The amazing benefits of herbal teas!

“There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be diminished by a nice cup of tea.” – Bernard Paul Heroux

There is some truth in this quote. Herbal teas can offer a myriad of benefits! Not only do they offer an array of delicious flavours and aromas, they can often be therapeutically beneficial. Most herbal teas are caffeine free, so they can be enjoyed at any time of day (with the exception of green tea!). Below are some of my favourite herbal teas and their benefits.

Lemon Balm Tea
Elderflower Herbal Tea
Dandelion Leaf Herbal Tea
Dandelion Root Herbal Tea
Raspberry Leaf Herbal Tea
Calendela Tea

1. Elderflower

Not only does this herb originate from a beautiful tree, but Elderflower is a valuable remedy for flu, colds, and chest conditions. Observational and clinical studies have shown its benefits as an antiviral, useful when you have a common cold, cough, sinus congestion and fever.

2. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a relaxing tonic for anxiety, mild depression, restlessness, and irritability. It reduces feelings of nervousness and panic and will often quiet a racing heart, being a valuable remedy for palpitations of a nervous origin. Lemon balm is also useful when anxiety is causing digestive problems such as indigestion, acidity, nausea, bloating, and colicky pains.

Lemon balm relieves cold sores and reduces the chances of further outbreaks due to its antiviral action.

3. Calendula

Calendula can soothe problems of the digestive system, such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, regional ileitis, and colitis.

Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it great for reducing painful periods. It is also helpful in conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and acne.

4. Dandelion (leaf and root)

Leaf
The dandelion leaf can be incredibly helpful in fluid retention and can act as a diuretic, due to its ability to stimulate the elimination of water through the kidneys.

Root
Dandelion root is beneficial for gallbladder disorders, to stimulate appetite, for bloating and constipation. This is because it has the ability to stimulate bile flow from the liver.

5. Raspberry leaf

Known for its ability to help prepare the uterus for labor, this herb is thought to be able to strengthen the longitudinal muscles of the uterus, increasing the force of contractions and thereby hastening childbirth. It is not recommended to use this tea in the first two trimesters of pregnancy.

This herb can also be used in non-pregnant women for painful, heavy periods.

6. Chamomile

Chamomile tea is the perfect IBS herb, because it works on the brain-gut connection. For those who get a “nervous tummy” associated with anxiety, this is a great herb for you. Chamomile is also fantastic for promoting a restful sleep.

7. Peppermint

My personal favourite! I love enjoying a cup of peppermint tea in the evenings with a teaspoon of raw, local honey (yum!). The essential oil found in peppermint leaves is incredibly soothing for the digestive tract, making it the perfect tea for those with IBS, gas, bloating and even reflux.

Peppermint is also a natural decongestant, so a steamy peppermint tea can be great for a stuffy nose when you have a cold or flu.

8. Green Tea

Green tea has been popular in Asia for thousands of years, and there’s a reason why! It is arguably one of the healthiest beverages on the planet for SO many reason…

  • It can improve cognitive function and reduce dementia and Alzheimer’s, due to its antioxidants and L-theanine content.
  • It’s high antioxidant content may be protective against some cancers.
  • EGCG in green tea has antiviral actions and may be protective against colds and flu’s.
  • L-theanine in green tea may reduce anxiety and improve mental focus.

The only consideration with green tea, is to ensure you don’t drink it after lunch due to the effects of caffeine, so that your sleep is not disturbed.

Final thoughts…

When it comes to choosing tea, it’s often best to opt for a loose leaf, organic, local tea. These days, teas are often packaged in plastic tea bags that leak microplastics into your delicious hot cuppa. According to the environmental working group, teas are also exposed to disproportionately high amounts of pesticides, which is why it is best to opt for organic.