The Health Benefits of Herbal Teas

For thousands of years, tea has been considered the key to good health and mental wellbeing. Advancements in modern science, has allowed researchers to find supporting evidence for the traditional uses of herbal teas in the East. Studies have shown that some herbal teas can encourage weight loss, lower cholesterol, protect against certain types of cancer and bring about mental alertness.

Green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea and pu-erh tea are all derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant. The shrub, native to China and India, contains antioxidants called flavonoids. Antioxidants can prevent and reduce the number of damaged cells in the body, typically caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules, produced when the body is exposed to harmful ultraviolet rays, X-rays or gamma rays from radioactive materials. They can also occur from breathing in cigarette smoke, car exhausts and industrial fumes. Free radicals are theorised to contribute to cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. They may also have a link to aging, which is a gradual accumulation of free-radical damage on the body.

Herbal teas are generally made from dried fruits, flowers, spices or herbs. Processed teas such as Oolong and Black teas are oxidized or fermented so they contain fewer flavonoids than other herbal teas. However, their antioxidizing power is still high.

Below we’ve listed 6 herbal teas and their potential health benefits.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is most commonly known for its calming effects. Dried chamomile flowers are derived from the Asteraceae family of plants and are used for various herbal and natural remedies. Chamomile tea has been praised for its numerous health benefits and the presence of flavonoids, sesquiterpenes and other powerful antioxidants. Chamomile tea is said to protect the skin, lower stress levels, regulate sleep and soothe menstrual cramps. It is also believed to boost the immune system, treat gastrointestinal issues and reduce belly bloating.

Chamomile tea is frequently used as a sleeping aid. According to research, drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed can help you fall asleep faster. Chamomile contains tryptophan which is an amino acid known for its calming effects. The properties act as a relaxant in our bodies and help to induce sleep. Regular sleep is linked to lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

In one study of 80 postpartum women, drinking chamomile tea for two weeks led to fewer symptoms of depression and improved sleep quality. Chamomile tea is often used in the treatment of stress and anxiety. The soothing effect of Chamomile Tea can increase serotonin and melatonin levels and help eradicate stress and worry. It also provides relief for migraines and headaches.

SUMMARY:

Chamomile is well known for its calming properties, and preliminary evidence supports this. It is believed to boost premenstrual symptoms, regulate sleep, lower stress levels and boost the immune system.

Reference: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/chamomile-tea-benefits-uses.html

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is one of the most widely consumed herbal teas. Although peppermint is typically consumed for digestion, it has significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities as well as strong antioxidant, anticancer actions and antiallergenic properties.

Peppermint tea is brewed from plant leaves and the essential oil of peppermint. The leaves include rosmarinic acid and several flavonoids including eriocitrin, luteolin and hesperidin. The main components of peppermint oil are menthol and menthone. Peppermint tea helps ease digestion by encouraging bile flow. Peppermint can also reduce pain and discomfort from gas and bloating and support healthy cholesterol levels.

Human studies on the effect of peppermint leaves are limited and are based on animal model studies. Most of these effects have not been studied on humans, so it’s not possible to know if they might lead to the proposed health benefits. However, several studies have confirmed peppermint’s beneficial effects on the digestive tract.

SUMMARY:

Peppermint tea supports healthy cholesterol levels, relieves pain and discomfort from gas and bloating and helps ease digestion by encouraging bile flow. It contains strong antimicrobial and antiviral activities as well as antixoidant and anticancer actions.

Ginger Tea

The use of ginger as a natural remedy dates back thousands of years. However, modern science has only recently accumulated enough evidence to support its health-promoting properties. Research shows that ginger contains compounds like gingerol, shogaol, paradol and zingerone. Gingerol is believed to contain the most beneficial effects. The compounds can help fight free radicals, reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Ginger tea is best known for being an effective remedy for nausea and has been used to treat motion sickness and morning sickness for centuries. Several studies have found that ginger can help relieve period pain and offer health benefits for people with diabetes. Ginger can relieve nausea, boost brain health, enhance weight loss and control blood sugar levels.

Ginger stimulates circulation to relive rheumatic aches and pains. In one study, published by Arthiritis and Rheumatism, ginger extract significantly reduced knee pain caused by osteoarthiritis. Further research by Georgia College found that ginger decreased exercise-induced muscle pain. Some research has found that, ginger root could help protect against Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease as it has powerful inflammation properties.

SUMMARY:

Ginger root reduces inflammation, stimulates the immune system and relives rheumatic aches and pains. Ginger is also an effective remedy for nausea and menstural pain.

Reference: https://draxe.com/ginger-tea-benefits/

Lemon Tea

Lemon tea is a healthy alternative to various carbonated drinks and coffee. It contains black tea and lemon juice which contains strong antioxidant properties. The presence of polyphenol antioxidants in tea can help protect healthy cells against damage and prevent the growth of cancerous cells. Lemons contain compounds called limonoids which can help fight against mouth, lung, breast, stomach and colon cancers.

