Posts tagged: herbal tea

Benefits of Herbal Teas

Benefits of Herbal Teas
Benefits of Herbal Teas. Graphic: © herbshealthhappiness.com. Image sources – see foot of article.

1. Green Tea: Green tea is one of the most popular teas, and that may be because of its benefits. It regulates free radicals, which are attributed to the aging process and helps prevent the onset of heart disease.

2. Chamomile: Chamomile tea is famously known for having a soothing and calming effect on the body, and thus used to help one sleep. Studies have revealed improved sleep patterns as a result of the tea. [1]

3. Peppermint: Should one experience digestive problems like indigestion, nausea, and cramping, peppermint tea is an excellent natural remedy. Peppermint relieves nausea and stomach pain, according to studies. [2]

4. Elderflower: Elderflower tea is a great remedy for colds.

5. Thyme: Thyme is attributed to both disinfectant and expectorant properties, meaning it is great when having a cough and sore throat. It also lessens the duration of asthma attacks.

6. Lemon Verbena: Lemon tea has been around for hundreds of years for purposes ranging from relieving anxiety to improve the quality of sleep. Lemon is also an excellent digestive aid.

7. Nettle: The tea from this ‘stinging’ plant is a good source of calcium, which is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, silica, and iron – which is instrumental in the formation of red blood cells.

8. Ginger: Ginger is a natural remedy to many body issues. It contains many health-boosting antioxidants that alleviate inflammation, relieve nausea, and heartburn. [3]

9. Fennel: Fennel is an ancient medicine used for a myriad of purposes like muscle enhancement and more importantly, cleaning the kidneys and treating kidney stones.

Please note that this content should never be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.

References:

[1] Chang, S. M., & Chen, C. H. 2016. Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26483209.

[2] May, B. et al. 1996. Efficacy of a fixed peppermint oil/caraway oil combination in non-ulcer dyspepsia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9006790.

[3] Sultan, M. et al. 2014. Immunity: plants as effective mediators. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24564587.

Image For Pinterest:

Benefits of Herbal Teas
Graphic ©herbs-info.com. Image sources – see foot of article.

Infographic Photo Sources:
Green Tea – https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photography-of-teapot-pouring-tea-730804/
Chamomile – https://pixabay.com/en/cup-tee-porcelain-drink-decor-829527/
Peppermint – https://pixabay.com/en/peppermint-peppermint-tea-mint-tee-2816012/
Elderflower – https://pixabay.com/en/elder-petals-elderflower-2422131/
Thyme – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seombaengnihyang-cha.jpg
Lemon Verbena – https://pixabay.com/en/tee-herbs-lemon-verbena-74351/
Nettle – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Brennnessel_1.JPG
Ginger – https://pixabay.com/en/bowl-tea-ginger-lemon-hot-beverage-336538/
Fennel – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fennel_seed.jpg

Health Benefits Of Green Tea

Health Benefits Of Green Tea
Health Benefits Of Green Tea Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com. Green tea photo – Pixabay (PD).

Green tea is an ancient drink used in India and China for its potent medicinal properties. As more and more people pay attention to the benefits of natural health – so are the number of studies looking to find scientific evidence regarding some of these touted benefits.

Health Benefits Of Green Tea

1. Lower Blood Pressure: Some researchers claim that the long-term intake of green coffee has a significant impact on the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. [1]

2. Alzheimer’s Disease: The neuroprotective activities of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) – the catechin polyphenol in green tea – have been shown to provide a potential strategy to manage neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. [2]

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis: A study in the Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatology suggests that green tea eases the symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) [3]

4. Promote Oral Health: Green tea contains catechins (natural antioxidants) that help reduce bad breath, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, and improve general oral health. [4][5][6]

5. Improve Digestion: Sitting down to a cup of green tea helps improve your digestion. It’s believed that polyphenol in the beverage help break down the food while EGCG reduces gastrointestinal inflammation.

6. Help with Obesity: According to a study in the American Journal of Physiology, green tea is helpful against obesity by increasing the metabolic rate and promoting fat burning. [7]

7. Help with Diabetes: With the increasing risk of type 2 diabetes around the world, it’s important to explore natural remedies such as green tea. With this in mind, studies show that green tea reduces blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity. [8]

Please note that this content should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.

References:

[1] Effects of tea intake on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effects-of-tea-intake-on-blood-pressure-a-metaanalysis-of-randomised-controlled-trials/AD10B8AF38E3184FCFDDC9778F833835.

[2] Mandel SA et al. 2008. Simultaneous manipulation of multiple brain targets by green tea catechins: a potential neuroprotective strategy for Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19040558.

[3] Regulation of Transforming Growth Factor β–Activated Kinase Activation by Epigallocatechin‐3‐Gallate in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts: Suppression of K63‐Linked Autoubiquitination of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor–Associated Factor 6 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.39447/abstract.

[4] Lodhia P et al. 2008. Effect of green tea on volatile sulfur compounds in mouth air. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18388413.

[5] Anita P. et al. 2014. In vitro antibacterial activity of Camellia sinensis extract against cariogenic microorganisms. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25538470.

[6] Narotzki B. et al. 2012. Green tea: a promising natural product in oral health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22226360.

[7] Diepvens K. et al. 2007. Obesity and thermogenesis related to the consumption of caffeine, ephedrine, capsaicin, and green tea. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16840650.

[8] Liu K. et al. 2013. Effect of green tea on glucose control and insulin sensitivity: a meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23803878.

Amazing “Golden Milk” Turmeric Tea Recipe

Golden Milk Turmeric Tea
Image – Wellness Mama

Here’s an awesome recipe for golden milk – a super-healthy drink made from turmeric – which is considered one of the best spices in the world for all round health benefits!

This drink contains not only turmeric but also coconut milk, cinnamon, raw honey (or maple syrup) , black pepper, ginger and optional cayenne pepper. All kinds of good stuff, in other words.

Some have described this drink as soothing and relaxing – “like chai without the caffeine”. The chai reference is appropriate, because it turns out that this is an old Indian recipe (except the old Indian recipe made with cow’s milk). Well, now you have further options! 😉

If possible, use fresh, organic ingredients for best results. Another version of the recipe includes the addition of 1tsp of almond oil or coconut oil – but you could probably also add flax or hemp oil – and then blend!

Turmeric is amazing stuff and we have written about its profound healthful qualities before: 600 Reasons Turmeric May Be The World’s Most Important Herb One thing to note – turmeric can stain some plastic containers, marble countertops and fingertips.

Something else to note – black pepper has a positive influence on the way the human body works with turmeric and it’s valuable to combine the two. More info here: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/substance-in-black-pepper-increases-bioavailability-of-beneficial-turmeric-compounds-by-2000-percent/

The usual safety notes apply: This website is not medical advice, and please check with your doctor before using herbs if you are pregnant, using medications or have other health conditions.

Ok, here is the link to the full Golden Milk tutorial: https://wellnessmama.com/223/turmeric-tea-recipe/

Here’s our video on the health benefits of turmeric: