There’s nothing quite like the soothing comfort of a hot cup of tea. And when that tea is packed full of healthy herbs, it’s even better!
Herbal teas are a delicious and healthy way to improve your overall health. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and promote weight loss.
In this article, we will discuss 10 of the best herbal teas for good health and provide recipes for each one!
#1 – Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is made from the dried flower heads of the Chamomilla plant. Chamomile tea has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments.
Today, chamomile tea is most commonly used as a sleep aid or to ease anxiety. Chamomile tea contains compounds that have sedative effects.
Chamomile tea is generally considered safe. However, it can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or daisies, do not drink chamomile tea.
To make chamomile tea, add one teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling water. Steep for five minutes and then strain. Add honey or lemon to taste.
#2 – Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is made from the dried leaves of the peppermint plant. Peppermint tea has a refreshing taste and is often used to aid digestion.
Peppermint tea is thought to work by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract. This can help relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion.
To make peppermint tea, add one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to eight ounces of boiling water. Steep for five minutes and then strain.
Peppermint tea is generally considered safe. However, it is not recommended for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Peppermint can make GERD symptoms worse by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter.
#3 – Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a delicious and healthy way to improve your overall health. This tea is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and promote weight loss.
Ginger tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful for those with conditions like arthritis. Making ginger tea is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients.
To make ginger tea, simply simmer fresh ginger root in water for about 15 minutes. You can also add honey or lemon to taste. Drink this tea once or twice a day to enjoy the health benefits.
#4 – Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is made from the flowers of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant and is said to have a host of health benefits. It is high in antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Hibiscus tea is also said to be a natural diuretic, which can help you lose weight. It has a tart, fruity flavor that is refreshing and thirst-quenching.
To make hibiscus tea, add dried hibiscus flowers to boiling water and steep for about five minutes. You can also add honey or lemon to taste. Drink this tea once or twice a day.
Be sure to avoid drinking hibiscus tea if you’re taking hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic medication, as the two may interact with each other.
#5 – Echinacea Tea
Echinacea is a flowering plant that is native to North America. The herb has been used for centuries by Native Americans for its medicinal properties.
Echinacea tea is said to boost the immune system and can help fight off infections. It is also thought to reduce inflammation and pain.
To make echinacea tea, add one teaspoon of dried echinacea herb to eight ounces of boiling water. Steep for about ten minutes, and then strain. Drink two to three cups of this tea per day when you are feeling under the weather.
You should not drink echinacea tea if you have an autoimmune disease, as it may worsen symptoms.
#6 – Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea is made from the leaves of the rooibos plant, which is native to South Africa. The tea has a sweet, earthy flavor and is rich in antioxidants. Rooibos tea is thought to have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and aiding digestion.
To make rooibos tea, add one teaspoon of dried rooibos leaves to eight ounces of boiling water. Steep for five minutes, and then strain. Drink three cups of this tea per day.
Pregnant women and young children should not drink rooibos tea. If you are taking medication for diabetes, talk to your doctor before drinking rooibos tea, as it may affect your blood sugar levels.
#7 – Sage Tea
Sage is a common herb that has been used for centuries in cooking and as a medicinal remedy. Sage tea is made by adding one teaspoon of dried sage leaves to eight ounces of boiling water. Steep for five minutes, then strain. Drink up to three cups of this tea per day.
Sage tea is thought to have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving brain function, and protecting against heart disease. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Pregnant women and young children should not drink sage tea. If you are taking medication for diabetes or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before drinking sage tea, as it may affect your blood sugar levels.
#8 – Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint family. It’s native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia but is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world.
To make lemon balm tea, add one teaspoon of dried lemon balm leaves to eight ounces of boiling water. Steep for five to ten minutes, then strain and enjoy.
Lemon balm tea has a calming effect and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s also used to treat colds and flu. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support these uses.
Pregnant women should not drink lemon balm tea. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as Grave’s disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, avoid drinking lemon balm tea as it may worsen your condition.
#9 – Rose Hip Tea
Rose hips are the fruit of the rose plant. They’re usually red, but they can also be orange, yellow, or white. Rose hips contain a high amount of vitamin C. They’re often used to make jams, jellies, and syrups.
You can buy dried rose hips and use them to make tea. Rose hip tea is high in antioxidants and has been used traditionally to treat colds, flu, and stomach disorders.
There is some scientific evidence to support the use of rose hip tea for these purposes. However, more research is needed. Rose hip tea is generally considered safe. However, if you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before drinking it.
#10 – Passionflower Tea
Passionflower tea is made from the dried leaves and stems of the Passiflora plant. Passionflower tea is traditionally used to treat anxiety and insomnia.
Passionflower tea is thought to work by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.
Passionflower tea is generally considered safe. However, it can cause drowsiness. If you are taking any medications that cause drowsiness, do not drink passionflower tea.
Conclusion
The next time you’re looking for a way to improve your health, consider reaching for a cup of healthy herbal tea. These ten healthy herbal teas are perfect for promoting better health in a variety of ways, so sip away and enjoy the many benefits they have to offer. Do any of these healthy herbal teas appeal to you? What is your favorite type of herbal tea?
