to be effective at reducing blood pressure and preventing heart disease. It does this by blocking the release of an enzyme that causes blood vessels constriction.Another study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that rooibos tea can reduce the levels of “bad” low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol and increase the levels of “good” high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol in the blood.

6.      Rose Hip Tea

This herbal tea is made by drying and grinding fruits from the rose plant. It is a great source of vitamin C and other plant compounds which are said to have anti-inflammatory effects.Several studies have shown that since rose hip tea has anti-inflammatory properties, it may be effective at relieving the symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis.  It may also be used to manage weight issues. One study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information examined 32 people who were overweight for 12 weeks. The results showed that taking rose hip tea led to a reduced body mass index (BMI) as well belly fat.

Conclusion

Herbal teas have been used for a long time for various reasons like treating minor ailments. They are different from true tea since herbal teas are made with spices, fruits, flowers, or leaves of herbs. Most herbal teas are loaded with antioxidants which help in fighting chronic inflammation and other diseases. You can use rooibos tea, chamomile tea, and ginger tea as some of the best herbal teas.

Charlotte Cremers
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MS, University of Tartu
Sleep specialist

Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health - depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.

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