Herbal teas have been around for centuries.
Yet, despite their name, herbal teas are not true teas at all. True teas, including green tea, black tea and oolong tea, are brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
On the other hand, herbal teas are made from dried fruits, flowers, spices or herbs.
This means herbal teas can come in a wide range of tastes and flavors and make a tempting alternative to sugary beverages or water.
In addition to being delicious, some herbal teas have health-promoting properties. In fact, herbal teas have been used as natural remedies for a variety of ailments for hundreds of years.
Interestingly, modern science has begun to find evidence supporting some of the traditional uses of herbal teas, as well as some new ones.
Here is a list of 10 healthy herbal teas you’ll want to try.
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is most commonly known for its calming effects and is frequently used as a sleep aid.
Two studies have examined the effects of chamomile tea or extract on sleep problems in humans.
In one study of 80 postpartum women experiencing sleep issues, drinking chamomile tea for two weeks led to improved sleep quality and fewer symptoms of depression
Another study in 34 patients with insomnia found marginal improvements in waking up during the night, time to falling asleep and daytime functioning after taking chamomile extract twice a day
What’s more, chamomile may not just be useful as a sleep aid. It is also believed to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and liver-protecting effects
Studies in mice and rats have found preliminary evidence that chamomile may help fight diarrhea and stomach ulcers
One study also found that chamomile tea reduced symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, while another study in people with type 2 diabetes saw improvements in blood glucose, insulin and blood lipid levels
2. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is one of the most commonly used herbal teas in the world
While it’s most popularly used to support digestive tract health, it also has antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial and antiviral properties
Most of these effects have not been studied in humans, so it’s not possible to know if they might lead to health benefits. However, several studies have confirmed peppermint’s beneficial effects on the digestive tract.
Several studies have shown that preparations of peppermint oil, which often included other herbs as well, can help relieve indigestion, nausea and stomach pain
Evidence also shows that peppermint oil is effective at relaxing spasms in the intestines, esophagus and colon
Lastly, studies have repeatedly found that peppermint oil is effective at relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (16Trusted Source).
Therefore, when you experience digestive discomfort, whether it be from cramping, nausea or indigestion, peppermint tea is a great natural remedy to try
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a spicy and flavorful drink that packs a punch of healthy, disease-fighting antioxidants
It also helps fight inflammation and stimulates the immune system, but it’s most well known for being an effective .
Studies consistently find that ginger is effective at relieving nausea, especially in early pregnancy, although it may also relieve nausea caused by cancer treatments and motion sickness
Evidence also suggests that ginger may help prevent stomach ulcers and relieve indigestion or constipation
Ginger may also help relieve dysmenorrhea, or period pain. A number of studies have found that ginger capsules reduced pain associated with menstruation
In fact, two studies found ginger to be as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen at relieving period pain
Finally, some studies suggest that ginger may offer health benefits for people with diabetes, though the evidence has not been consistent. These studies have found that ginger supplements helped with blood sugar control and blood lipid levels
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