All You Need to Know About Herbal Tea
They say there’s nothing a cup of tea can’t fix and there is some truth to that. We are well aware that people of different cultures from around the world have been drinking tea for thousands of years. But how about herbal tea, is it the same as the tea produced by steeping the young leaves and leaf buds of the tea plant? Let’s understand in this article.
Despite the name, herbal tea is not actually “tea” as these beverages typically do not contain the leaves or leaf buds of tea plants. These are made from tisanes, which are blends or infusions of dried fruits, flowers, spices or herbs in water. Additionally, these herbal teas offer health-promoting properties and have been used as natural remedies for centuries.
Types of Herbal Tea
- Black Tea- It is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. It’s stronger in flavor and contains more caffeine than other teas. It offers a variety of health benefits because it contains antioxidants and compounds beneficial in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Green Tea- It is made from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is prepared by steaming and pan-frying the Camellia sinensis leaves and then drying them. It is a beverage beneficial in improving mental alertness, relieving digestive symptoms and headaches. Additionally, It also contains bioactive compounds that decrease the production of free radicals in the body that play a role in aging and disease.
- Chamomile Tea- It is a herb that produces small flowers similar to daisies, that can be dried and steeped in water to make tea. It contains chemicals called flavonoids, which likely provide the potential benefits such as easing upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, cold symptoms, insomnia and anxiety.
- Rosehip Tea- It is an herbal tea made from the pseudo fruits of the rose plant. It has a delicate, floral flavor that’s slightly sweet with a distinct tart aftertaste. It is a good source of vitamin C and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers. It also helps in easing arthritis pain.
- Peppermint Tea- It is an aromatic herb in the mint family that is a cross between watermint and spearmint, it is a popular flavoring due to its clean, pleasant smell and taste. It is beneficial in treating upset stomach, headache, irritable bowel syndrome and breathing problems.
- Ginger Tea- It is made by boiling the peeled root in water or milk, giving a characteristic aroma and spicy flavor of the ginger root. It is beneficial for treating upset stomach and nausea. It also plays a crucial role in boosting appetite and relieving arthritis pain.
Health Benefits
- Herbal beverages are prepared from natural ingredients of different morphological plant parts, namely leaves, stems, roots, fruits, buds and flowers.
- Herbal tea such as black tea is beneficial in lowering the risk of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
- Herbal tea such a green and black teas also contain important polyphenols, which are micronutrients that are found in plant-based foods, associated with the healthy regulation of cancer cell growth and survival, leading to a lower risk of developing cancer.
- Herbal tea such as chamomile tea, is beneficial in improving sleep quality and lowering the risk of Depression.
- They are rich sources of natural bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, phenolic acids and flavonoids which render a myriad of biological effects, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory, antiallergic.
- They consist of antioxidants that are known for their ability to inhibit or delay the oxidation of other molecules in food and biological systems, protecting against oxidative stress.
- They are also used as a natural part of the food culture in countries such as china, brazil where traditional medicines are widely used. For instance, herbal teas are prepared from a spiny citrus tree.
Want to relax and unwind with a delicious cup of herbal tea? Here is a recipe for chamomile tea, which is a staple ingredient in natural cold remedies and used to induce feelings of calm.
Chamomile Tea
Ingredients:
- Fresh chamomile flowers (increase petal amounts for stronger tea) — handful of them
- Water — 8 ounce
- Mint leaves (Optional)
Method of Preparation:
- Rinse the chamomile flowers in warm water and pat dry.
- Boil water in a tea kettle or large pot on the stove. Place flower petals and mint leaves in an infuser and let the tea steep in the kettle or pot for 5 minutes.
- Remove the flower petals and optional mint leaves before pouring into a teacup. Enjoy!
Herbal teas come under the category of beverages that are made by infusing different herbs in hot and cold water. The ingredients of herbal teas can range from herbs to spices. It can be consumed in moderation with medical approval as it can pose some risks to individuals with certain health conditions. It is crucial to avoid herbal teas that contain added sugar and other additives. Henceforth, herbal beverages when consumed within a balanced diet, are beneficial in improving the antioxidant status and reducing oxidative stress in humans.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-herbal-teas
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92768/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/the-health-benefits-of-3-herbal-teas
