A steaming cup of tea is an image that evokes feelings of comfort and well-being in almost any culture. Europe favors traditional black teas, India has chai, and in South America, they love yerba mate. Besides its aromatic and comforting qualities, however, what can herbal teas do for your health?

Herbal Tea BagsPowerful Herbal Teas and Blends

Traditional black tea boasts quite a few health benefits in and of itself, such as cardiovascular wellness, improved digestion, and a possible immunity boost. Herbal teas, on the other hand, can be consumed to target certain areas of health as well as overall wellness. Here are a few of our favorites:

Peppermint: While many people think of peppermint as a great flavor for candy and toothpaste, it is not as well-known for its remedial properties. Peppermint tea is not only delicious, it is also wonderfully soothing for the digestive tract. Here are some of the ways peppermint tea can aid your digestion:

  • Soothes heartburn and colic
  • Reduces sensations of nausea and motion sickness
  • Can reduce symptoms of Crohn’s disease and non-ulcer dyspepsia

Rose hips: A tea brewed from rose hips is a potent source of natural Vitamin C. This is great if you need a quick immunity boost, or wish to improve:

  • Skin health
  • Hair health
  • Adrenal function
  • Allergies
  • Strength of blood vessels

Rooibos: This South African herb is gaining worldwide popularity for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,as well as for being  a bronchodilator. Rooibos is also helpful in cases of insomnia, cramping, and blood sugar irregularities. Studies show that its high level of powerful polyphenol antioxidants are potent free-radical neutralizers. This antioxidant activity has been linked with decreased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and decreased inflammation overall. Fifty years ago, rooibos became quite famous in South America as a colic remedy, perhaps due to its anti-inflammatory effect.

Chamomile: An ancient favorite, various studies link chamomile to remedying everything from common cold symptoms to osteoporosis and cancer. In fact, its combination of antioxidants and flavanoids are greatly beneficial to your health, but chamomile is certainly not a cure-all!

The most well-known attribute of chamomile is its calming and sleep-inducing effects. According to Molecular Medicine Reports, this particular claim is true. Chamomile tea can help soothe the body to sleep and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Cleansing teas: Herbal teas are not often associated with their cleansing attributes; however, drinking a gentle cleansing tea every day can do wonders for your overall health. While some varieties focus on removing toxins in general, others focus on cleansing the kidneys, liver, or digestive tract.

Yerba mate: Known as an adaptogenic herb, yerba mate grows in South America and is touted for its therapeutic properties, both physical and mental. The herb can improve symptoms of stress, boost energy levels and alertness, and also provide a number of physical benefits for the immune system and blood sugar levels.

Ginger: This spicy herb packs a lot of flavor as well as healthful virtues. Women in particular love ginger since it can reduce nausea in early pregnancy and help to reduce menstrual cramps. There are many more benefits to drinking ginger tea, however. The herbal remedy can:

  • Relieve constipation
  • Prevent stomach ulcers
  • Soothe indigestion
  • Alleviate nausea caused by motion sickness or cancer treatment
  • Increase circulation in the limbs, to help with cold hands and feet

There you have it! Seven wholesome herbal teas that will add flavor and vigor to your daily grind. Which one is your favorite?

Read more about herbal remedies on the Living Clean blog:

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