Sipping crisp cups of tea may be routine for most of you. But how many of those cups contain the tens of medicinal qualities they can potentially possess? Welcome to the world of Herbal Tea.

Herbal tea, also known herb tea or tisane are tea varieties that contain infusions of herbs, spices, fruits and even other plant materials. Herbal tea has been a rage for many because of the holistic benefits aptly summed up by herbalist Marianne Beacon of Elderberry Herbals in Peterborough, Ont. “You’re getting the benefits of hydration. There’s the social element: Tea is something that you can share with people. And when you’re drinking herbal tea, you get aromatherapy at the same time’ and that’s something you don’t get from a tablet!’

Herbal tea should always be steeped in a covered vessel to contain the beneficial essential oils. ‘Otherwise, your room smells nice but you aren’t retaining the medicinal properties.’

As diverse as its medicinal values are its varieties and here we look at how you can choose a perfect herbal strand. While choosing an herbal tea, it’s vital to look for well-trusted brands such as Halmari Tea that only use high-quality ingredients. Medically beneficial advice is to avoid products that add things like essential oils or flavors. For best herbal tea drinking results you must dip the tea bags for as long as 10-15 minutes in your cups.

Since there are a ton of herbal teas to choose from, let’s look at the most favored variants.

Lemon Balm

A member of the mint family, lemon balm is credited to be a calming herb. A tea to help relieve anxiety and insomnia, its therapeutics extend to the mind as well. Lemon balm tea can beat the winter melancholy and improve memory. Packed with antibacterial activity, lemon balm tea treats ailments like asthma and may even boost the cognitive function of Alzheimer’s patients.

This herb also makes a refreshing iced tea and can be flavored with lemon or maple syrup.

Ginger

Ginger tea made from the roots of ginger is effective in treating motion sickness and nausea. This anti-inflammatory herb helps to reduce the pain of arthritis, joints, and muscles and its powerful antioxidants reduce stress, cleanse chemicals and free accumulations in our bodies. Ginger comes in handy when fighting cold and menstrual cramps.

Add fresh lemon juice and honey when you have a cold for a powerful germ-fighting combination.

Peppermint

Peppermint tea eases symptoms of abdominal gas and muscle spasms. Particularly useful against nausea it heats up the body and makes it sweat. The prevailing phytonutrient in peppermint reduces the growth of cancer cells in liver and pancreas too. The robust aroma of mint tea soothes any sore throat and relieves respiratory problems.

So savor the scent and drink mint.

Roobias

Rooibos tea is a naturally sweet tea originating in South Africa. The tangy cuppa reduces the risk of maladies like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Endowed with a rich supply of antioxidants, it can help combat the signs of aging. Rooibos tea can even be given to children to ease stomach pains. High in vitamin C, it has also been shown to help with common skin concerns, such as eczema.

Dandelion

Centuries ago, the Persians were the first to ascertain the medicinal properties of dandelion. Dandelion has been used to mend liver function, digestion and expel kidney stones. The active phytonutrient in it helps promote weight loss. It contains high amounts of vitamins A, C and D, zinc, iron, magnesium and potassium. The compounds in dandelion tea normalize blood sugar levels in diabetics.

You can pluck the dandelions from your garden and brew your very own tea. Which makes dandelion tea, rather, dandy.

Rosehip

Rosehips are the fruits of the rose plant and are one of the best plant sources of vitamin C. It helps build the immune system, repair skin tissue, and adrenal function. Rose hips tea can ease the discomfort of arthritis and prevent the common cold. It can even lessen cramping during menstruation.

Rose hips can be made into a thirst quenching beverage for this summer so, consider reaching for rosehip tea next time you need a health boost.

Chamomile

The herbal tea favorite! Chamomile’s reputation bases on it being a stress reliever. So much so that many drink it 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed in order to ensure a peaceful night sleep. It can be consumed to soothe an upset stomach and intestinal spasms. It also makes a useful remedy for treating diarrhea in infants. It’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal and can improve digestion, irritable bowel disease, and colitis.

Therefore, in order to have sweet dreams, please try chamomile tea.

Given the wide range of teas to choose from, you are sure to find one that suffices both your palate and health requirements.

Let’s drink healthy, let’s stay healthy!