The Many Benefits of Drinking Herbal Tea for Better Health

The Benefits of Drinking Herbal Tea

Herbal teas have been used for centuries to promote health and wellbeing. Modern science has shown that many herbs have beneficial properties that can help treat common ailments, promote relaxation, and provide antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Drinking herbal tea regularly can be an easy and delicious way to improve your overall health.

Herbal Teas Provide Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that help prevent cell damage from free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can accumulate from exposure to pollution, stress, and other environmental factors. Over time, the damage caused by free radicals can contribute to chronic diseases and accelerated aging.

Many herbs used in herbal teas contain antioxidants including polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins. Drinking herbal tea daily helps raise antioxidant levels in the body, neutralizing free radicals and protecting healthy cells. Popular antioxidant-rich herbal teas include green tea, ginkgo tea, hibiscus tea, and rooibos tea.

Herbal Teas May Boost Immunity

Herbal teas made from herbs like echinacea, ginger, elderberry, licorice root, and astragalus have traditional uses related to supporting immune function. Modern research has found these herbs have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that may help strengthen immune response and fight infection.

During cold and flu season, drinking herbal tea with immune-boosting herbs may help shorten the duration and reduce the severity of respiratory illnesses. Herbal teas can also provide relief from sore throats, congestion, and fever that often accompany colds and flu.

Herbal Teas Can Reduce Inflammation

Chronic inflammation contributes to many health conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. The antioxidants and compounds found in many anti-inflammatory herbs have been shown to help reduce systemic inflammation in the body.

Herbal teas made with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, sage, and chamomile have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking these inflammation-fighting herbal teas regularly may help lower inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Herbal Teas May Improve Heart Health

Herbal teas that contain hibiscus, including hibiscus tea and sour tea, have been found in studies to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These changes can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke over time.

Other herbal teas may boost heart health through different mechanisms. Hawthorn tea has been shown to improve circulation and strengthen blood vessels. Dandelion tea acts as a diuretic to lower blood pressure. Garlic tea and ginger tea exhibit anti-clotting activity to keep blood flowing smoothly.

Herbal Teas Can Aid Digestion

Many herbs in tea have traditional uses for aiding digestion. Modern research has shown herbal teas can stimulate digestive enzymes, reduce inflammation, and combat gut bacteria that cause diarrhea and other digestive issues.

Ginger, peppermint, fennel, chamomile, and dandelion are common herbs added to teas for upset stomach, nausea, cramping, bloating, and gas. Enjoying a warm cup of herbal tea after meals or when experiencing digestive discomfort can help ease digestion.

Herbal Teas May Calm Anxiety

The natural sedative properties of many herbs make them useful natural remedies for anxiety symptoms. Herbal teas containing passionflower, valerian, chamomile, lemon balm, and kava have been studied for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

Drinking herbal tea can help calm nervous tension and may also help improve sleep. The quiet ritual of tea preparation also establishes a sense of calm before bedtime. Herbal teas are a non-habit forming option for relieving anxiety without medications.

Choosing High Quality Herbal Tea

With all the health benefits of herbal teas, it pays to choose high quality products. Here are some tips for picking out excellent herbal teas:

Check the Ingredients List

Avoid herbal teas that contain added flavors, fragrances, and taste enhancers. Stick to single ingredient herb teas or simple herb blends without a lot of extra additions. The ingredients should just list the herbal tea leaves or flowers.

Choose Organic Herbs

Organic herbs are grown without chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that can leave residue on leaves. Picking organic herb teas ensures you avoid any potential chemicals in your tea.

Select Whole Herbs, Not Tea Dust

Higher quality herbal teas will use whole leaves, seeds, roots, or flowers. Lower grade herbal tea may contain tea dust or very finely ground herbs. Whole herbs release their flavor and nutrients more fully when steeped.

Check the Expiration Date

Herbal tea leaves can lose potency after prolonged storage. Check the best by date and choose the newest herbal tea packages you can find. Also smell the herbal tea leaves before steeping to make sure they still have a strong aroma.

Buy from Reputable Brands

Research herbal tea companies to find ones that specialize in high quality products. Many smaller herb companies offer organic single ingredient herbal teas. Bigger brands like Yogi Tea, Traditional Medicinals, and Celestial Seasonings also have excellent herbal tea lines.

How to Safely Enjoy Herbal Tea

While herbal teas offer many benefits, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

Avoid Herbal Tea before Surgery

Certain herbs like ginkgo and ginseng can have blood-thinning effects. Stop drinking herbal tea at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery to avoid any bleeding risk.

