Tea ingredients and their benefits
Blackcurrant tea
It is rich in tannins. These are substances that can tighten mucous membranes in the intestinal tract. They have been long used as a treatment of diarrhoea.
Recipe: boil one or two spoons of frozen blackberries or dried blackberry leaves in one and a half cups of water for ten minutes. Then strain and drink several cups a day. If you decide to buy blackberry tea, make sure it contains blackberry leaves, not just flavouring.
Camomile
Camomile is a pretty, daisy-like flower which creates a delicate golden infusion with a slightly sweet, floral taste. A perfect, smooth-tasting flavour to help you wind down at the end of a long day.
Fennel tea
This tea or infusion can reduce bloating, bronchitis, constipation, cough, cramps and gas.
Ginger
As ginger helps the body to fight excess inflammation and acts as an antioxidant it can help alleviate:
Morning sickness;
Motion sickness;
Nausea caused by chemotherapy;
It also may :
Help with cold or sore throat when made in a tea.
Prompt the body to release enzymes that help break down food;
Sip ginger tea or grate raw ginger root, add honey and lemon.
Hibiscus.
It:
Contains Vitamin C;
It has minerals that contribute to overall well-being;
Is ich in antioxidants
May help lower blood pressure;
May improve heart health;
However, moderated intake is essential, as excessive consumption can cause possible side effects like:
Dizziness; This is especially true for people with
Drowsiness; low blood pressure, or who takes blood
Weakness; pressure medication;
Also, excessive intake of Hibiscus can lead to:
Constipation;
Gas;
Upset stomach;
Lavender tea
Drinking lavender tea provides double the benefits since you are inhaling the scent and getting the medical components of the plant.
Passion flower.
Passion flowers are enjoyed for their beauty as they are exotic-looking plants with bright purple flowers. They are wildly grown and traditionally used to support normal sleep.
Liquorice/Licorice
Liquorice serves a medical purpose - sore-throat relief.
Interestingly liquorice root, Glycyrrhizin, tastes sweeter than sugar despite having a zero glycaemic index.
But everyone needs to be aware that people suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure 140/90 mmHg or higher) should avoid excessive consumption of Liquorice (British English) or licorice (American English).
Peppermint tea
It is typically not tea but treated as such. Its herbal infusions are made from mint plants. As it does not contain caffeine it is ideal to unwind with or to drink after dinner to promote digestion. Additionally, peppermint is a bright and uplifting herb that is much loved due to its invigorating and refreshing taste.
Rooibos
It is grown only in South Africa and is naturally free from caffeine. The study of traditional knowledge that was commissioned by the South African government in 2014 approved that the thin, needle-like rooibos leaves are:
1) High in antioxidants; 2) Caffeine free;
The plant can relieve:
1) Allergic symptoms; 2) Help heal damaged skin;
3) Provide an energy boost;
Thyme tea
It says that Thyme is a natural expectorant that relaxes the respiratory tract and loosens mucus.
Studies have found that using thyme in combination with primrose or ivy relieves the frequency and duration of coughs.
Also, it helps:
1) Blood pressure; 4) Indigestion;
2) Boost water lass: 5) Stimulate appetite;
3) Colic in infants;
Recipe: Place two tablespoons of fresh thyme (or one tablespoon of dried) in a cup of hot water to make thyme tea. Allow it to steep, then drain out the herb and honey to taste.