Beth What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a hot cup of tea? A relaxing ritual, a pause in your busy day, an opportunity to dunk a rusk into the tea? Seriously though, tea is delish and there’s no shortage of options out there. Now, here’s a question, have you ever thought that herbal tea can actually improve your health and well-being?
Well, neither did I until I was struck down with a sore throat and someone suggested I drink thyme tea to help soothe the pain. And it WORKED. Tea than took on a whole new meaning!
What are we missing about herbal teas?
Maybe it’s just me, but somewhere along the line herbs became best known for simply adding flavour to foods and the actual medicinal benefits of these herbs took a backseat
When, in reality, it’s the health benefits of the herbs should be the stars of the show! They’re little superstars when it comes to health and wellness.
We all have a little bit of nature’s medicine in our kitchen cupboards and it’s time to use it! And how better than making a soothing cuppa herbal tea?
My top herbal teas:
Thyme tea
An absolute go to when it comes to soothing a sore throats. This gem of a herb actually helps fight inflammation in your body and is packed with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Making thyme tea shine when it comes to supporting your immune system and preventing infections.
Seriously, try it.
Fresh is best BUT dried thyme works just as well. One teaspoon of dried leaves is the same as 1 table spoon fresh thyme.
Directions:
- When using fresh thyme put a few springs into your cup and add boiling water.
- Let it seep for 2 to 3 minutes and then enjoy.
- With dried thyme, it works best to use a tea strainer or infuser. Otherwise you will be picking thyme leaves outta your teeth.
- Use 1 teaspoon of dried leave and let it steep for 2 to 3 minutes.
Rosemary tea
Rosemary boosts your concentration levels. Say WHAT? The goodness doesn’t stop there this miracle herb also helps improves your memory, elevates your mood, and reducing drowsiness. This makes rosemary tea the perfect cuppa tea to sip on whilst at work.
Directions:
- Fresh is best. If you have a rosemary bush in the garden take a few springs off the bush and place about a teaspoon of herbs in hot water.
- Let it steep for a few minutes depending on the strength you like.
- There’s such a thing as too much of a good thing so only drink 1 or 2 cups a day.
The game changer tea
Mint tea
The tummy soother! This herb is best known to help soothe upset tummies. It literally helps relax the muscles in your digestive system to help provide relief. Tip: Mint tea is a go-to when you have over indulged and are feeling the bloat. It’s SO soothing.
In reality, mint tea can’t just take the headline for its help in digestive destress it also a player in oral hygiene.
Directions:
- Place a few (like 3) mint leaves in a cup.
- Add boiling water.
- Let the mint leaves steep in boiling water to the strength you like it.
- Sip on and enjoy.
Lastly,
Lemon, Ginger and honey tea:
The best flu buster tea. Lemon, ginger honey herbal tea is a total must in your tea arsenal during the winter months. This is because ginger is at the top of the list of anti-inflammatory foods. Making it highly effective in fighting viruses and bacteria.
Than on to the lemons, they are high in vitamin C which is important in all aspects of your health and especially for your immune system. My favourite, raw honey is packed with antioxidants. Check out our blog on ‘What most people don’t know about raw honey‘. This is a total powerhouse tea and so YUM!
Directions:
- 1-inch knob of ginger peeled (Tip: use the back of a tablespoon to scrape off the skin). Slice the ginger thinly.
- Juice from half a small lemon (you can add the lemon rinds in to steep for extra lemony strength)
- Add in raw honey to your tastes.
- Steep it in boiling water. The longer it steeps the stronger the taste.
And there you have it, nature’s medicine freshly packed into a delicious and soothing cuppa herbal tea. The added bonus of these teas is they use all-natural ingredients. And if you can grow them in your garden it’s less waste and less packaging. This means you’re winning all around!
References:
Jiang, A, 2019. Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices. Found at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30651162/
Price, A. 2020. Thyme Benefits for Your Throat, Heart and Mood. Found at: https://draxe.com/nutrition/thyme/
Links, R. 2018. Mint Leaves: Gut-Soothing, Brain-Boosting Power. Found at: https://draxe.com/nutrition/mint-leaves/
Link, R, 2020. Ginger Tea Benefits for Health, Plus Best Recipe. Found at: https://draxe.com/nutrition/ginger-tea-benefits/
Levy, J. 2021. Rosemary Benefits: Top 6 Reasons to Add This Herb to Your Diet (+ How to Use It). Found at: https://draxe.com/nutrition/rosemary-benefits/
Axe, J. 2018. Raw Honey Benefits for Healing + 20 Popular Honey Uses. Found at: https://draxe.com/nutrition/the-many-health-benefits-of-raw-honey/
I absolutely lurve my herbal teas! I really find tea made with fresh mint a wonderful digestive soother.
Thanks for the interesting info, rosemary tea, I’m coming for you!
Yay, a fellow herbal tea lover. Mint tea is an absolute winner. Excited for you to give rosemary tea a try.