The use of herbal teas has been around for many centuries.
However, herbal teas, despite their names, are not true teas. True teas include green tea and oolong Tea made from leaves of the Camellia Sinensis tree.
On the other hand, herbal teas are made of dried fruits, flowers, and spices.
The wide variety of herbal teas can make them a more appealing alternative to sugary drinks or water.
Some herbal teas are not only delicious but also have health-promoting properties. For hundreds of years, herbal teas were used to treat many conditions.
Modern science has found evidence supporting traditional and new uses for herbal teas.
Here’s a list of 10 healthy herbal teas that you should try.
Do you want to know more about tea? This video will give recommendations on the best teas for your health. Volume 0%
1.Chamomile Tea
The calming properties of chamomile tea make it so popular, and they are often used to aid in sleeping.
Two studies examined the effects of chamomile extract or tea on sleep problems in people.
A study of 80 women who suffered from sleep problems after giving birth found that chamomile tea was more effective in improving their sleep quality.
A third study of 34 insomniacs found that chamomile extract twice daily resulted in marginal improvements in sleep quality, waking up in the morning and falling asleep at night.
Chamomile is not only a sleep aid. It has been shown to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protecting properties.
Preliminary evidence shows that chamomile can treat stomach ulcers and diarrhea in rats and mice.
Another study found that chamomile tea reduces symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. A second study was done on type 2 diabetics and showed improvements in blood glucose, insulin, and lipid levels.
Although more research is required to confirm these effects in chamomile tea, preliminary evidence suggests that it may provide various health benefits.
2.Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is one of the most popular herbal teas worldwide.
It is most commonly used to support the health of the digestive tract. However, it also has antibacterial, anticancer and antiviral properties.
These effects have yet to be tested in humans, so it is impossible to determine if they may benefit your health. Numerous studies have shown peppermint’s positive effects on the digestive system.
Numerous studies have shown that peppermint oil can relieve nausea, indigestion, and stomach pain.
Also, evidence shows peppermint oil relaxes spasms in the colon, stomach, and intestines.
Finally, it has been repeatedly proven that peppermint oil can be used to relieve symptoms of IBS.
Peppermint tea is an excellent natural remedy for digestive discomforts such as cramping, nausea, or indigestion.
3.Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a flavorful and spicy drink with many anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
It is also known to reduce inflammation and stimulate the immune system. However, it is best known as an effective remedy for nausea.
Research consistently shows that ginger has a strong ability to relieve nausea, particularly in early pregnancy. However, it can also treat nausea from cancer treatments or motion sickness.
There is evidence that ginger may prevent stomach ulcers, relieve constipation, and help with indigestion.
Dysmenorrhea or period pain may be relieved by ginger. Numerous studies have shown that ginger capsules can reduce pain related to menstruation.
Two studies found that ginger was as effective at relieving period pain as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen.
Some studies have suggested that ginger may benefit people with diabetes, but the evidence is inconsistent. These studies found ginger supplements improved blood sugar control and blood cholesterol levels.
4.Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is made with the flowers of the hibiscus plants. It is a refreshing and tart tea with a pink-red color. It can be eaten hot or cold.
Hibiscus tea is known for its unique flavor, bold color, and healthful properties.
For instance, hibiscus has antiviral qualities, and tests in tubes have demonstrated its effectiveness against bird flu strains. But, there is no evidence that hibiscus tea can help fight flu viruses.
Numerous studies have examined the effects of high blood lipid levels on hibiscus. Although some studies have shown it to be effective in certain cases, a large review found no significant effects on blood lipids.
However, high blood pressure can be controlled by hibiscus tea.
Many studies found that hibiscus can lower blood pressure. However, most of the studies needed to be more high-quality.
Another study showed that hibiscus extract from hibiscus tea for six weeks significantly reduced oxidative stress among male soccer players.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic medication. It’s important not to drink hibiscus Tea if you are taking it. Aspirin may be reduced by drinking hibiscus tea, so it is best to have them taken 3-4 hours apart.
5.Echinacea Tea
Echinacea tea is a popular remedy for common colds.
Evidence suggests that echinacea can boost immunity, which could aid in fighting off infections and viruses.
Numerous studies have shown that echinacea may reduce the symptoms of the common cold and even prevent it from happening.
The results can be contradictory, and not all studies are well-designed. It is difficult to determine if positive results were due to echinacea or random chance.
It is, therefore, impossible to prove that echinacea can cure a common cold.
