What are Herbal Teas?
True teas like black, green, white, oolong, and Pu-erh teas come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal teas, sometimes called tisanes, do not contain Camellia sinensis leaves and can include various herbs, spices, flowers, or fruits that are infused in hot water. Here are some key facts:
Rich in Antioxidants
Herbal Tea contain powerful antioxidants that can help reduce cellular damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants like polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins are commonly found in herbal infusions made from ingredients like hibiscus, rooibos, ginger, turmeric and mint leaves. Antioxidants fight oxidative stress to potentially lower disease risk.
Provide Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Inflammation plays a role in many chronic illnesses. Several herbal teas have anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Teas made from chamomile, green tea, ginger, and turmeric address inflammation at the cellular level. Consuming anti-inflammatory herbal teas regularly may support overall health and wellness.
Support Heart Health
The flavonoids and other plant compounds in certain herbal teas can benefit heart health in multiple ways. For example, hibiscus tea is high in anthocyanins - antioxidants linked to lower blood pressure and reduced heart disease risk. Rooibos tea contains the antioxidant aspalathin which may help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Promote Digestive Health
Ginger, peppermint, and chamomile teas are well-known carminatives that maysoothe the digestive tract and ease symptoms like gas, bloating, cramps, and indigestion. Their compounds relax stomach muscles and stimulate digestive enzymes for optimal breakdown of foods. Herbal tea may also help constipation and support a balanced microbiome.
Contribute to Hydration
Staying hydrated is important for overall health and wellness. While herbal teas may contain fewer fluids than plain water, they are still hydrating beverages. The water content in tea leaves, herbs and fruits steeps into the hot water to be absorbed by the body along with beneficial plant nutrients and antioxidants. Herbal teas provide moisture along with potential additional health perks.
Improve Sleep Quality
Several herbal teas have sedative qualities that make them calming pre-bedtime drinks. Chamomile tea is often recommended for its mild sedative properties and ability to relax the body. Other great sleep-supportive herbal teas are lemon balm, passionflower, and valerian. Their compositions work on the GABA system in the brain to wind the body down for restful slumber.
May Boost Mood
Beyond relaxation, some herbal teas are linked to mood enhancement due to their unique plant compounds. For example, extracts from Saint John's wort are commonly used as natural supplements for mild depression. Rhodiola rosea, a popular herb in Russia and Scandinavia, shows promise for stress relief as a tea. Studies suggest it boosts neurotransmitters that mood-regulate like dopamine and serotonin. Lemon balm tea has also demonstrated mood-lifting effects in research.
Detoxify the Body
Herbal teas with diuretic and cleansing properties may support the removal of toxins through urination and bowel movements. Some options to try for their detoxifying benefits are nettle leaf, dandelion root, and burdock root teas. Their herbal ingredients work to nourish and flush bodily systems, aiding overall detox and possibly promoting clearer skin or weight management. However, they're not substitutes for medical detox programs.
Provide Antimicrobial Defense
Current research has found certain herbal teas contain potent antimicrobial compounds. For example, compounds in green tea, ginger, echinacea and lemon balm inhibit harmful pathogens and bacteria that could otherwise cause infections. Drinking these herbal infusions regularly may fortify the immune system against minor illnesses like colds and topical infections. Further study is still needed on their clinical effects.
In moderation, herbal tea is a delicious and potentially healthy beverage choice. Its varietiescontain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other beneficial plant compounds beyond what traditional true teas supply. Consuming different herbal infusions could offer mild support for heart, digestion, immunity and other functions. However, consult a healthcare provider before using herbal teas medicinally or as dietary supplements. Enjoy herbal tea for its flavor and potential wellness perks.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
