Move over sweet Tea, it’s National Hot Tea Awareness Month
and the benefits are getting steamy! Loaded with antioxidants and other healthy nutrients, this hot drink is making its way into homes all across America for families that want to improve their health and lifestyles.
The history of tea dates back to 2700 BC. As legend has it, a Chinese emperor while sitting under a tea tree, known as a Camellia, was boiling some water when a breeze blew a few leaves from the tree into his pot of water. The emperor noticed a delicious flavor from his pot of water. Thus, the beginning of tea drinking…
According to recent records, there are more than 3,000 different varieties of tea, making tea the most widely consumed beverage in the world.
Both historically & culturally tea has not only been found to be enjoyable to drink, but it is also known that different types of tea can be a benefit for health issues.-In this blog, we’ll discuss how you can choose creative drinks based on what health improvements you’d like to make.
It’s essential first to define what herbal Tea is and why it’s healthier than other drink choices.
What is Herbal Tea?
Herbal Tea is made from (or infused with) edible plants, herbs, and spices. In European countries, the word tisane is used to describe herbal teas. This term is more precise because it represents the infusion of different naturally found plants – like roots, flowers, bark, fruits, and leaves – that are extracted with hot water. When you steep the Tea, the nutrients are pulled through, and it makes it much easier for the human body to digest.
Herbal teas are used for many different reasons. They can be used to soothe an upset tummy, destress after a long day or even fight off a cold. This versatile drink can also warm up the chilliest of hearts. Okay, that was a bit intense. I’m just keeping you focused before we go over the main benefits of herbal teas.
Benefits of Herbal Tea
There is not just one type of herbal tea. There are many different combinations of bark, fruits, and flowers that you can combine, and most combinations have similar benefits, including polyphenols. Wait, what is a polyphenol? Polyphenols are micronutrients that are obtained from plant-based foods and act as anti-inflammatory fighters. Also referred to as Antioxidants, they help the body fight free radicals that contribute to chronic diseases and cancer.
Different combinations of bark, fruits, and flowers to make herbal teas will have various benefits. Ginseng-infused herbal Tea creates a boost of energy, whereas chamomile will calm down even the wildest of the child. Some drinks help with sore throats, like Thyme Leaf Tea. And some that help with treating gas, like Spearmint tea.
If you have an ailment that you have concerns with, there’s probably an herbal tea that can remedy it. Drinking tea on a regular basis can improve insulin sensitivity – an A-Plus for diabetes. You’ll find that out later in the article, but I thought I’d put the spoiler alert in now.
If you skip adding sugar and honey, herbal tea can also help with weight loss, reducing blood sugar, and decreasing the risk of heart disease. Some herbal teas contain caffeine, which can give you a bump of energy throughout the day. There’s not as much caffeine in herbal teas that you would find in coffee (which means you’ll skip the ‘shakes phase’). And we think that is the best of both worlds.
Here is a shortlist of wonderful teas you might want to keep handy:
Juniper Berry Tea is not actually made from berries. This conifer made tea assists with tummy and skin health.
Green Tea This somewhat sweet, but nutty-tasting Tea helps keep free radicles in check, helps with weight loss goals, and reduces risks of getting cancer and other chronic diseases, like heart disease.
Chamomile Tea: This bittersweet, honey-tasting herbal tea works by calming down the body and boosting immunity by fighting bacteria. Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects on the nervous system, digestive tract, and for reducing stress and tension.
Fennel Tea: This licorice-tasting tea has some wildly different benefits. You can drink to treat a snake bite; heartburn is gone, reduce the effects of food poisoning, increase your monthly flow, and reduce acid reflux. Interesting, huh?
Dash of Cinnamon. Put a dash of cinnamon spice in your morning brew before a test to improve your focus. Cinnamon encourages the growth of neural pathways in the brain, which enhances cognitive speed. It’s also known for a boost in the immune system and calm an upset tum.
All can enjoy tasty turmeric tea, but especially those who suffer from inflammatory diseases (like arthritis). Just a dash will help reduce symptoms and help boost immune function.
Ginger Spice. You won’t have to leave the group after this ginger spice. HA! Get it? It’s a Spice Girls joke. Okay, I think I’m funnier than I am. I get it. However, ginger (the actual spice) will calm a stomach down (and you won’t have to leave the fun activity). It works well with lemon-flavored teas as well.
Elderberries can be little miracle workers for people who are coming down with cedar fever, cold, or flu because they help boost the immune system and support a healthy inflammation response.
Kava Lava Tea targets kicking anxiety and a lousy smoke habit by balancing hormones in the body while neutralizing free radicals. We love kava tea to keep us looking young.
Sass with Lemongrass tea: Help the body ditch high cholesterol, toxins, fats, and uric acid with this mildly sweet, but citrus-tasting Herbal Tea.
Backyard flowers, Dandelion Tea: Known as a weight-loss miracle, dandelion herbal tea works by breaking down cholesterol and fat in the body. It stimulates gastric acids in the tummy and boosts metabolism. This backyard treat also works as a diuretic, which will remove excess water (and bloating is no more).
Sage Tea – is good for the brain which helps lower the risks of getting Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Not to mention that tea drinking is a memory and an attention span booster.
No matter what your ailment may be, there’s probably a tea to help you get through it. Loose leaf tea is generally fresher and provides the best taste. Family-owned shops and tea shops are popping up all around. You might try Austin English Tea Company, hang out and try a little knitting with your tea at The Knitting Cup in Georgetown, Pick up a teapot and a steeper to reduce plastic packaging. You could even start to grow them yourself at home. So, put a pot of water on, place your favorite tea in a cup & enjoy the pleasure of a relaxing tea, along with some health benefits! Enjoy!
