The Benefits of Drinking Tea

Many people are aware of the benefits of drinking tea, but might not realize the full extent of those benefits. Tea has a gradual, naturally medicating effect on the body and is less stressful than synthetic drugs. The medical benefits of tea might be greater than pharmaceuticals, while causing fewer side effects.

Herbs have long been used for their healing and medicating properties and steeping them in hot water is the most effective way of breaking down their cell walls, releasing their therapeutic components. Tea bags are typically steeped for 3-5 minutes, but some require steeping for up to 10 minutes. Be sure to read the directions that come with your particular blend to ensure the greatest benefit from your tea.

Black and Red Tea

Tea is available in a wide variety and aside from any specific conditions you wish to treat, you should experiment to determine which is most pleasing to your palette. Black or red teas often have the most potent flavor and are a good option if you are trying to replace coffee. These varieties of tea are believed to lower cholesterol, relieve diarrhea and help respiratory function. Research has shown that drinking two cups of black tea every day for three weeks opens capillaries and prevents heart disease. The trace amounts of fluoride in black tea prevent tooth decay, making it a healthy replacement for sugary sodas and juices.

Green Tea

Green tea, which in recent years has increased in popularity, may be the tea that most people think of when considering healthy tea. Green tea has been shown to fight cancer, lessen the symptoms of arthritis, lower high cholesterol, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and help with impaired immune function. Some people prefer the taste of green tea over black or red tea because it is somewhat milder.

White Tea

If taste is what you are struggling with when it comes to drinking tea, white tea might be the right option for you. In addition to its pleasing taste, the health benefits of white tea are staggering. White tea is very high in antioxidants, which connect to the disease-causing free radicals that enter our systems and flush them out. White tea contains flavonoids, one of the most powerful antioxidants, helping to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. White tea has also been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, boost healthy teeth and gums, and reduce stress.

Herbal Tea

Consider herbal tea if you are trying to treat specific ailments. Peppermint tea is one of the most soothing teas one can drink. If you are planning to grow your own peppermint for tea, be sure to choose true peppermint, or Mentha piperita, because it has the highest number of active agents. The green leaves of this plant help prevent convulsions and flatulence. Those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome will find that sipping a cup of peppermint tea before or after a meal will ease their symptoms. Peppermint tea can also alleviate headaches, counteract motion sickness, and freshen breath. Peppermint tea is not safe for small children or infants due to its menthol content, so choose another option if your child is battling a tummy ache.

Chamomile tea has long been a popular choice for relaxation and general well-being. The medicinal use of chamomile dates back as far as the Romans who relied on its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. This tea is safe for children and adults and can be used on the regular basis. Prepare tea with chamomile form your garden by placing the flowers from the plant directly into boiling water and steep for no more than five minutes. Chamomile tea alleviates  insomnia, stomach aches, sore throats and cramps. Chamomile tea can also be used in healing compresses to reduce eye pain or it can be added to bathwater for a relaxing soak.

Raspberry leaf tea is one of the best choices for new tea drinkers. To make raspberry leaf tea, steep the leaves in cold water for a few hours and then boiled for 10 minutes before straining. You should drink up to three large mugs per day to take advantage of the healing properties in the tea. It is helpful for alleviating intestinal problems and menstrual complaints. The tannins in raspberry leaf tea have an astringent effect, giving the tea anti-inflammatory capabilities. It is also helpful for stopping bleeding and contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C. Blending the leaves with elder, chamomile, and linden flowers creates a tea that helps strengthen the bladder muscles. Raspberry tea is also a safe solution for helping a child deal with bed wetting. Just be sure to serve the tea early in the evening, so as not to counteract the benefits!

The health benefits of therapeutic teas are numerous. It hydrates the body, and can be blended to create specific mixes for treating a variety of health issues. Its preventative properties are also staggering and working tea into your daily nutrition intake is a wise decision. Find a tea blend that satisfies your taste buds and targets your specific health concerns, and get to steeping and sipping as soon as possible!