Tea drinking is not a habit that people take up, unless they come down with a cold or flu. Only then do they concoct tea blends, attempting to heal the body as quickly as possible. Let us let you in on a little secret: herbal teas can be consumed even when you aren’t sick. Wait…hang on a second. Is this real information? Yes, we can confirm that this is in fact a true statement.
Herbal teas, unlike green, oolong, black, or white teas, are not derived from tea plants. Each herbal tea is comprised of dried flowers, spices, herbs, or fruits, and some of them are blends of those ingredients, while others are made up of a singular herb, flower, or spice. Herbal teas are caffeine-free, differentiating them green or black tea varieties. The benefits of green tea, including the impressive antioxidants and its ability to help burn fat, often outshine the healing properties of other herbal teas. In reality, herbal teas need more attention because they have been known to reduce pain, stimulate digestion, improve immune function, provide anticancer benefits, detox the liver, and much more.
Often times, it is difficult to get your hands on fresh herbs, so the dried version is the next best thing. When you purchase dried herbs, it is best to store them in airtight glass jars in cool dark places. If you plan to combine several herbs to brew a healing cup of herbal tea, use a fine mesh tea bag or tea strainer, which you can drop in the mug of hot water. Make the following herbal teas to help you make it through your day.
Get Going Without Caffeine
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- raw agave syrup or stevia to sweeten (optional)
Instructions:
- Put the dried rosemary in a fine mesh tea bag or tea strainer and steep it in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag or strainer from the mug and stir in the cayenne pepper and optional agave or stevia.
- Drink one cup in the morning to feel a natural energizing jolt!
Anti-Stress Herbal Tea Without Caffeine
Ingredients:
- ¾ ounce lemon balm
- ¾ ounce wood betony
- ¾ ounce oatstraw
- ¾ ounce skullcap
- ¾ ounce vervain
- ¾ ounce lavender
Instructions:
- Combine all of these herbs in a tea strainer and boil 2-3 cups of water. Pour the boiling water into a teapot with the strainer and let the herbs steep for about five minutes.
- Remove the tea strainer and sweeten with raw agave, if required.
- Drink 1-3 cups a day if you are feeling stressed.
Healthy Caffeine-Free Sleepy Time Tea
Ingredients:
- ¾ ounce passionflower
- 2 ounces valerian
- ¾ ounce lemon balm
- ½ ounce lavender
Instructions:
- Combine all of these herbs in a tea strainer and boil 2-3 cups of water. Pour the boiling water into a teapot with the strainer and let the herbs steep for about five minutes.
- Remove the tea strainer and sweeten with raw agave, if required.
- Drink one cup of this tea about an hour before bed to help ensure a good night’s sleep.
Herbal Teas Can Improve Digestion
Containing powerful phenols, herbal teas can help strengthen stomach muscles and the muscles in the esophagus, which works to reduce acid reflux and symptoms of heartburn. Some herbal teas work to encourage healthy blood flow to the digestive tract, and they help to decrease indigestion or upset stomach. Teas can also absorb gas and reduce free radicals in the digestive system. Ginger tea, chamomile tea, and chai teas are best for improving digestion.
Herbal Teas Stimulate Brain Function
Ginger tea, lemon balm tea, and ginkgo biloba tea have been praised for their brain boosting properties. These teas help to increase blood flow to the brain, providing it with oxygen and other essential nutrients for optimal brain function. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger tea can help to reduce headaches, and gingko biloba helps to reduce aluminum chloride in the brain, a compound connected to neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease.
Herbal Teas Help You Unwind
Many herbal teas have relaxing and calming effects, often helping those with insomnia or sleep troubles. Millions of people have trouble sleeping and often turn to medications to treat the problem. Rather than relying on medications, which can induce negative side effects, relax and unwind with a cup of peppermint tea, chamomile tea, passionflower tea, or lemon balm tea, all of which reduce cortisol levels and may even soothe anxiety.
