When it rains, there’s this inexplicable craving for hot tea and some crunchy snacks – it’s hard to find the logic behind it, but that’s how Indians are! Tea, for us, is much more than just a beverage – it’s an emotion that offers comfort or energy as required and is a great way to revive old relationships or an excellent platform to create new ones. But what if you could switch to Healthy herbal teas? Before we proceed, let’s look at teas’ history. You can find some healthy herbal teas recipes in this post too.
As per the common usage, the word tea refers to the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Depending upon the amount of processing the leaves go through, you get green, black, or white tea. However, the word tea encapsulates many types of beverages, including the Indian chai.
Herbal teas are considered healing and have been used to treat many ailments for centuries. Herbal teas have originated in many parts of the world. The oriental regions have used these in their cultures. Japanese tea expert and author Okakura Kakuzo claims that tea started as medicine and became a common beverage.
Common benefits of herbal teas
Here are some of the benefits of herbal teas:
- Herbal teas induce relaxation and promote better sleep
- Regular consumption of herbal teas can increase longevity
- They are calorie-free and a great addition to a weight loss plan
- They are low or lacking in caffeine, doing away with its ill effects
- Herbal teas are a great alternative to sugary or caffeinated beverages
- They promote weight loss by increasing satiety and preventing overeating
- They are packed with polyphenols, plant compounds with antioxidant properties
- It can improve cognitive function by calming the mind and promoting clear thinking
While these are the general benefits of herbal teas, each herbal tea has its specific benefits too. If you’d like to get all these benefits or are trying to cut down on caffeine and need an alternative, here are some healthy herbal teas you should drink daily for good health.
How to brew herbal teas
To brew these teas: Add the leaves of the herbs to boiling water and take off the gas. Let it steep for at least 5-10 minutes, and sip while it’s still hot.
Healthy herbal teas you should drink every day.
Are you looking to add some flavors to your daily brew? Here are some excellent herbal teas you can incorporate into your wellness regime. These healthy herbal teas to drink daily can do wonders for your health. Let’s look at some healthy herbal tea recipes.
Hibiscus tea – the clear your-skin tea
Hibiscus is a rage in the market for skin and hair care. But it is also packed with antioxidants called polyphenols that are good for health. Hibiscus tea is available in tea bags, or you can make it from fresh hibiscus flowers. Remove the stamen and calyx of the flowers and wash them well. Pour hot water over the flowers and let them steep for 10-12 minutes.
Ginger Tea – the immunity-boosting tea
What’s a cup of chai without soothing ginger? But try this tea sans the tea leaves and milk. To make ginger tea, peel and grate ginger and place them in a cup. Pour hot water over it and let it steep for a few minutes. Have congestion? Add a pinch of turmeric and some organic honey, and you have a delicious brew that eases congestion and helps you breathe well.
Lavender Tea – the calming tea
That heady fragrance can work wonders to soothe frayed nerves and calm a tired body. When used as an essential oil, it spreads its goodness to promote a sense of calm and happiness. With beneficial properties like reducing anxiety and aiding in good sleep quality, lavender tea is now quite popular in the wellness scene. Lavender tea is easily available in tea bags, and the flowers are less common. You can, however, brew tea from loose lavender buds by pouring hot water over the buds and letting it steep for a few minutes.
Fennel Tea – the digestion tea
Fennel is a commonly used spice in cooking and adds a beautiful flavor to the dishes. It also aids in easy digestion. Fennel tea is really easy to make. Crush some fennel seeds and place them in a tea ball or tea infuser. Place it in a cup of hot water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Facing acidity and bloating, add a few cumin seeds when brewing this tea and sip while it is still hot.
Peppermint Tea – the pep-me-up tea
Intensely refreshing, peppermint tea is made from peppermint or spearmint leaves. It’s the perfect brew that you need to kickstart your day. It is easy to make peppermint tea from fresh leaves. Wash and slightly crush the leaves with a mortar and pestle to release the flavors. Place these in a tea ball or infuser and steep in a cup of hot water.
Lemon Balm Tea – the healing tea
Like mint leaves, lemon balm is packed with healing benefits. Lemon balm tea is available in tea bags and as loose dried tea. Making lemon balm tea takes a little effort since you need to wash the leaves and then dry them before infusing them into a tea ball and infusing them.
Moringa Tea – the packed with goodness tea
Moringa is an ingredient that finds a place in the culinary world. It also has many skincare benefits as it is packed with the goodness of Vitamin C. Moringa tea can be made from dried moringa leaves or powder. Add some to freshly boiled water, steep for 5 minutes, and strain and drink.
Rose Hip Tea – the all-round wellness tea
Rosehip oil is known to be a wonder oil for skin care, but like many other plants, it has also made a foray into the wellness section. It can help to boost the immune system because of the presence of Vitamin C. Rose hip tea is available as tea bags, but it can also be brewed from rose hips. Simmer rosehip in water for 10-15 minutes until the color changes.
Chamomile Tea – To aid relaxation
Chamomile tea is one of the most well-known herbal teas that aids relaxation and soothes frayed nerves. One cup of chamomile tea is all you need to aid a fitful night’s sleep. Chamomile tea is easily available in tea bags, which you can place in a cup and pour hot water over. You can also make tea from chamomile flowers. Pluck the flowers from the stem and wash them in warm water. Place them in a tea ball or infuser and steep in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes.
Things to know when making herbal tea at home
- When buying tea or tea bags, choose teas with no added flavors so you can enjoy the authentic flavor of the ingredient.
- If you want to save some money, don’t compromise on quality – instead, opt for loose leaf tea over tea bags
- If choosing tea bags, go for tea bags that are made of eco-friendly, biodegradable materials
- Most herbal teas taste best when hot water is used, rather than boiling water
Herbal teas can be quite potent. If you have any underlying illness or are undergoing treatment for any medical condition, please consult your doctor before introducing herbal teas into your diet since the herbs can react with the medication.
Must Read: Healthy Herbal Teas for Monsoon
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