Lemon is nature’s natural antiseptic. It contains anti-bacterial and antiviral properties. It is an excellent detoxifier and helps cleanse the body by removing toxins from the system to prevent diseases and infections. In terms of psychological benefits, Lemon tea can remove the toxins that trigger various mental health illnesses. Lemon tea is also great for headaches, low vitality, lethargy and fatigue. In case of cold or flu, lemon tea is helpful in relieving a sore throat and boosting your immune system to fight off the infection.

According to the Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, lemon tea contains flavonoids that can reduce lipids and inflammation to prevent blood clots in the arteries. It provides protection against heart disease. Tea can interfere with the absorption of iron by your body. However, Lemon tea contains vitamin c which can increase the non-heme iron absorption. Adding Lemon juice to tea can counteract the adverse effects.

SUMMARY:

Lemon tea cleanses the body and removes toxins thought to trigger various mental illnesses. It relives a sore throat and can protect against heart disease by preventing blood clots in the arteries.

Reference: https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-lemon-tea/#gref

Black Tea

Black tea is stronger in flavour and contains more caffeine than other herbal teas. Incorporating black tea into your diet is an easy to way to increase the level of antioxidants in your body which can potentially reduce the risk of diseases.

Black tea plays an important role in maintaining a healthy gut. The bacteria in your gut may help reduce the risk of inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and even certain types of cancer. The polyphenols in black tea will promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut and prevent the growth of bad bacteria such as Salmonella. Black tea contains antimicrobial properties to improve a healthy gut by repairing the lining of the digestive tract.

Black tea contains caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine which has been found to improve focus. The amino acid increases alpha wave brain activity. Studies have found that beverages containing the amino acid L-theanine and caffeine have a greater impact on improving alertness.

Black tea may lower sugar levels which have been found to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and depression. The pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin when your body consumes sugar. The hormone carries the sugar to the muscles to be transferred to energy. If you consume more sugar than your body needs, the extra sugar gets stored as fat. Researchers concluded from one study that several compounds in tea increased insulin activity.

SUMMARY:

Black tea may lower blood sugar levels and improve focus. Studies have also found that it may reduce the risk of inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and even certain types of cancer.

Referece: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-tea-benefits#section11

Green Tea

Green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine which can increase the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA to improve brain function. Green tea increases dopamine levels and the production of alpha waves in the brain. Many people have reported experiencing more energy when drinking green tea than compared to coffee.

Green tea contains bioactive compounds which contain large amounts of important nutrients such as polyphenols and a catechin called EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate). EGCG is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea and may be the reason why green tea has such powerful medicinal properties. Studies have been conducted involving the consumption of EGCG to treat various diseases. The catechin can also have various effects on neurons in the brain, potentially lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

SUMMARY:

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and nutrients known to improve brain function, lower the risk of certain types of cancer and stimulate weight loss.

Reference: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea#section1

Apple and Cinnamon Tea

Apple and Cinnamon are naturally warming flavours. It is one of the most pleasant, woodsy, sweet flavours in our collection. Known for their individual health effects, when combined with the rich-antioxidant tea, the potential health benefits increase dramatically. Drinking apple and cinnamon tea is a great way to improve overall health.

To understand the overall benefit of this tea, you need to consider all the ingredients. Apple and Cinnamon tea is made with apple peels, cinnamon and brewing tea. Tea is rich in polyphenolic compounds and other antioxidants. Apple peels contain natural antioxidant compounds and calcium, potassium and vitamin C. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde and other water-soluble nutrients that will be infused into the tea.

Research into the effects of Apple and Cinnamon Tea has found that the compounds regulate blood sugar, balance cholesterol levels, increase weight loss and digestion. Cinnamon has been directly linked to lowering blood sugar and regulating insulin levels. Both apple and cinnamon are known to reduce triglyceride levels in the body and lower cholesterol levels. Apple peels contain compounds that speed up the metabolism of cholesterol.

SUMMARY:

Apple and Cinnamon tea contains compounds that can regulate blood sugar, balance cholesterol levels, increase weight loss and aid digestion.

Reference: https://www.organicfacts.net/apple-cinnamon-tea.html

Conclusion

At Redbows we offer a range of Herbal Teas available fully personalised with your imprint or logo, from the Redbows Tea Bags and Sachets Collection. All our products are available branded with your imprint or logo on the envelope, sachet or box. We offer Green Tea, Fruit Tea, Peppermint Tea, Chamomile Tea, Apple and Cinnamon, Lemon and Ginger Tea and Standard Black Tea.

Tea Bags and Drinks Sachets are perfect for sending out to clients, especially in the autumn and winter months. Check out our fun ideas list below to help get you started planning your next campaign.