In previous posts we talked about the main types of tea which come from the tea bush camellia sinensis which originates from China and the Middle East. Today I am going to briefly introduce you to herbal teas and some of the varieties that are commonly consumed around the world.
Herbal tea or tisane is an infusion beverage made from anything else other than the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant. Herbs, spices and other tea plants are poured into hot water and steeped for a few minutes before they get strained and the beverage is ready for serving. Herbal tea is usually decaffeinated as opposed to “true” tea which contains some caffeine. Just like every other kind of tea it can be served hot or on ice.
Dating back to ancient China and ancient Egypt, herbal teas have been used for thousand of years for their great, enjoyable taste and healing properties. Today they are still widely enjoyed all over the world and modern research has proven its great health benefits. Some of the most widely consumed herbal tea kinds that you can find almost everywhere today are:
Chamomile tea
One of the most popular herbal teas that has medicinal values. It is known for having a mild sedative effect so it can be used as a sleeping aid. It has soothing abilities and can act as a muscle relaxant. It can alleviate stomach pains and menstrual cramps.
Peppermint tea
Made from the infusion of peppermint leaves in hot water, this herbal tea is not only delicious but also very healthy. It can treat an upset stomach, relieve stress, relax muscles, clear your sinuses, aid in weight loss and help fight skin conditions such as acne.
Spearmint tea
Spearmint is often confused for peppermint but has a more mild taste. This tea has a wonderful and pleasant aroma and is known for its therapeutic properties. It’s rich in antioxidants, has anti-fungal properties, helps with digestion problems and may relieve stress.
Ginseng tea
Is made with the root of the ginseng plant which is found in North America and Eastern Asia. It’s often available in dried form, sliced or whole. Ginseng tea is a stimulant and can be used as a coffee substitute. It has lots of health benefits among which are: lowering blood pressure, improving concentration, reducing menstrual cramps, curing sexual dysfunction and aiding in weight loss.
Ginger tea
A plant native to China that has gradually spread in many parts of the world is known for its spicy, invigorating taste and medicinal effects. Ginger tea is made from the root of the plant and is used around the world as a home remedy for nausea, digestion problems and colds. It’s usually mixed with lemon juice and honey (That’s how I love it)!
Lemongrass
Native to Africa and Asia, this herb that has a strong lemony fragrance is known to have medicinal properties. Consumed as an herbal tea, lemongrass has been recommended by practitioners of traditional medicine for healing different conditions. According to many studies today, lemongrass has significant health benefits due to its high antioxidant and anti-microbial properties.
So these are some of the most widely consumed herbal teas that you can find in most stores today in either loose form or tea bagged. These herbs have not only a wonderful taste to offer you but a variety of beauty and health benefits and are worth trying. However, as with all herbs they might not be the best choice for everyone and can potentially have negative side effects so in case you are pregnant or have any medical condition you might need to consult your physician before trying any of these.
So what is your favorite herbal tea? Is there a kind of herbal tea that you regularly consume for either simple enjoyment or healing of unwanted health conditions?
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