Benefits of Tea: Herbal Tea

by Dr. Marli Botha

Herbal tea is not technically a true tea, as it does not derive from the Camellia sinensis plant (i.e. the plant that is used to create black, oolong, green, and white teas). Instead, herbal tea is an infusion or blend of various leaves, fruits, bark, roots, or flowers belonging to almost any edible, non-tea plant. In Europe and other areas of the world, herbal teas are commonly known as tisanes. According to ancient historical records, these herbal blends were used not only for their physical health benefits, but also for their ability to invoke a sense of calm and spiritual awareness. Over time, humans began drinking herbal teas simply for their wonderful taste and aromas.

8 Benefits of Herbal Tea:

1. Chamomile tea has a bittersweet, honey-like taste and known for its calming effect.
2. Dandelion tea is known to soothe upset stomachs and aid in digestion, coffee-like taste but is slightly less bitter.
3. Peppermint tea is traditionally used to relieve discomfort of the digestive tract. Studies have found that peppermint oil can help relieve nausea, cramping, spasms and stomach pain.
4. Ginger tea is best known as a remedy for nausea, and studies have repeatedly found it to be effective for this use. However, several studies have also found that ginger can help relieve period pain, and it may offer benefits for people with diabetes.
5. Flowering tea or blooming tea consists of a bundle of dried tea leaves wrapped around one or more dried flowers. When steeped, the bundle expands and unfurls in a process that emulates a blooming flower, and the flowers inside emerge as the centrepiece. Flowers commonly used in flowering teas include globe amaranth, chrysanthemum, jasmine and lily, hibiscus.
6. Lemongrass can be grown easily either in your yard or inside in flower pots. It can give you supplementary health benefits like relieving fluid retention and is also often used as a flavouring for food.
7. Eucalyptus has a minty, liquorice taste. Eucalyptus is known to improve respiratory infections because it stimulates the immune system and improves respiratory circulation.
8. Rosemary tea is used to boost the immune system and is often consumed to relieve cold symptoms

It is important to mention that no food is meant to be a cure-all for any condition, though there are certainly health and skin benefits contained within them. The one thing you should always do before using a new skin care product is to do a patch test to look for allergies and sensitivities.