Five Teas to Help Your Health
From modern-day nutritionists and foodies to ancient emperors, tea has been enjoyed by many for thousands of years as a soothing, health-giving and sometimes medicinal beverage. But be aware, for tea to impart its natural effects, quality is important and that means fine leaves, proper preservation and natural flavours are key. Avoid low quality leaves and synthetic tastes and fragrances, as these will have little effect on how you feel overall. If you’re looking to join in with this year's Sober October, here are a few teas that just might make your mission easier, help your health and ensure that you feel your best, every day…
Peppermint Tisane
This refreshing mint leaf tisane has been hailed for its ability to help with digestion. Reducing bloating, calming the stomach and invigorating the senses with menthol oils, peppermint tea has been enjoyed as an after-dinner beverage by high society for centuries. An antispasmodic, peppermint tea can help with stomach aches and ease nausea, as well as relieving sore throats and the urge to cough. Archaeological research suggests that peppermint has been being used by humans for natural medicinal purposes for many thousands of years.¹ It's certainly withstood the test of time.
Green Tea
Green tea is loved the world over by health and wellness experts, from registered nutritionists to foodie fanatics and award-winning bloggers. Green tea perks up the brain and body with its natural caffeine and works as a very gentle diuretic, flushing toxins from the liver and helping the body to feel healthy and refreshed. A recent study of green tea consumption also showed that drinking the tea regularly for one year lowered blood pressure, reducing the development of hypertension.² Many people enjoy green tea in the morning and during the early afternoon as the natural release of caffeine can help with concentration.
Chamomile Tisane
The ultimate relaxant after a long day, chamomile flowers have been used to soothe the senses for thousands of years. Considered an elixir of youth in ancient Egypt, in the modern world, we enjoy tisanes made from pure chamomile flowers to calm the nerves and aid a peaceful, natural sleep. Perfect in times of stress, anxiousness or just before bed, chamomile tea gently relaxes anything from intestinal muscles to biceps, helping with cramps, stomach pains and mild aches.
English Breakfast Tea
Rich in tannins, theaflavins and antioxidants called polyphenols which play a significant role in the prevention of disease, English Breakfast blends are comprised of black teas that contribute to a healthy body. Some studies suggest that black tea contributes to the reversal of abnormally functioning blood vessels, which can lead to strokes and other cardiovascular conditions. Theaflavins in black tea are also purported to destroy abnormal cells in the body before they cause any major damage.³ At the very least, black teas contain natural caffeine, which is released into the bloodstream slowly to gently rouse and restore the brain.
Rosehip & Hibiscus Tisane
When considering which tisanes might be best for your health, Rosehip & Hibiscus might not be the first blend to spring to mind. However, the health benefits of hibiscus include relief from high cholesterol, and from digestive problems. A study from 2008 suggests that due to its anti-inflammatory properties, hibiscus tea, when drunk daily, can also affect high blood pressure in hypertensive adults, lowering it to a healthier rate.⁴ Hibiscus tisane is also rich in Vitamin C and acts as a mild diuretic, flushing excess fluids and toxins from the body and helping you to feel brighter and healthier in general. This post was originally posted in January 2017 and has since been updated. 1 organicfacts.net 2 US National Library of Medicine 3 Boston’s School of Medicine 4 American Heart Association
