Herbal Teas and why they are a boon

Herbal Tea- for a Healthier and Happier Life

In place of herbal tea, let us first talk about the tea we all love. The kimat of ek cup chai for hum Hindustani is priceless. Nothing, but nothing can hit the spot the way tea does. Let the British have their Earl Greys and the Americans, their coffee beans. For us Indians, our masala cut chai is what soothes our temperamental souls. If there is one thing we Indians embraced happily from the firangis, it is tea- after the saheb’s angrezi of course! We not only accepted it, but we also perfected it. Some crazed genius in some hidey-hole of a kitchen once whipped up this delicious concoction of milk, spices, sugar and tea leaves and lo behold, the elixir of life was born in a cup!

Tea: Elixir of Life!

But times are a-changing. The new, modern and more daring generation of Indians want to explore more tastes and see more sights. We do love that amazing glass of tea from that chai wallah at the side of the road but except for giving us a momentary boost of happiness it does not really do much for us (sorry to burst your bubble but it is not really a secret, is it?) Now, if we talk of herbal tea then we have something going for us there.

What are Herbal Teas?

Herbal tea or as is less popularly known, tisane, is nothing but a delicious, aromatic concoction of dried flowers, herbs, and spices. Such a flavorsome brew is known to have beneficial properties for your body, mind, and soul. Yes, people, herbal teas have the whole package! We have compiled a list of some of the teas that people all over the world are going gaga over, and since eons at that.

Let us go down the rabbit hole and find out what was served at the Mad Hatter’s tea party.

Say hi to Chamomile

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a pretty little daisy-like flower whose petals are dried and steeped in warm water. Research is still on as far as the efficacy of this flower is concerned; however, studies so far have shown a lot of promise.

The benefits of chamomile:

Menstrual Pain

A study showed that consumption of chamomile tea can reduce menstrual cramps and the anxiety and severity of the pain experienced during periods.

Acts as a relaxant

Having sleep issues? Who are we kidding, who doesn’t? Well, studies cast chamomile in a brighter light for its anti-anxiety and sleep-inducing properties. It calms you down and helps you sleep.

Maintains blood sugar

Chamomile may NOT be a substitute for diabetic medication but it has helped in lowering blood sugar levels of diabetics in some cases.

However a word of caution, chamomile should be avoided by children, pregnant women and people susceptible to allergic reactions.

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus Tea

Best taken cold, the tisane made with hibiscus flowers has a refreshing and tart taste. The beautiful color that seeps into the water makes for a delicious-looking treat. Hibiscus has much to offer.

Blood Lipid Level

Quite a few studies have tried to find the effect of hibiscus tea on blood lipid level and found it effective.

High Blood Pressure

Herbal tea made of hibiscus flowers have shown to have a positive effect on maintaining blood pressure.

However, hibiscus interferes with aspirin, thus try and keep a gap of three-four hours between them. Hibiscus should also be avoided by people taking the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide as they can interact with each other.

Fennel Tea

Saunf or Fennel

Fennel tea is shown to have health benefits for people who have flatulence. It also aids in improving metabolism, improves eyesight, aids in weight loss, regulates appetite and helps in digestion.

Peppermint Tea

Leaves of Peppermint

Peppermint tea can be easily brewed in your kitchen with a few mint leaves and hot water. Tisanes are best drunk when the herbs and flowers are allowed to steep in hot water. Try to avoid boiling them.

Peppermint is an age-old remedy for digestive issues and flatulence. However, it also helps with weight loss, reducing stress, cold and cough, boosts immunity and improves overall health.

Ginger Tea

Ginger Tea

Adding ginger to our regular Indian chai adds more flavor to it, especially during winters but ginger tea in itself can help a lot, too. Ginger tea is known to aid in digestion and help reduce inflammation. It also helps in weight loss by improving metabolism. Ginger soothes menstrual cramps and strengthens the immune system too.

Green Tea

Green Tea

We were saving the best for last. Who doesn’t know about green tea? In fact, it was this delicious and aromatic brew that kick-started the whole herbal tea revolution.

Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants which help in reducing the visible signs of aging. Polyphenols found in green tea help boost the immune system. This famous tisane is also known to aid in weight loss especially the stubborn stomach fat. Some studies have also shown that green tea helps in improving brain function.

So what are you waiting for? The market is flooded with herbal teas as our retailers do know a lucrative business when they see one. Either buy a box or try brewing some in your own kitchen. Sit back and let the magic of herbal teas flow!