1. Chamomile Tea Chamomile tea is most commonly known for its calming effects and is frequently used as a sleep aid. It is also believed to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and liver-protecting effects. 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. Chamomile is well known for its calming properties, and preliminary evidence supports this. It may also help relieve premenstrual symptoms and high blood lipid, blood sugar and insulin 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. Evidence also shows that peppermint oil is effective at relaxing spasms in the intestines, esophagus and colon. 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 remedy for nausea. 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.
4. Hibiscus Tea Hibiscus tea is made from the colorful flowers of the hibiscus plant. It has a pink-red color and refreshing, tart flavor. It can be enjoyed hot or iced. In addition to its bold color and unique flavor, hibiscus tea offers healthful properties. Hibiscus tea has antiviral properties, and test-tube studies have shown its extract to be highly effective against strains of the bird flu. However, no evidence has shown that drinking hibiscus tea could help you fight off viruses like the flu. Hibiscus tea has been shown to have a positive effect on high blood pressure. Be sure to avoid drinking hibiscus tea if you’re taking hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic medication, as the two may interact with each other. Hibiscus tea may also shorten the effects of aspirin, so it’s best to take them 3–4 hours apart.
5. Echinacea Tea Echinacea tea is an extremely popular remedy that’s said to prevent and shorten the common cold. Evidence has shown that echinacea may help boost the immune system, which could help the body fight off viruses or infections. Many studies have found that echinacea can shorten the duration of the common cold, lessen the severity of its symptoms or even prevent it. At the very least, this warm herbal drink may help soothe your sore throat or clear up your stuffy nose if you do feel a cold coming on.
6. Rooibos Tea Rooibos is an herbal tea that comes from South Africa. It is made from the leaves of the rooibos or red bush plant. South Africans have historically used it for medicinal purposes. One study has shown that rooibos tea may benefit bone health. One test-tube study suggests that rooibos tea, along with green and black tea, might stimulate the cells involved in bone growth and density. The same study found that the teas also lowered markers of inflammation and cell toxicity. The researchers suggested that this might be why drinking tea is associated with higher bone density. Moreover, preliminary evidence shows that rooibos tea may help prevent heart disease. One study found that rooibos tea inhibited an enzyme that causes blood vessels to constrict, similarly to how a common blood pressure medication does. Also, another study found that drinking six cups of rooibos tea daily for six weeks lowered blood levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and fat, while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol.
7. Sage Tea Sage tea is well known for its medicinal properties, and scientific research has begun to support several of its health benefits, especially for brain health. Sage appears to provide cognitive benefits for healthy adults as well. sage appears to provide cognitive benefits for healthy adults as well. A number of studies found improvements in mood, mental function and memory in healthy adults after they took one of several different types of sage extract. What’s more, one small human study found that sage tea improved blood lipid levels, while another study in rats found that sage tea protected against the development of colon cancer. Sage tea appears to be a healthy choice, offering benefits for cognitive health and potentially heart and colon health. More studies are needed to find out more about these effects.
8. Lemon Balm Tea Lemon balm tea has a light, lemony flavor and seems to have health-promoting properties. Preliminary studies have found that lemon balm tea may improve antioxidant levels, heart and skin health and even aid in relieving anxiety.
9. Rose Hip Tea Rose hip tea is made from the fruit of the rose plant. It is high in vitamin C and beneficial plant compounds. These plant compounds, in addition to certain fats found in rose hips, result in anti-inflammatory properties. Rose hip tea is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Studies have also found rose hips effective at fighting aging of the skin and reducing stomach fat.
10. Passionflower Tea
The leaves, stems and flowers of the passionflower plant are used to make passionflower tea. Passionflower tea is traditionally used to relieve anxiety and improve sleep, and studies have begun to support these uses.
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