Five Healthy Teas - I recommend
Tea: the drink that soothes the soul! I still recall my mother ‘I’ll put the kettle on’, to comfort my woes. This weekend there has been many a time for tea.
It has been a loved drink for centuries and not just the breakfast tea with a side of milk that us British are famous for, but herbal varieties. It is not without good reason, as medical studies have shown teas may boost your immune system, fight inflammation (the contributing factor for most disease), help prevent cancers and heart disease. So prepare to put the kettle on for these healthiest teas!
1—Green Tea
Known to have a required taste (I drink mine with a slice of lemon), this is the king of teas! A medical review by Sabu Chacko (one of many), have linked the regular consumption of green tea for:
cancer prevention
fighting heart disease
lowering blood pressure
anti inflammatory treatment
weight loss
lowering cholesterol
Well worth a cup a day!
2—Ginger Tea
Fresh root ginger is easy available on our supermarket shelves, I like mine with fresh lemon, dash of cayenne pepper and honey for some added heat and health benefits but you can use a bag as well.
It has been known since ancient times for its healing effects for digestion. Studies show that ginger naturally combats sickness, making it a go-to remedy if you’re dealing with morning sickness, travel sickness or nausea generally.
Ginger also offers digestion benefits by helping your body move food from your stomach to continue its digestive tract journey. Speeding up that process works to calm indigestion and ease stomach distress. So if you suffer from IBS or bloating and stomach sensitivity this would be a great tea option for you.
3—Mullen Tea
I was first told about this via my aunt in Ireland when covid broke out and it actually got rid of my covid cough. Since then I researched the tea and its benefits. I could not believe I hadn’t heard of it before, although now its proving harder to get as stock is low. Anti-inflammatory powers in mullen tea can help loosen airways tightened by conditions such as asthma. Drinking this tea is a way to keep the air flowing.
As an added benefit, it can also help clear congestion by loosening mucus.
4—Mint Tea
Favourite tea after a meal: fresh leaves doused in near boiling water! Not only does it help digestion and clear the palette: menthol packs quite the punch when it comes to fighting a cold — and mint tea is packed with menthol, another tea to boost our immunity!
Mint tea works well to relax sore throat muscles, relieve nasal congestion and even reduce a temperature. It’s also loaded with antibacterial and antiviral properties to give you a healthy boost.
5—Chamomile Tea
This was what I had a reputation for in hospitality, as everyone drank coffee I was on the chamomile tea and I will tell you why, it kept me CALM! When its crazy hectic around you, this cup of stillness relaxes you into the moment and allows you to catch your breath.
The daisy-like chamomile plant contains apigenin, an antioxidant compound. Apigenin attaches itself to receptors in your brain and works to reduce anxiety, building a peaceful calm. “Chamomile basically acts as a mild tranquilizer,” says Dr Czerwony. So a great option to drink before bed.
These teas are all great options for their health benefits and I often offer them to my boys too, sugar free alternatives that can help feed their minds and bodies with what they need at that moment in time to support them.