Steeped in tradition and infused with natural goodness, herbal tea has been a beloved beverage for centuries. From soothing the senses to promoting overall well-being, herbal teas offer a diverse range of benefits that make them an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day, boost your energy levels, or simply enjoy a warm and comforting drink, herbal tea is an excellent choice. With its vast array of flavors and benefits, it’s no wonder that herbal tea has become a staple in many cultures around the world.
Some herbal teas are instantly uplifting and calming against the aging effects of stress and mental overload. Green tea is immune-strengthening and a potent antioxidant, as well as beneficial for the heart. Black tea and coffee, once considered a health no-no due to their caffeine content, are now regarded as tonic beverages.
Drink a cup
Researchers from Tokyo Medical University have established that drinking black tea after high-fat meals helps blood circulation. Other research suggests people who drink four or more cups a day halve their risk of heart attack and also reduce high blood pressure. Drinking double this amount has been linked to a reduction in cancer risk.
Go green
A potent antioxidant, green tea has been found in studies to boost longevity and the immune system, cut the risk of heart disease, and reduce inflammation. Antibacterial and antiviral, it also helps stimulate the burning of calories, according to researchers at the University of Geneva. Drinking more than two cups a day keeps the mind and memory sharp with age. Japanese women who drink green tea also have a lower risk of breast cancer and better outcomes if they do contract the disease. Aim for three to six cups a day.
Curry and green tea
When eating Indian-style dishes, have a cup of green tea. Turmeric, a staple ingredient in Indian curries, and green tea seem to enhance each other’s health-giving properties.
Try white tea
Although it originates from the same plant as green and black tea, Camellia sinensis, white tea contains more active ingredients, and so potentially more health benefits. Of all tea varieties, white tea is the least processed, which may be the source of its health-giving properties. The young buds are simply steamed and dried after picking, preserving the mix of antioxidant polyphenols. In China, it is valued as meditation-enhancing, so drink before yoga.
Spiced tea
Brew tea the Indian way, as chai, to energize and aid digestion. Serves two.
3 cups of water
1½ tsp each crushed cardamom pods, ground cinnamon, freshly ground black pepper, ground ginger
3 tsp black tea leaves, semiskimmed milk, to taste
In a pan, bring the water to a boil with the spices. Add the tea and a generous helping of milk, if desired, and bring to the boil again. Steep for 5 minutes, then strain into cups. Chai is traditionally drunk sweetened.
Herbal teas to revive
Peppermint tea is advised for instant brain recovery and to relieve stomach discomfort.
Nettle tea helps maintain strong bones and is an antioxidant.
Lemon balm tea refreshes in summer heat and stimulates the brain and memory:
Ginger tea gives instant zing and keeps joints mobile and circulation moving. Grate 1 in (2.5 cm) fresh ginger into a cup, pour over boiling water, and steep for 10 minutes; sweeten with honey.
Herbal teas to calm
Camomile tea is a natural sedative that brings relief for digestion and stress headaches.
Fennel tea is soothing for the digestive system
Elderflower tea calms symptoms in the hay-fever season.
Go for good coffee
Caffeine has given coffee a bad name, but research at Harvard Medical School suggests that drinking coffee in moderation lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes. It also seems to enhance brain function, reduce the risk of Parkinson’s, and may protect against colon cancer. However, more than three cups a day is associated in older women with loss of bone density.
Aim to enjoy one really good cup of well-brewed fresh coffee rather than several cups of mediocre instant.
Don’t take out toxins
When buying coffee to go, avoid coffee shops that serve hot drinks in polystyrene cups, as this may allow the seepage of toxins such as benzene and styrene into the food.
Demand cocoa
Act elderly and demand to be served cocoa in bed. A cup of cocoa made with hot water contains twice as many protective antioxidant polyphenols as a glass of red wine.
three times as many as a cup of green tea, and five times as many as black tea, suggests a study from Cornell University. There are concurrent benefits for heart health, circulation, and glucose metabolism. A Dutch study suggests older men who drink cocoa have lower blood pressure and may live longer than those who don’t. Drink in moderation, using cocoa powder and a little sugar to taste, rather than using hot chocolate mixes, which can be high in additives and trans-fatty acids implicated in the risk of heart disease. The benefits of drinking cocoa made with hot milk have not been assessed.
In conclusion, herbal tea offers a soothing and natural way to promote relaxation, improve health, and enhance overall well-being. With its diverse range of flavors and benefits, from calming chamomile to invigorating peppermint, there's an herbal tea to suit every taste and need. Whether you're seeking to unwind after a long day, boost your immune system, or simply enjoy a warm and comforting beverage, herbal tea is an excellent choice. So why not brew a cup and experience the delightful world of herbal tea for yourself?
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