Consult Your Doctor about Medications

Some herbs may interact with prescription medications like lithium, digoxin, and antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about possible interactions before drinking herbal tea regularly.

Watch Caffeine Content

While many herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, some do contain caffeine like yerba mate, guarana, and matcha tea. Enjoy these in moderation to limit caffeine content.

Drink in Moderation

Even though herbal teas are natural, drinking extremely large amounts may cause side effects like nausea, dizziness, and digestive upset. Stick to 2-3 cups per day as a healthy herbal tea intake.

Brewing the Perfect Cup of Herbal Tea

Proper tea preparation brings out the full flavor and health benefits of herbal tea. Follow these brewing tips for a great cup every time:

Use Fresh Cold Water

Avoid using hot tap water that may contain metals that alter the tea's flavor. Heat fresh cold water until just boiling for the cleanest taste.

Know the Right Water Temperature

Different herbs require different water temperatures for the best extraction. Very hardy herbs like root teas can handle boiling water while more delicate herbs like white tea need cooler 175F water.

Steep the Herbs Fully

Give your herbal tea adequate time to infuse completely, at least 4-6 minutes. Herbs slowly release their beneficial compounds when steeped.

Try a Tea Infuser

Use a tea infuser, tea ball, or tea steeper to contain loose herbal tea in the cup. This allows full water circulation while keeping tea leaves contained.

Sweeten Sparingly if Needed

Avoid overpowering the herbal flavors with too much added sweetener. Honey or maple syrup add complementary flavors. Limit added sugar to keep herbal tea benefits intact.

Potential Side Effects of Herbal Teas

Most commercial herbal teas are safe for regular consumption for healthy adults. However, herbal teas may cause side effects or reactions in some individuals:

Allergic Reactions

Herbal teas contain many different plant proteins. Some components may trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities, especially in people with plant or pollen allergies.

Medication Interactions

Herbs with blood thinning, stimulant, sedative, and diuretic effects can potentially react with many prescription medications. Always check with your doctor before drinking herbal tea regularly.

Contaminants or Adulterants

Some herbal tea products have been found to contain contaminants like heavy metals or unlisted ingredients. Purchase herbal tea from reputable companies and check labels carefully.

Overconsumption Effects

Consuming very large quantities of herbal tea daily may potentially cause nausea, dizziness, stomach upset, headache, rapid heartbeat, and other symptoms. Moderate intake to 1-3 cups per day maximum.

Storing Herbal Tea Properly

To retain the best flavor and potency of your herbal tea, store it correctly:

Keep Herbal Tea in an Airtight Container

Exposure to air causes herbal tea leaves to gradually lose volatile essential oils and antioxidants. Use a well-sealed glass, tin, or ceramic container.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Humidity and heat degrade herbal tea over time. Choose a cupboard or pantry away from ovens, microwaves or any heat sources.

Keep Away from Light

Light accelerates the oxidation and vitamin loss in herbal tea. A dark enclosed container in a dark spot is ideal for storage.

Check Expiration Dates

Toss out any herbal tea that is past its expiration date for peak freshness. Most herbal teas stay fresh for up to a year or two after opening.

Buy Small Quantities

Purchase herbal tea in smaller amounts that can be used up quicker rather than large bulk packages. Smaller quantities stay fresher before opening.

Herbal Tea Recipes

Herbal teas can be enjoyed plain or combined into interesting flavor combinations. Try out these delicious herbal tea recipes:

Turmeric Ginger Tea

Packed with anti-inflammatory compounds, this vibrant yellow tea combines turmeric, ginger, lemon, honey, and black pepper for a spicy and soothing brew.

Sleepytime Lavender Tea

Drift off to sleep with a relaxing tea using soothing lavender, skullcap, chamomile, passionflower, and a touch of honey.

Cinnamon Apple Tea

Cinnamon and apple are perfect partners in this caffeine-free tea. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg and cardamom for extra spice blend flavor.

Tropical Green Tea

For green tea with a twist, mix in tropical mango, papaya, and pineapple pieces. Add a squeeze of lime for some tangy zest.

Chai Herbal Tea

Spicy and fragrant, this chai uses cardamom, clove, ginger, cinnamon, fennel, star anise, black pepper, and vanilla.

The Bottom Line

With a wide range of health benefits backed by research, herbal teas are a smart addition to your daily routine. Drinking delicious herbal teas can provide antioxidants, fight inflammation, aid digestion, boost immunity, increase energy, and more. Choose high-quality organic herbal teas and brew them properly to enjoy their great taste and healthy properties.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.