Soothing and Healing Properties of Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are renowned for their healing properties and soothing effects. They have been used for centuries by various cultures as remedies for various illnesses as well as preventatives and maintenance treatments for detoxifying the body, cleansing, and reducing anxiety.
Tea is second to water as the most frequently consumed beverage the world over. All types of teas, herbal, black, green, oolong, white, etc have antioxidants because of the polyphenols they contain. Antioxidants are compounds that protect from cellular damage from free radicals. Free radicals can cause damage that leads to aging, cancer, and other problems.
Herbal teas are not teas in the strictest sense of the word tea. True tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Different types of true tea include white, green, oolong, and black tea. Herbal teas are herbal infusions or tisanes of various plant parts that result in a particular flavor or benefit.
Some of the most common herbal tea ingredients include ginger, fennel, chamomile, lemon Balm, and raspberry.
Ginger is known by many pregnant women to reduce nausea so it is a common ingredient in teas to combat morning sickness. It also improves circulation, relieves cold and flu symptoms, as well as relieves stomach cramps.
Fennel is used to soothing sore throats and coughs, improve appetite, and relieve stomach and digestive cramping.
Chamomile is known to help reduce nerves, ease cold symptoms, and soothe upset stomachs. Chamomile is a very common ingredient in herbal teas.
Lemon Balm is used to improve mood, lift depression, relax nerves, and calm stomachs. It has a refreshing scent that is very soothing in and of itself.
Raspberry is another common ingredient in herbal teas. Red raspberry leaf tea has been known to bring on labor and improve uterine tone. Many midwives recommend expectant mothers drink it in the final weeks of their pregnancies. It also is a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Herbal teas (Tisanes) are often blends of several ingredients or may be made up of one ingredient depending on the goal of the remedy. Herbal teas are generally safe to be consumed by everyone- but if you have any specific concerns discuss them with an herbalist or doctor.