This warm herbal beverage may, at the very least, help to soothe your sore throat or clear your stuffy nose if it is coming on.
6.Rooibos Tea
Rooibos, a South African herbal tea, is available. It is made from red bush or rooibos leaves.
It has been used historically by South Africans for medicinal purposes. However, there is not much scientific research.
However, there have been a few human and animal studies. Studies have not shown that it is effective in treating allergies or kidney stones.
However, one study has shown that rooibos may benefit bone health. One test-tube study suggested that rooibos, green and black teas, may stimulate bone growth and density.
A similar study also found that teas had lower cell toxicity and inflammation level. Researchers suggested that drinking tea might explain why tea has a higher bone density.
Preliminary evidence suggests that rooibos may be able to prevent heart disease.
One study showed that rooibos tea inhibited a protein that causes blood vessels to constrict.
Another study also found that six cups of rooibos tea per day for six weeks reduced blood levels of LDL cholesterol and other fats.
More research is required to confirm these effects and uncover any additional benefits. The preliminary evidence suggests promise.
7.Sage Tea
Sage tea is well-known for its medicinal properties. Scientific research has started to support several of its health benefits, particularly for the brain.
Numerous studies on animals, humans, and test tubes have demonstrated that sage can improve cognitive function and protect against Alzheimer’s disease-related plaques.
Two studies using oral sage oils or drops of oral sage found an improvement in cognitive function for people with Alzheimer’s. However, the studies were limited.
Sage may also provide cognitive benefits to healthy adults.
Studies have shown that sage extract can improve mood, memory, and mental function in healthy adults.
A small study on humans found that sage can increase blood lipids, and another on rats showed that it protects against colon cancer development.
Sage tea is a healthy option that may offer benefits for your cognitive health and your heart and colon health. These effects require more research.
8.Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea is light and lemony in flavor and appears to have health-promoting qualities.
A study of 28 people who drank lemon balm or barley tea over six weeks showed that the lemon balm group had a greater elasticity in their arteries. Arterial stiffness can be a risk factor for stroke, heart disease, and mental decline.
The same study also showed that lemon balm tea users had a higher skin elasticity than those who did not drink it. This is a characteristic of aging, which tends to decrease with age. The study was not of high quality.
A small study of radiology workers also found that lemon balm tea twice daily for a month increased the body’s natural antioxidant enzymes. This help protects cells from oxidative damage.
Participants also had higher markers for DNA and lipid damage.
Preliminary evidence also suggests that lemon balm may increase high blood lipid levels.
Numerous studies also show that lemon balm can improve mood and mental performance.
The effects of various dosages of lemon balm extract were evaluated in two studies that included 20 participants. Both calmness and memory were improved.
A small study also found that lemon balm extract reduced stress and improved math processing skills.
A small study also found that lemon balm can reduce anxiety and heart palpitations.
Lemon balm tea could have various health benefits and would be a great addition to any herbal tea selection.
9.Rose Hip Tea
Rose hip tea is made with the fruit of rose plants.
It’s high in vitamin C, as well as beneficial plant compounds. These plant compounds and certain fats in rose hips have anti-inflammatory properties.
Numerous studies have examined the effectiveness of rose hip powder in reducing inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
These studies showed that it effectively reduced inflammation and related symptoms such as pain.
Rose hips could also help with weight management. A 12-week study of 32 overweight individuals found that rose hip extract reduced belly fat and BMI.
Rose hips’ anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties may help to fight skin aging.
A preliminary study showed that rose hip powder effectively reduced the depth of wrinkles around the eyes and improved skin moisture and elasticity.
These properties could also have other health benefits, but more research is needed to confirm and explore new ones.
10.Passionflower tea
Passionflower tea is made from the passionflower plants’ leaves, stems, and flowers.
Studies have shown that passionflower tea has been used traditionally to reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
One study showed that passionflower tea drinking for a week improved sleep quality.
Two human studies have shown passionflower is effective in reducing anxiety. One of these studies found passionflower to be as effective as anxiety-relieving medication.
Another study showed that passionflower could be combined with clonidine to relieve withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and agitation.
Passionflower tea is a great choice for anxiety relief and promoting calmness.
The bottom line
There are many delicious herbal teas available. They also come in a wide variety of flavors.
Many herbal teas have health-promoting properties, and modern science has validated some of these traditional uses.
These 10 herbal teas are great for beginners and tea lovers alike.