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Blog | Herbal Teas for Good Health

With winter fast approaching, there is nothing better than the thought of curling up under a blanket with a steaming cup of herbal tea on a cold day. There is something uniquely soothing about herbal tea. It hydrates us, provides us with medicinal plant properties and is often loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Unlike conventional tea, which is made from a tea plant, herbal tea is really just a herbal infusion made from the seeds, leaves, bark or root of the plant. The delicious taste and medicinal properties of the plant are extracted into hot water and therefore herbal tea is more beneficial than regular tea.

When making herbal tea, you should use 1 teabag or 1 teaspoon of loose tea per cup of water. Place the tea in the bottom of the pot and slowly pour boiling water over it. To get the most benefit from herbal tea you should steep the tea bags or loose tea in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. It is important to always brew the herbal tea in a covered pot so that you retain all the valuable essential oils from the herb.

Make sure you buy herbal tea that is made from high-quality, organic ingredients and does not contain any added sweeteners or flavourants. The herbal tea bags or loose tea should have a strong fragrance of their own, which guarantees its potency. You can drink herbal tea every day, but always contact a licensed herbalist or your health care practitioner if you notice any unpleasant side effects.

There are a number of delicious and healthy herbal teas to choose from.

Below are a few of the most popular.

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea is a tasty, refreshing drink that has several health benefits. Drink a cup of this tea with meals to improve digestion and reduce bloating, gas and stomach cramps. However, if you suffer with heartburn, it is not advisable to drink peppermint tea. Peppermint tea is wonderful to open up the sinuses and is therefore useful for those with allergies, colds and flu.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea has a soft flowery flavour and is known for its calming and tranquilizing properties. It is helpful for those who struggle with anxiety and insomnia, often replacing sleeping pills. A lesser known benefit is that it has a calming effect on the digestive system too. A cup of chamomile tea can soothe diarrhoea, cramps, nausea and heart burn.

Rooibos tea

This herbal tea, native to South Africa, is gaining popularity around the world thanks to its gentle flavour and outstanding health benefits. Rooibos tea has been studied for its high antioxidant properties and vitamin C content which are thought to slow aging, soothe skin complaints and boost immunity.

Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most well-known herbal teas in terms of its health benefits. It has been used in the East for centuries for its ability to protect cells from degeneration and enhance the body’s detoxification pathways. It contains a very high concentration of antioxidants which help to fight aging, infection and inflammation by mopping up damaging free-radicals in the body. Its moderate caffeine content can be useful for weaning oneself off coffee, or just used as a healthy pick-me-up in the mornings.

See a range of companies that provide organic herbal teas.

Sources

http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/nutrition+tips/a+guide+to+herbal+teas,13361
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/blogs/543945/the-7-herbal-teas-you-should-drink-now.html
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/nutrition/7-herbal-teas-that-will-make-you-healthy#VWBylHyZ1TvTCB6U.97