Post by Joanna on Nov 21, 2013 2:28:23 GMT -5
12 amazing herbal teas
Herbal tea is caffeine-free and offers a host of health benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular herbal teas:
1. White Tea: White tea comes from the same plant as green tea. However, its leaves are harvested at a younger age. White tea contains higher levels of antioxidants than green as it is less processed. White tea contains antioxidants that have been found to have many health-promoting properties including boosting cardiovascular health, helping to lower cholesterol, reducing the risk of cancer and enhancing weight loss. White tea, which has a smoother, gentler taste to green, also contains less caffeine, so it is a better choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine. Three cups a day is a great way to reap the health benefits of this super tea.
2. Green Tea: On a day to day basis, drinking green tea will help to regulate your blood glucose levels, keep you alert and hydrated and anecdotally help to mange the dreaded sugar cravings after lunch.
3. Peppermint: Commonly used to enhance digestion and soothe an upset stomach. Peppermint tea is often made from tea bags, however you can make it yourself quite easily. Snip a few leaves from a mint plant, place in a cup, then add boiling water. Let it steep for a few minutes.
4. Lemon Balm: Perfect for those suffering from anxiety. It is useful for treating stress, depression and sleeplessness. It may also relieve digestive tract spasms and abdominal cramps.
5. Dandelion: The ideal liver cleanser and detoxifier. It is also a diuretic and helps with fluid retention. Dandelion tea has a mild flavour and is a green colour. Dandelion root can also be consumed as a warm drink. It has a stronger flavour and is dark brown. Dandelion root is often used as a coffee substitute.
6. Nettle: Useful for easing intestinal disorders, high blood pressure, arthritis and gout. Nettle tea may increase milk production in nursing mothers and can help prevent prostate problems in men. If you haven't drunk nettle tea before, start with one cup a day for a week, then increase to two or three cups a day.
7. Rosemary: A garden herb that acts as a circulatory stimulant and has a calming effect on digestion, benefiting intestinal cramps and colic. Rosemary tea is made by adding one teaspoon of dried leaves to one cup of boiled water. Steep for 10 minutes and strain.
8. Chamomile: An easy-to-drink tea that may soothe a child's stomachaches and pains. For adults, chamomile can help with insomnia, acting as a mild sedative. It may also relieve menstrual cramps.
9. Rose Hip: The tea is derived from the edible fruits of rose plants. It is reddish-orange in colour and high in antioxidants including vitamin C. It is a good sugar-free substitute for orange juice.
10. Licorice: A sweet-tasting tea that has been used for centuries for a variety of health applications. Its soothing and expectorant properties make it suitable for lung and bronchial complaints or coughs and mucous congestion. Drinking it hot has the added benefits associated with inhaling steam and further soothes respiratory congestion.
11. Cinnamon: Great for regulating blood-sugar levels and managing sugar cravings. Cinnamon's effect on blood-sugar makes it the perfect tea for diabetics or those trying to lose weight. Cinnamon tea is available in tea bags or you can make it yourself with cinnamon sticks and boiling water.
12. Fennel: Has a flavour similar to licorice and is good for calming an upset stomach and indigestion. It can be useful as a slimming aid as it may suppress the appetite and reduce hunger. Crushed fennel seeds are most commonly used to make this tea.
Source: Body and Soul, November 21, 2013.
