Health Benefits of Different Teas and Herbal Infusions
In the East, the medicinal properties of different types of teas and herbal infusions have been known for centuries. In recent years, also scientists in the West have started to show interest in the health benefits of teas and herbal infusions, and studies have been conducted to investigate everything from the potential anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects of teas and infusions to their weight loss promoting and detoxifying properties.
Below, you find a list of some of the healthiest teas and herbal infusions as well as information about their potential health benefits. Also included are links to articles covering the benefits of each drink in detail.
Green Tea
The potential health benefits of green tea have been extensively researched and include weight control, benefits linked to its strong antioxidant properties including cancer prevention, improved cardiovascular health, prevention or alleviation of certain types of allergic reactions, reduced stress levels, improved immune function, and benefits for acne-prone skin.
Thyme Tea
Thyme has been shown to exert inhibitory effects against bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes, which is believed to cause acne, and Helicobacter pylori which cause stomach infections. Some thyme extracts have also been shown to have anti-cancer properties. What's more, according to practitioners of traditional herbal medicine, thyme may help suppress cough. Read Medicinal Uses for Thyme Tea to get the full scoop.
Dandelion Leaf Tea
The potential health benefits of herbal infusions made from dried dandelion leaves range from diuretic, detoxifying and acne-fighting properties to protection against eye diseases and improved cardiovascular health. To learn more, see Health Benefits of Dandelion Leaves.
Nettle Tea
Black and green tea are known for their diuretic effects, but also nettle leaf tea has proven urine-stimulating properties. Diuretic properties aside, nettle tea also has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it has been researched as a potential remedy for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and hay fever. In addition, nettle root tea and capsules are sometimes recommended for older men due to the emerging evidence which suggests that nettle root may help prevent prostate enlargement. To learn more about these and other properties of nettle tea, check out the in-depth article Health Benefits of Nettle Tea.
Guava Leaf Tea
Studies suggest guava leaf extracts have strong antioxidant properties as well as antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that can cause skin infections, respiratory diseases and food poisoning. What's more, one animal study found that guava leaf extract had anti-diabetic activity, suggesting that the Chinese herbalists who have been recommending this exotic tea to people with diabetes may have been onto something. Learn more about the health benefits of guava leaf tea.
Lady's Mantle Tea
In Europe, lady's mantle tea has been used as a natural remedy for menstrual cramps and sore throats, while in the Middle East, this antioxidant-rich herbal infusion has been used to promote weight loss and to reduce inflammation and gastrointestinal pain. In recent years, also the scientific community has shown interest in the potential health benefits of lady's mantle tea.
Blackberry Leaf Tea
In herbal medicine, this caffeine-free infusion has been used to treat everything from high blood pressure to nervous disorders. In laboratory studies, blackberry leaf extracts have been shown to have anti-cancer properties, antibacterial activity against bacteria that cause oral health problems, and inhibitory effects on enzymes that break down collagen which helps keep your skin firm and elastic. Learn more about these and other potential health benefits of blackberry leaf tea.
Raspberry Leaf Tea
In folk medicine, raspberry leaf tea has been used to treat everything from menstrual cramps, heavy periods and fertility problems to diarrhea, fever and bleeding gums. This caffeine-free herbal infusion has also developed a reputation as a uterine relaxant, and in some parts of the world, pregnant women drink it regularly towards the end of their pregnancies in the hope that it will shorten their labor. In recent years, also scientists have begun to show interest in the potential health benefits of raspberry leaf tea, and research now suggests that there may be some truth to some of the claims made about medicinal properties of this extraordinary drink.
Wild Strawberry Leaf Tea
Wild strawberry leaf extract has strong antioxidant properties. It also contains compounds that help dilate blood vessels, which in turn might help reduce blood pressure. In addition, studies have shown that wild strawberry leaves are a good source of ellagic acid (a compound with anti-cancer potential) and tannins (polyphenols that have been used to treat diarrhea). For details, see Benefits of Wild Strawberry Leaf Tea.
Pomegranate Tea
Real pomegranate tea is made from dried and crushed pomegranate flowers or dried pomegranate arils, and studies show that both the flowers and the arils (the juice-encased seeds) are loaded with antioxidants. In fact, one pomegranate vs green tea study found that pomegranate juice had even stronger antioxidant activity than green tea! Thanks to its antioxidant and other properties, pomegranate tea has been touted as a potentially useful adjunct in the treatment of diabetes, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. See Health Benefits of Pomegranate Tea to get the full scoop.
Buckwheat Tea
Buckwheat kernel tea, or soba-cha, is a good source of rutin, an antioxidant that has been credited with a number of health benefits, including improved blood flow and prevention of varicose veins and leg edema. Rutin may also help improve certain metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance and pre-diabetes. To learn more, see Health Benefits of Buckwheat Tea.
Moringa Tea
Made by steeping the dried leaves of the Moringa oleifera tree or dissolving some moringa powder in hot water, moringa tea has a "green" and earthy taste, similar to that of nettle tea. Moringa tea is famous for its potential weight loss benefits, but moringa leaves and moringa tea may also have other health-boosting properties. The potential health benefits of moringa include anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, protection against cancer, and anti-diabetic properties.
Book You May Like
Looking for a well-researched guide on medicinal herbs from qualified botanical and medical experts? This compelling book published by National Geographic provides invaluable information about the health benefits of 72 of the world's most common and powerful medicinal herbs, covering both information about their traditional medicinal uses and findings of modern scientific studies. Available from Amazon.Don't Miss This
Health Benefits of Different BerriesAn A-to-Z list of healthy berries, including information about the health benefits of each berry.
