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SLIDESHOW
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14 Herbal Teas and
Their Health Benefits ( courtecy;- webMD )
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All About Herbal Tea
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What’s the Difference?
True tea -- whether it's
black, green, white, or oolong, hot, or iced -- comes from the tea plant, Camellia
sinensis. But the herbal kind comes from soaking various flowers,
leaves, or spices in hot water. Most of these brews don’t have caffeine. You
can start with premade bags or loose material you steep and then strain out.
Herbal teas are also called “tisanes.”
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Rooibos
It comes from a plant
native to South Africa, and the drink there is called redbush tea. It’s
caffeine-free and is often touted for its antioxidants. Some researchers
believe, based on studies done on animals, that this herb may boost the immune
system and help prevent cancer. They are also looking into whether it can
benefit your heart and fight diabetes. Check with your doctor before you use it
if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer or you’re on chemotherapy.
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Chamomile
For centuries, people
have used this flowering plant to ease upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, insomnia,
and anxiety. Some research suggests that it may help relieve generalized
anxiety disorder, but there’s not much evidence to back other claims. You
shouldn’t drink it if you’re allergic to ragweed. It’s also known to interact
with blood thinners, such as warfarin, as well as some other drugs.
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Rose Hip
This drink is made from
the seed pods of a wild variety of the flower. The plant is a
source of vitamin C and may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers. Some
evidence suggests rose hips might ease arthritis pain, but researchers want to
study the effects more closely. It’s generally safe, though some people have
allergic reactions or an upset stomach when they use it.
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Peppermint
Upset stomach, headache,
irritable bowel syndrome, and breathing problems are some of the reasons people
reach for this herb. Drinks made from the leaves have been used medicinally for
centuries, but there’s little research to back up any health claims. Peppermint
oil in pills or that you put on your skin have been studied a bit more, but
scientists need to know more about the benefits. But the brew is safe, so
there’s no harm in giving it a try or just enjoying the cool taste.
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Ginger
The drink made from the
root of this tropical plant is mainly a treatment for upset stomach and nausea.
You might also try it to boost your appetite, to relieve arthritis pain, or to
fight a cold. Although some studies show it can fight queasiness, scientists
haven’t found much proof of other benefits. This herbal tea is considered to be
safe, but if you’re pregnant, you should check with your doctor before you make
it a regular part of your diet.
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Lemon Balm
Anxious? Trouble
sleeping? Folk wisdom says this herb might be just the thing for you, and there’s
some evidence to back that up. It may also improve memory, although researchers
want to learn more. You might find it gives you nausea or belly pain, though,
so be careful about getting too much or using it for a long period of time.
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Milk Thistle and Dandelion
People use these brews
for problems with their liver and gallbladder. Dandelion tea won’t harm you --
unless you’re allergic to the yellow-flowered weed -- but studies haven’t shown
that it’s helpful, either. The main ingredient in milk thistle is called silymarin,
and one study found that it may ease symptoms of hepatitis C. Researchers
believe it’s safe for most people.
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Hibiscus
This flower, which
originally came from ancient Egypt, produces a red brew full of antioxidants.
Some small studies have found that it can lower blood pressure. Could it also
cut cholesterol? It shows promise, but researchers want to investigate it more.
As long you as you drink it in moderation, it’s considered safe.
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Echinacea
Coneflower (its common
name) is known as a cold remedy, but science doesn’t really back that up. It
does seem to boost the immune system, and researchers are studying it as a
treatment for the flu. If you’re pregnant or have allergies or asthma, it’s
best to steer clear. It can also affect how well certain drugs work.
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Sage
People have used this
herb for centuries for issues that include stomach problems, sore throats,
depression, and memory loss. Will it really help you with any of those?
We don’t know because there’s not much research on it, and the existing studies
are flawed. It’s safe to use as a spice or seasoning, but some varieties have
an ingredient, thujone, that can affect your nervous system.
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Passionflower
Some say this wildflower
eases anxiety and helps you sleep, and some research supports those claims. You
shouldn’t drink the tea if you’re pregnant. It can affect the way some
medicines work, including pentobarbital and benzodiazepines. It might also cause
drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
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Turmeric
It comes from a root
that’s related to ginger. People use it to prevent gas and also to treat kidney
stones, though there’s no scientific basis for any of that. Studies in animals
show that it may help prevent cancer and reduce inflammation, but researchers
need to look into those effects in humans. If you’re getting chemotherapy, you
should know this herb may interfere with your treatment.
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Valerian
Women use this plant to
relieve symptoms of menopause, and you might also take it for insomnia,
anxiety, or depression. It hasn’t been studied much, so scientists can’t really
say whether it helps these conditions. Some research suggests it might help you
sleep. It’s generally safe to use it for a short period of time, but because it
might make you sleepy, don’t mix it with alcohol or sedatives.
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Kava
This member of the
pepper family, native to the South Pacific, is often promoted as a tonic for
anxiety. Researchers have found that it may give a little relief for that
condition, but they’ve also uncovered links to severe liver problems. People
who drink a lot of it for a long time may have yellow or dry, scaly skin. The
FDA has issued warnings about the risks of this plant, and some countries have
tried to remove it from the market.
This tool does not provide medical advice.
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