Herbal teas are known for his or her soothing and comforting qualities, in addition to their potential healing properties. Dietary Therapist Cara Shaw shares her guide to healing with herbal tea
Herbal teas have been used for hundreds of years for his or her potential healing properties and therapeutic advantages.
They may be a very important a part of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing and the advantages they provide are depending on the particular phytonutrients inside the mix.
Many herbal teas are known for his or her soothing and comforting qualities, providing digestive relief from bloating, or indigestion.
An extra bonus is that many can be used to assist reduce stress and anxiety; and promote rest and deep sleep.
many can be used to assist reduce stress and anxiety
There are even herbal teas which contain wonderful antioxidants, to assist support your immunity, particularly useful for the up-and-coming winter months.
On the subject of healing with herbal tea, the choices are infinite, but listed below are a few of my top picks…
Digestion
Herbal teas can support digestion through various mechanisms. Certain herbs contain specific compounds which may soothe digestive discomfort and support the health of the digestive tract.
Herbs like peppermint and chamomile, contain compounds that may calm down the gastrointestinal tract, helping to ease digestive discomfort and bloating, which may be commonly seen in cases of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
IBS has a powerful link with the gut-brain axis and may often be triggered by stressful times, so I at all times recommend using combined herbs inside a tea mix to support gut function.
Herbs like peppermint and chamomile, contain compounds that may calm down the gastrointestinal trac
I highly recommend Soul Soother (£26.99) from artisan tea brand, JP’s Originals. A part of their CBD Trinity, this refreshing cleansing tea comprises spearmint to assist ease digestive function and support anxiety and stress by helping to retain a neurotransmitter generally known as GABA; plus comprises green tea, rose petals and CBD to assist reduce inflammation.
Herbal teas may also offer relief from constipation. Teas containing ginger might help with peristalsis (the wave-like movement of gear inside the digestive system), which may increase bowel motility and help to control conditions like constipation.
Stress
If you happen to’re feeling stressed, many herbal teas might help to make you’re feeling calmer and more centred – even the physical act of brewing tea may be relaxing.
Many herbal teas, akin to chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm, have calming properties that might help calm down the mind and body. These herbs contain compounds that interact with the nervous system to scale back feelings of tension and stress.
Chamomile specifically has anxiolytic properties and is especially useful for anxiety and disrupted sleep.
Immunity
Lots of the herbs utilized in herbal teas, akin to green tea, echinacea, and elderberry, are wealthy in antioxidants. Antioxidants might help to neutralise harmful free radicals within the body, reducing oxidative stress and supporting overall health, including the immune system.
Antioxidants might help to neutralise harmful free radicals within the body
As well as, some herbs (i.e. echinacea, elderberry, and liquorice root) have antiviral and antimicrobial properties which may aid the body in an immune response.
It can be crucial to notice that while herbal teas can contribute to immune health, they shouldn’t be relied upon as the only real approach to immune support.
Skin Health
A number of the herbs steadily utilized in herbal teas, akin to green tea, rooibos, and hibiscus, are wealthy in antioxidants. These antioxidants help combat free radicals within the body, which may cause oxidative stress and damage to skin cells.
By reducing oxidative stress, antioxidants may promote healthier, more youthful-looking skin. As well as, herbs like nettle act as a diuretic and might help support the urinary excretion of poisons, which is a key a part of detoxing within the body.
antioxidants may promote healthier, more youthful-looking skin
Nettle can be a natural antihistamine, and its uses can support conditions like pimples, calming irritation and reducing redness.
It’s also essential to take care of a skincare routine that features gentle cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection to enhance the results of herbal teas.
Anti-inflammatory
Herbal teas can have anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of bioactive compounds present in certain herbs.
Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps the body fight off infections and heal injuries, but chronic inflammation is related to various health problems and chronic diseases.
Green tea is an awesome anti-inflammatory tea, attributable to wealthy amounts of polyphenolic compounds, especially catechins. Catechins are powerful antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals within the body, which may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
It’s essential to notice that the effectiveness of green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties can vary amongst individuals and will rely upon aspects akin to the quantity of green tea consumed, the standard, its preparation method, and a person’s overall weight-reduction plan and lifestyle.
Green tea is an awesome anti-inflammatory tea, attributable to wealthy amounts of polyphenolic compounds
To maximise the potential anti-inflammatory advantages of green tea, it’s advisable to decide on high-quality green tea leaves or bags, brew it properly to extract the catechins, and devour it commonly as a part of a balanced weight-reduction plan.
For a superior quality green tea, I like to recommend Glorious Green (£16.99) from JP’s Originals. It’s constructed from the best quality natural ingredients and is available in plastic-free biodegradable pyramid bags. Brew it in a tea pot for 5-7 minutes to preserve the volatile oils.
Please note that some herbs are contraindicated with medications. Please at all times seek the advice of with a dietary therapist for advice.