Herbal Tea

Herbal tea is made from an infusion of the leaves of herbal plants, other than the leaves of the tea plant. Herbal tea is also called tisane or ptisan.

Some of the most popular and commonly used varieties of herbal tea include anise tea, roasted barley tea, artichoke tea, catnip tea, cannabis tea, dill tea, ginseng tea, hibiscus tea, licorice tea, spruce tea, rosemary tea, sage tea, nettle leaf tea, and pine tea.

Herbal tea is known for its medicinal benefits, some of which include:

• Most of the varieties of herbal tea are potent stimulants. These teas stimulate the physiological and psychological systems of the body, thereby increasing the efficiency and functionality of all the systems of the body.
• Herbal teas are powerful sedatives. They help to induce sedation by reducing excitement and anxiety.
• Herbal teas are also known for their muscle relaxant properties. They can help the muscles to relax and alleviate muscular problems like pain and spasms.
• Herbal teas are rich in anti-oxidants.

As such, they negate the effects of harmful free radicals which are formed as a result of chain reactions in the body. This property of herbal teas prevents the formation of some of forms of malign cancerous cells in the body.
• Herbal teas also reduce the pace of biological degradation or ageing of the body.
• Some forms of herbal tea, including the raspberry leaf tea, can be used as a mouthwash to relieve bad breath and kill off the microbes in the mouth, on account of its astringent properties.
• Herbal teas like chamomile tea and lavender flower tea help soothe the body and are very effective in relieving insomnia.
• Certain herbal teas help in relieving cold and flu. Peppermint tea in combination with elderflower tea is particularly helpful in treating colds and coughs. Also, these herbal teas help in relieving nausea, indigestion, and flatulence.
• Herbal teas also help in reducing stress and depression. Lime flower tea is a potent stress reliever and has a mild tranquillizing effect on the mind.

As you can see, herbal teas have numerous benefits on the body and mind. However, some herbal teas can also be dangerous, comfrey tea and lobelia tea being some prominent examples. These teas may cause liver damage and also impart the harmful effects of nicotine. Therefore, it is a good idea to consult a herbal tea expert before you start experimenting with exotic herbal teas. If you suffer from any preexisting medical conditions, you should consult your doctor before trying a new herbal tea.

Submitted on January 16, 2014