Best Health Benefits from Herbal Tea and Infusion
Herbal tea, also known as Tisanes or herbal infusion, was started in China and dated back to thousands of years. Unlike ordinary tea, Tisanes is not made from Camellia Sinensis (tea bush) but with fresh or dried fruit, flower or leaves that are dropped to a pot of hot water to seep for several minutes and drained while bark, roots and seeds are boiled over the fire. It can be taken as is or may be sweetened if so desired. Herbal teas started as a medicinal drink but are still being considered as a good supplement to prevent diseases.
Taking herbal tea is not only a good caffeine-free substitute drink; it can also be a pleasant way to wrap up a hectic day.
Common Herbs Used in Herbal Tea Preparation
herbal medicine has been a practice of balancing body energy through a variety of herbs and spices with different healing or balancing properties. Herbal tea can be prepared from a single herb or in combination of several kinds depending on the individual need of a person. Some of the most popular kinds of herbs used as tea are:
- Chrysanthemum flower – reduces fever.
- Ginger – treats cold and flu symptoms and aids in alleviating menstrual cramps.
- Ginseng – energizer and believed to treat diabetes.
- Rosemary – relieves cold symptoms and headaches.
- Sage – alleviates cough and relieves congestion.
- Thyme – improves general immune system.
Benefits of Herbal Tea
Aside from its primary healing properties, drinking herbal tea is proven to soothe and calm the mind, relax nerves, stimulate thinking, manage weight, and increase blood circulation. Some people drink herbal tea simply for their tastes. Consumption of herbal tea also proves to enhance immune system as some tea concoctions contain vitamins and minerals needed by the body. During the World War II, rosehip tea has become an important vitamin C supplement for most people.
Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of herbal tea:
- Drink freshly brewed tea. The medicinal and therapeutic\benefit of herbal tea diminishes over time during storage.
- Let tea concoction or tea bags seep for at least five minutes to release most oxidant, minerals or vitamins of the tea.
- Drink several cups of tea spread out during the day.
- Avoid instant or bottled tea as they contain very little of its natural benefits.
- Although herbal teas are generally safe to drink, it is best to consult with a doctor if it can be taken with prescribed medications.
Posted in Chinese Herbs