What Are the Health Benefits of Drinking Herbal Tea? by Noreen Kassem
A wide variety of herbal teas are available to brew at home for
antioxidant-rich beverages. MayoClinic.com notes that tea is the
most popular drink in the world, and for good reason: herbal teas
offer a range of health benefits. Concentrated nutrients are
available in the form of herbal teabags, loose-leaf tea and dried
herbs. They are also available in a wide variety of flavors,
including mint, peppermint, chamomile, jasmine, ginger, green teas
and fruit teas.
Relieves Joint Pain
Autoimmune joint disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be
caused by an over-reactive immune system and inflammation in the
body. Several potent anti-inflammatory medications are used to
treat joint pain, but they may bring on a wide range of unwanted
side effects. Research conducted by the National Center of
Complementary and Alternative Medicine indicates that green tea
contains many anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to
reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune
diseases. Green tea is the most popularly used herbal tea and is
also referred to as Chinese tea or Japanese tea.
Calms Anxiety
MayoClinic.com advises that psychological and related disorders
such as anxiety, nervousness, depression, lethargy, fatigue, low
energy and headaches may be treated with herbal tea, such as green
tea and yerba mate. This health benefit may occur partly because
these herbal teas contain low concentrations of caffeine, which
stimulates brain receptors to boost energy, calm anxiety and
relieve headache pain.
Relieves Nausea
Herbal teas such as ginger, lemon balm, red raspberry leaf and
peppermint leaf teas are recommended by the American Pregnancy
Association to relieve nausea, particularly during pregnancy or as
a result of taking medication. These herbal teas help to relieve
morning sickness as well as other signs and symptoms of pregnancy,
such as sleeplessness, fatigue, body swelling and irritable mood.
Though these teas do not contain caffeine and are considered safe
for pregnant women, it is important to consult a doctor before
consuming herbal teas regularly.
Helps Reduce Cholesterol and Weight
According to the Cleveland Clinic, many herbal teas may help
decrease high cholesterol and even reduce weight. This is
particularly beneficial for patients who have diabetes or heart
disease or are obese. Herbals teas that contain green tea,
cinnamon, ephedra, garlic or hawthorn are thought to particularly
improve blood circulation, decrease unhealthy levels of cholesterol
and increase fat-burning in the abdominal area.
Treats Cold and Flu Symptoms
Herbal teas are also popular for treating cold and flu symptoms.
Teas containing ginger, lemon, honey, ephedra, goldenseal,
cinnamon, echinacea, peppermint or hyssops are commonly used to
relieve cold and flu symptoms such as sore throat, coughing, nasal
congestion, sinus pain and body aches. These herbal teas contain
many anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
Promotes Healthy Sleep
Herbal teas are popularly used for facilitating restful sleep
and relieving sleep disorders such as insomnia. The National Center
for Complementary and Alternative Medicine recommends chamomile,
lime blossom, valerian and St. John's wort herbal teas for treating
occasional sleep problems. These teas contain properties that help
relax the nervous system, induce sleep and relieve muscle
spasms.
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