Some teas contain a vast blend of different herbs, some of which we previously didn't even know existed. Here, we'll provide an introduction and examples of some of these herbs.
There are several books that discuss the characteristics and properties of herbs. However, we've noticed that these generally limit themselves to a collection of about 30 herbs. These are often the most beneficial herbs and the ones most commonly used in food and tea. Below, we'll highlight a few.
It is important to note that certain herbs are more effective for certain people than for others, so it is important to consider your own experiences.
Coin
We're probably all familiar with mint and mint tea in particular. Mint contains menthol, which gives it a characteristically refreshing flavor. Mint leaves also contain plenty of vitamins C, D, E, phosphorus, and calcium.
Mint has several health benefits, some of which we'll cover. First, it freshens breath. Simply inhaling the mint scent can reduce stress. Mint is also anti-inflammatory and good for the stomach and digestive system. Specifically, it can help with nausea and bloating. It can also reduce headaches. All in all, mint has various medicinal properties, which is why mint tea is so popular in various cultures.
Chamomile
Chamomile, and chamomile tea in particular, are also quite familiar to most people. Chamomile is particularly known for its calming effect, which is why it's often used in the evening to help you sleep better.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants (such as flavonoids), making it anti-inflammatory. It also contains a small amount of essential oil, which gives it its characteristic scent. Besides its calming effect, chamomile can be beneficial for the digestive system, soothing the stomach, and for the skin.Â
Please note that some people may be allergic to chamomile.
Dandelion
We can find dandelions everywhere, but few people know that they can be used in salads or to make tea. Both the root, stem, and leaves can be used for this purpose. You can find several videos on YouTube explaining this, as it requires some knowledge.
Dandelion contains various antioxidants and bitter compounds that can promote digestion. It can therefore be used to support liver health, among other things. Further studies suggest that dandelion can help regulate blood sugar levels and increase urine output. All in all, dandelion is a unique plant with remarkable properties.
Hibiscus
There are hundreds of species of hibiscus plants, but in the context of beverages, this term is often used for the hibiscus sabdariffa. It is known for its bright red petals, which are dried and used in products like tea. Its popularity has increased significantly in recent years because it makes a delicious tea with unique health benefits.
Hibiscus is attributed with a number of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, regulating cholesterol levels, supporting the immune system and liver health.
Ginger
Ginger is a spice with a strong and distinctive flavor that we're probably all familiar with. Besides tea, it's also often used in food, and ginger is attributed with various medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory and calming properties. We notice that demand for ginger is particularly high during winter and flu season. Some people dislike the taste of ginger, but combining it with honey can often help to soften the flavor of the tea.
We've only described a few herbs, of course, and our brief explanation doesn't do justice to their complex nature. There are also many other interesting herbs and plants we haven't covered, such as:
Turmeric
Rooibos
Rosemary
Jasmine
Eucalyptus
Nettle
Lavender
Garlic
Lemongrass
etc etc
In the future, we want to regularly highlight specific herbs in our newsletter and also discuss recent medical studies.
Grow or search for herbs yourself
You can also grow your own herbs or pick and grow herbs found in nature. You can find many resources on this, such as books or even YouTube videos, and it's definitely worth checking them out.
