Herbal teas come in a variety of tastes and flavours with different cures for ailments so you can choose one that suits you the most. When made with natural ingredients and discarded of so-called essential flavours and preservatives, herbal teas can be miraculous in improving your mental and physical health. Ekta Jain, CMO, Octavius Tea, tells you how.
Unlike true teas like green tea, black tea, masala chai and so on, which are made using the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant; herbal teas are made with dried mint leaves and flowers, fruits, roots, spices and other herbs which are very healthy and caffeine-free. This makes it one of the best cures for physical ailments and mental strain which offers a rich aroma of flavours. Herbal teas are great for solving gastrointestinal issues; preventing cold, cough and fever; helping with weight loss; fighting inflammation and oxidation; and boosting the immune system.
The benefits of different types of herbal tea are:
1. Soothing the Senses
Rich, aromatic blends with lemongrass, peppermint and other mint or citrusy flavours are perfect for soothing the senses and offering some relief to an anxious mind. Blended with floral infusions including rose or lavender, herbal teas can slow down chaos and offer you some much-needed clarity on difficult days.
2. Relaxing and Rejuvenating
Authentic, herbal ingredients like chamomile and passion flower mixed in your tea can have sedative effects on your body and help you cope with stress and anxiety. Many of the ingredients used in herbal teas are actually used in herbal medicines and have a lot of therapeutic abilities. They can detoxify your body and release chemicals in your brain that fight depression, anxiety and insomnia.
3. Increasing Metabolism and Enabling Weight Loss
Ingredients like fennel, lemongrass, physillium husk, cilantro and turmeric are fat-burners that aid in improving your body’s metabolism levels. Lemon tea, Ginger tea, Peppermint tea and Cinnamon tea are just a few types of herbal tea that can aid weight loss when paired with a daily exercise routine. Since they have no caffeine, they can also be consumed more than twice a day and function as appetite suppressants.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
Because herbal teas don’t go through a decaffeination process, they are high in polyphenols and rich antioxidants. The leaves, fruits, flowers and roots are important plant-derived antioxidant elements that fight the oxidation process of cells and cell molecules. Free radicals can create a chain reaction of chemicals in your body, which is why antioxidants are necessary to promote good health and fight illnesses.
5. Sweet, Sour and More
Herbal teas come in various flavours and are very versatile. For people who have a sweet tooth, it’s best to use floral or fruity ingredients or add a spoonful of honey to the concoction. Teas that contain citrus or greens are also great options for those who don’t mind the taste. When looking to explore a myriad of flavours, you can also consider introducing green tea leaves to the blend for added health benefits.
6. Boosting Immunity
The most important function of herbal teas is boosting your immune system and preventing major ailments. High in bioactive compounds like carotenoids and flavonoids, teas infused with ginger, saffron, turmeric, ashwagandha, amla, and more, are immunity boosters that fight respiratory infections, heart problems, stomach issues, chronic pain and act as anti allergens.
