Herbal tea is often seen as a ‘trendy’ thing to drink, but there is much more to it than that. For one thing, it tastes good, and there are so many different varieties that you can keep experimenting until you find the one your taste buds like the best. For another, these herbal teas are actually incredibly healthy, and different types boast different health benefits.

by Lisamarie Lamb

Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most popular herbal teas around. It is packed full of natural antioxidants, some of which scientists have just developed into a cream to fight skin cancer. It also spends up the liver’s metabolic rate, helping it to function more efficiently, and it can inhibit the formation of blood clots whilst lowering blood pressure. It is definitely worth adding to your daily routine.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is delicious, which is great, but what’s even better is that it’s an excellent detoxifier. Peppermint heats up the body naturally, which releases the toxins through your pores. If you are looking to lose weight, then peppermint tea might be able to help you – it is known to suppress the appetite, so you won’t want to eat as much as you might normally do. It is also fantastic at reducing sinus problems (great for these cold winter days), and stomach upsets.

Chai Tea

Chai tea has been proven to reduce symptoms of stress and make those who drink it less anxious. It is a great tea to drink just before an important exam or job interview, for example, as it clarifies the mind and has a wonderful calming effect.

Dandelion Tea

The liver is an important part of the body; it cleanses, cleans and removes toxins from your blood and without it, we would be in serious trouble. However, what cleans the liver? What ensures that it’s kept in tiptop condition? One way of keeping your liver healthy is to drink dandelion tea, as this will detoxify and refresh. Dandelion tea helps with both constipation and diarrhoea, so it’s a good all-round health drink. Mix it with burdock for a delicious and nostalgic beverage.

Rooibos Tea

Since rooibos tea is high in vitamin C, as well as a number of other antioxidants, it is generally used as an anti-ageing product. It’s much cheaper than going under the knife, and tastes good too! Rooibos tea also improves circulation, settles upset stomachs, relieves skin conditions, and might even be responsible for lowering the chances of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

Ginger Tea

Pregnant women everywhere will attest to the nausea-reducing properties of ginger, so it makes sense that ginger tea does the same thing. If you are feeling sick, or your stomach isn’t quite right, then a cup or ginger tea should get you back on the right track. Ginger tea also boosts the immune system, so if you find yourself often catching colds, drinking this warming beverage may help.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a natural sedative, so it’s the perfect bedtime drink for those who are having trouble sleeping. As an added benefit, it also has the ability to reduce anxiety and promote calm, making sleep even more possible. For the ladies, chamomile tea is a great, all natural, way to ease menstrual cramps too.

Herbal tea; it’s good for what ails you!