Health Benefits of Herbal Tea, Uses And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Aug 26, 2020
Nowadays, despite preferring a regular tea with sugar and milk, people are often seen sipping on herbal tea, because it is far more beneficial for the body than the regular tea. Also, as it has several varieties, the choice of flavors is never limited for a person. According the taste he or she likes, or the nutrition he or she is willing to get, they can choose one flavor or expand their horizon.
Some of the most popular herbal teas are, Chamomile Tea, Ginger Tea, Cinnamon Tea, Dandelion Tea, Echinacea Tea, Fennel Tea, Ginseng Tea, and Gingko Tea. All these can help you relieve certain body ailments, such as, battling sluggish digestion, easing arthritis pain, and enjoying a sound sleep.
Herbal Tea
Herbal Tea comes under the list of beverages with aroma, taste, and healing properties. In00 ancient times, herbal tea was coined Tisane, which is derived from the Greek word ptisane that means crushed barley. However, when we move towards China, they call it Liang Cha, which means Cooling Tea. According to Chinese people, herbal teas are meant to provide a cooling effect on the body by balancing body temperature. When people fall sick, they usually consume herbal tea to heal.
The benefits of consuming herbal tea include relaxing the body, cooling the body temperature, easing the bad stomach, and reducing the fluid retention in the body. Herbal tea is cooked by adding different plants in water, which can be served hot and cold, depending upon the users preference.
Nutritional Value of Herbal Tea
No matter which herbal tea you are sipping on, it has a huge nutritional value. As said earlier, herbal teas come loaded with nutritional value. as The criteria for the nutritional value is 1 mug of an herbal tea, which is approximately 8 fl Oz or can say 100 g. Its nutrional value is defined below.
Nutritional Value:
List of nutritional content in 100g or an herbal tea-
- It has a saturated fat up to 0.005g which is nearly 0%.
- It has monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat up to 0.012g and 0.002g.
- The cholesterol level in herbal tea is 0mg which is 0%.
- Sodium and Potassium found in herbal tea are also in very small quantity, which is roughly up to 2mg and 21mg, respectively.
- Herbal tea does not contain dietary fiber and sugars.
- It contains Vitamins A and C.
Nutritional facts Per 100 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Herbal Tea
Herbal tea for cough and cold
Cough and cold is a common issue, and you can healt it by drinking herbal tea made of ‘elder tree.’ It reduces the decongestion in the nasal cavity, reduces throat soarness, and cures cold & cough. Other herbal teas which are good for cold & cough are Clove Tea, Ginger Tea, and Licorice Tea.
Herbal tea to fight against infection
If there is an early stage infection, then Ginger Herbal tea is good to consume. A study conducted in 2013 indicates that ginger has anti-fungal qualities, and it can fight against infections mainly yeast infection.
Another study shows that ginger herbal tea also has anti-microbial potential and hence, any infection due to microbial growth can also be reduced by sipping on ginger herbal tea.Herbal Tea boost iron in the body
Both men and women need iron to manufacture red blood cells (RBC) to maintain adequate hemoglobin level. So, as herbal teas contain a good amount of calcium, iron, silica, essential minerals in the body, these are the best to boost mineral deficiency.
A regular cup of Nettle Tea (Iron content is maximized) is good for healthy bones, teeth, nail, and hair.
Herbal Tea showing anti-inflammatory effects
Herbal tea for good sleep
People who suffer from insomnia can easily go to sleep by sipping on a hot cup of Chamomile tea a few minutes before their bed time. As this herbal tea contains Tryptophan, a type of amino acid that relaxes the body and makes it fall asleep. However, Chamolie tea is effective in mild insomnia.
Herbal Tea Rejuvenate tissue cells
Herbal Tea is a boon for cell rejuvenation and growth. It makes the tissues of the body stronger and as it is rich in anti-oxidant properties, it prevents cell damage; be it due to pollution or effect of free radicals. It is even said that herbal tea is good for lowering the aging process.
Herbal tea for soothing stomach issues
Due to poor eating habits and poor food quality, often our stomach gets upset. However, there are several herbal teas that are known for their stomach soothing properties. Herbal tea like Fennel Tea helps in relieving stomachache, flatulence, colic, and constipation. It also promotes better digestion of food, and reduces gastric problems.
Herbal tea promotes flawless skin
Regular use of herbal tea helps detoxify the body and cleane it from inside. This cleansing property, thus, helps in getting flawless and supple skin. The daily use of herbal tea promotes acne-free skin, curing psoriasis, preventing eczema, reducing pimples, redness, swelling and oxidative damage. Spearmint Tea, Green Teas, and Chamomile Tea are best known for such remarkable properties.
Herbal Tea maintain proper kidney health
As herbal teas are known to detoxify the body, they flush out the toxins and promote good health. Marshmallow Tea, Parsley Tea, Chamomile Tea, and Goldenrod Tea are known for such great benefits.
Drink herbal tea for stress and anxiety issues
The ultra-properties of herbal teas are also known to relieve stress and in many cases, work as an anti-depressant. Herbal teas calm the mind and release chemicals in the brain that fight stress and depression. Chamomile tea is best known for its relaxing property.
Herbal Tea acts as blood sugar regulator
Patients suffering from mild diabetes or are not dependent on insulin have noticed a significant improvement upon consuming specific herbal teas like sage and bilberry. Both these herbal teas help lower blood sugar levels and hence widely used in diabetic neuropathy.
Herbal tea for nausea and vomiting issues
Although it is an orthodox remedy, yet it works wonders. Herbal teas are known for relieving morning sickness and nausea. Ginger tea is the best example.
Uses of Herbal Tea
Herbal teas come under the category of beverages that are made by infusing different herbs in hot and cold water. The ingredients of herbal teas can range from herbs to spices. Moreover, it does not contain Caffeine and thus is healthy for the body.
All around the world, people use different types of herbal tea to detoxify their bodies and rejuvenate their senses. People also sip on herbal teas to make the body free of many health ailments, such as, cold & cough, bad digestion, inflammation, and infections.. Nowadays, herbal tea has become a huge brand statement for healthy skin, as it reduces acne and cleanses the skin deeply.
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Side-Effects and Allergies of Herbal Tea
Although there is not enough evidence on the side effects of consuming herbal teas, yet here are certain possibilities that may occur. Well, as there are different herbal teas, there are different side effects related to them. However, the common side effects can be headache, flushing of skin, soreness in mouth, heartburn, dermatitis, antiphylatic shock, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and hormonal imbalance.
Origin And Cultivation of Herbal Tea
Although there is not enough evidence on the side effects of consuming herbal teas, yet here are certain possibilities that may occur. Well, as there are different herbal teas, there are different side effects related to them. However, the common side effects can be headache, flushing of skin, soreness in mouth, heartburn, dermatitis, antiphylatic shock, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and hormonal imbalance.
References
- Ravikumar C. Review on herbal teas. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2014 May 1;6(5):236. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Cooper R. Green tea and theanine: health benefits. International journal of food sciences and nutrition. 2012 Mar 1;63(sup1):90-7. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Phelan J, Rees J. The erosive potential of some herbal teas. Journal of dentistry. 2003 May 1;31(4):241-6. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
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