From classic calming herbs such as lavender and chamomile to garden standbys such as rosehips and sage—and even plants known as weeds such as dandelion—many herbs can help us feel better on a regular basis. The flowers contain high amounts of the volatile oil azulene, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile is also a popular remedy to reduce anxiety and quiet the mind for sleep. Gather 1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh chamomile flowers and steep in 1 cup boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes. The longer it steeps, the more bitter it will taste.
A beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden, lavender has profound relaxing, calming and uplifting effects.
Health Benefits of Tea: Green, Black, and White Tea
A number of studies have shown this violet beauty to help slow the activity of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote relaxation and lift mood. But it also makes a wonderful healing tea. Steep 4 teaspoons fresh lavender buds in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes, then enjoy! Renewing, refreshing and energizing peppermint is the perfect herbal pick-me-up. Several studies have shown it to be effective at treating symptoms of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. Its main active agent, menthol, also works as a decongestant and may help loosen phlegm and break up coughs during cold and flu season.
Steep 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink four to five times per day between meals. We naturally associate this pungent herb with winter, thanks to its warming properties.
In addition to helping boost circulation during cold weather, the fragrant root is also known to soothe upset stomachs and help ease nausea in general, especially from motion sickness. It is also known to help with the nausea pregnant women can experience. Steep 3 to 5 thin slices of ginger root in boiling water for 3 minutes. Alternatively, you can grate the ginger root into a tea ball, and steep for 3 minutes. Raspberry leaf is naturally rich in nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, iron and B vitamins. Use it to soothe menstrual cramps, as it can strengthen the uterus and pelvic muscles.
Its astringent properties also make it wonderful for alleviating motion sickness and dispelling diarrhea. Raspberry leaf should not be taken during pregnancy. Steep 1 tablespoon dried raspberry leaf in 8 ounces boiling water for at least 5 minutes. If using fresh leaves, doctor Andrew Weil suggests first picking leaves off their brambles, hanging them to dry, then steeping them in boiling water.
Drink up to six cups a day for acute problems as needed.
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Lemon balm is renowned for its treatment of anxiety. It is also known as a natural relaxation aid. Researchers reported finding that lemon balm helped nix anxiety in the journal Phytotherapy Research. The herb has also been shown to inhibit viruses, such as the herpes virus that causes cold sores and even the HIV virus.
It also can help fight headaches and reduce insomnia. Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm per cup of boiled water. Basil is an excellent source of vitamins A and K, plus a good source of vitamin C and manganese. It is also rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties.
Research showed the natural volatile oils in basil inhibited multiple drug-resistant strains of E. Although a lot of questions remain about how long tea needs to be steeped for the most benefit, and how much you need to drink, nutritionists agree any tea is good tea.
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Still, they prefer brewed teas over bottled to avoid the extra calories and sweeteners. Tea is a name given to a lot of brews, but purists consider only green tea , black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea the real thing. They are all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, a shrub native to China and India, and contain unique antioxidants called flavonoids.
The most potent of these, known as ECGC, may help against free radicals that can contribute to cancer , heart disease , and clogged arteries.
Tea Time: 10 Herbal Teas for Health - Health and Wellness - Mother Earth Living
All these teas also have caffeine and theanine, which affect the brain and seem to heighten mental alertness. The more processed the tea leaves, usually the less polyphenol content. Oolong and black teas are oxidized or fermented, so they have lower concentrations of polyphenols than green tea ; but their antioxidizing power is still high. Made from herbs, fruits, seeds, or roots steeped in hot water, herbal teas have lower concentrations of antioxidants than green, white, black, and oolong teas.
Their chemical compositions vary widely depending on the plant used. Varieties include ginger, ginkgo biloba , ginseng, hibiscus, jasmine, rosehip, mint, rooibos red tea , chamomile, and echinacea. Limited research has been done on the health benefits of herbal teas, but claims that they help to shed pounds, stave off colds , and bring on restful sleep are largely unsupported.
Types of Teas and Their Health Benefits
Instant tea may contain very little amounts of actual tea and plenty of sugars or artificial sweeteners. The agency also warns consumers to be wary of herb-containing supplements that claim to kill pain and fight cancer. None of the claims is backed by science and some of the herbs have led to bowel problems, liver and kidney damage, and even death.
The FDA cautions against taking supplements that include:. Here's a primer to get you started. Health Benefits of Tea: Green, Black, and White Tea Tea is a name given to a lot of brews, but purists consider only green tea , black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea the real thing. Here's what some studies have found about the potential health benefits of tea: Made with steamed tea leaves, it has a high concentration of EGCG and has been widely studied.
Made with fermented tea leaves, black tea has the highest caffeine content and forms the basis for flavored teas like chai, along with some instant teas. Studies have shown that black tea may protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke.