The Health Benefits of Herbal Teas, According to Type

When we talk about tea and its amazing health benefits, we are actually discussing two different categories of tea: caffeinated teas that are made from the plant Camellia sinensis, and those that are made from a variety of other botanicals—aka, herbal teas.

Unlike “true” tea, herbal teas are made from a variety of herbs, fruits, roots, or seeds that have been steeped in hot water. Although herbal teas tend to have lower concentrations of antioxidants than black, green, oolong and white teas, their chemical compositions vary widely based on the plant used for the particular brew. This means that each and every herbal tea has unique beneficial properties.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF HERBAL TEA, BY TYPE

In general, all herbal teas are caffeine-free and provide fantastic health benefits across the board. They’re commonly used to help fight colds, as they help clear nasal passagesand prevent coughs. They boost the body’s immune system due to their high levels of antioxidants and vitamins, and they typically combat tummy troubles, such as indigestion, bloating, and even constipation.

Rooibos (or Bush)

Rooibos tea—also known as bush tea or red tea, due to the color of its reddish-brown leaves—is made by fermenting the leaves of a shrub usually found in South Africa. An herbal tea, rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, and full of powerful antioxidants, which are associated with boosting heart health and lowering your risk of some types of cancer. Many people enjoy drinking rooibos tea like black tea, with milk and sweetener.

Mint

Refreshing, cool, and enjoyed both iced and hot, mint tea is native to Europe and is most commonly offered in either peppermint or spearmint form. Not only is mint believed to aid in digestion by increasing bile secretion and bile slow in the body, but mint’s antibacterial properties also work from within to help eliminate the bacteria and germs that create bad breath.

Chamomile

Chamomile is actually a flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family. In addition to being 100 percent caffeine-free, chamomile’s active ingredient is an essential oil called bisabolol, which is full of anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile is widely lauded for its ability to make people feel relaxed and is commonly used as an all-natural sleep-aid against insomnia. Additionally, chamomile flowers are recommended to relieve anxiety and general depression.

Ginger

One of the oldest medicinal drinks, ginger tea is chock full of vitamin C, magnesium and anti-inflammatory properties that essentially make it an elixir of health in a cup. Not only is ginger tea said to alleviate symptoms of nausea and stomach pain, but it’s also associated with reducing menstrual cramps.

Hibiscus

Prepared by boiling parts of the Hibiscus sabdariffa—particularly the flower—hibiscus tea has historically been used to lower blood pressure, decrease body temperature, soothe sore throats, protect the liver and prevent against menstrual pains and even certain cancers. Hibiscus tea tastes almost like a pleasantly tart fruit juice, and you can enjoy it both iced and hot.