The health benefits of herbal tea

It’s a ritual that millions around the world enjoy throughout the day: the boiling of the water, the measuring of the tea, and steeping of the leaves or flowers.

With so many health and wellness benefits, herbal tea should be re-named “liquid gold”. Though not all varieties possess medicinal qualities, many do, and have been credited for aiding with everything from digestion and nausea to inflammation and heart disease.

Fruit flavoured teas are delicious and are a perfect substitute for calorie-laden beverages like pop and juice. Adding ice to your fruity herbal tea instantly creates the perfect partner to a hot summer day. But fruit-based herbal teas generally don’t carry the medicinal qualities that some herbal teas are known for.

If you want to explore the world of herbal tea for its health benefits, here’s a quick list of herbal teas and their medicinal qualities. Keep in mind a herbal tea can be a strong remedy, so exercise caution when drinking and, if you’re facing health concerns, consult your doctor.

Green Tea

Green tea encourages weight loss and a healthy metabolism, thanks to a naturally occurring chemical called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This little wonder works to oxidize fat and is a natural antioxidant. It also contributes to a decreased risk of heart disease, healthier teeth and gums, an elevated mood and healthy, glowing skin.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea aids in digestion, reduces inflammation and can help minimize bloating. However, the main medicinal use for ginger tea is for battling nausea. It’s incredibly effective, tastes delicious, and creates a beautiful aroma while it steeps. Try it iced, or combined with a fruit tea like pear for a journey in tea luxury.

Thyme Tea

Thyme tea is made from the delicate leaves of the herb and is one of the lesser known herbal teas for health benefits. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less incredible! In fact, thyme is one of the most powerful herbal teas you can drink. The herb contains “thymol”, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to protect against age-related diseases in the brain.

As the seasons change, cold, cough and flu season arrives, and with it comes additional complications like pneumonia or bronchitis. Using thyme tea as a remedy can reduce inflammation, relieve coughs and help you recover faster from these conditions.

Thyme tea is also high in iron, and a mere two teaspoons delivers almost 20% of your daily recommended dose of this vitamin. Coupled with its ability to lessen symptoms of PMS, thyme tea is an excellent choice for women.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is one of the most beloved and widely used of the herbal teas. It’s a naturally calming herb and, along with warm water, makes the ultimate before-bed wind-down. It’s been used as a cure-all for centuries, for everything from anxiety and digestion issues to helping manage and prevent type 2 diabetes.

The quality of your herbal tea has a huge bearing on its effectiveness. We keep a variety of classic brands in stock, like Stash Tea, Tazo Tea, and our own brand of loose leaf teas. Have you tried them yet?

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