Herbal Teas and Their Health Benefits

Herbal teas, despite its name, isn’t a ‘tea’. Real teas are made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Herbal teas are an infusion of dried fruits, flowers, herbs or spices. Due to this reason, they are usually packed with a load of health benefits. Here are the two most popular types of Herbal teas are Chamomile Tea and Peppermint Tea; and their amazing health benefits!

1. Chamomile Tea and Its Health Benefits

This is one of the popular varieties of herbal tea in the market. Derived from the Asteraceae family of plants, it is the chamomile flowers that are dried and used to make the infusion. It has a very subtle flavour; earthy with a tinge of apple and floral sweetness. Owing to its many health benefits, they have been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years.

• Chamomile Tea Relieves Stress and Anxiety

This has to be one of the most popular uses of chamomile tea. Research says a compound named apigenin that is present in the tea, helps increase levels of serotonin, also known as the “happy hormone”. It also simultaneously helps soothe the over-firing of neurotransmitters that cause more anxiety, thereby, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and promoting a better mental well-being.

• Chamomile Tea Improves Sleep Quality and Reduces Insomnia

Chamomile has the ability to act on the same receptor site as sedatives, thus enabling to induce sleep without side effects such as tolerance and dependence. Due to this reason, chamomile tea is usually drunk in the evening or in the night.

• Chamomile Tea Relieves Period Pain

Menstrual cramps can be quite daunting. While there are many painkillers, some of which even contain chamomile extract, it is always best to opt for a more natural pain-reliever. This is where chamomile comes into play. Studies mention that chamomile tea has the ability to reduce the production of prostaglandins, a hormone that is responsible for inflammation and pain. It is also an antispasmodic, thus further contributing to pain relief.

 • Chamomile Tea Promotes Heart Health

The infusion is rich in flavonoids that are beneficial to the heart. These are responsible for reducing blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels.

• Chamomile Tea Helps Control The Blood Sugar Levels

Therefore, it is a great beverage for diabetics as it is known to reduce the many long-term risks and complications of diabetes, thus improving the outcome.

• Chamomile Tea Helps Prevents Premature Ageing

The presence of antioxidants in the infusion are the key ingredients that fight off free radicals caused by UV damage thereby keeping your skin protected from damage and premature ageing.

2. Peppermint Tea and Its Health Benefits

An infusion made of peppermint leaves, this is as refreshing as it sounds and equally delicious. It has a strong mouth-tingling menthol flavour which invigorates the taste buds and is an excellent option to have after meals. It makes a brilliant hot or cold beverage, thus making it an enjoyable drink during any season or time of day.

There are many therapeutic effects associated with it.

• Peppermint Tea Helps Reduces Symptoms of Fever

The menthol in Peppermint Tea causes external sweating and simultaneously is able to cool down the internal body temperature, thus helping to reduce the overall temperature and providing relief. Peppermint tea is also an antispasmodic, thus reduces the urge to vomit, making it a great on the go beverage if you have motion sickness.

• Peppermint Tea Aids in Digestion

The presence of carminative properties in peppermint tea helps to reduce bloating and stomach discomfort.

• Peppermint Tea Increases Your Focus and Concentration

Got deadlines or exams around the corner? Having trouble keeping yourself focused? A cup of peppermint tea might just be the answer. A neuroscience research states that it can, in fact, boost your concentration. Even the scent of peppermint works wonders as it stimulates the hippocampus in the brain; the centre of memory.

• Peppermint Teas Aids in Weight Loss

It has been proven that peppermint is an appetite suppressant. Therefore, a cup after meals will keep you away from over-indulging in the desserts. Additionally, you could also mix it along with green tea to help increase our metabolism.