A soothing cup of herbal tea really is the ultimate midwinter pick-me-up. Around the world, herbal teas have been valued for their therapeutic properties for centuries. From easing insomnia to combating indigestion, there’s more to herbal tea than great taste alone!
With the weather at its worst, we often find ourselves craving a safe, enjoyable and effective health-boost. It’s simply a case of knowing which herbal tea to choose, in accordance with its properties and therapeutic effects.
Backed by many years of research and widespread use across the globe, the following five teas are sure to aid your day during the festive season:
Peppermint Tea
First up, over-indulgence over Christmas and the New Year is inevitable. When you’ve overdone it, you may find welcome relief in a delicious cup of peppermint tea. Research suggests that peppermint tea has the power to significantly relieve the symptoms of abdominal bloating and gas, while at the same time combating feelings of nausea. However, peppermint tea should be avoided if you experience heartburn or indigestion. Along with standard store-bought peppermint tea products, there’s also the option of making your own using fresh herbs from your garden.
Ginger Tea
Also renowned for its digestion-enhancement properties, ginger tea is an incredibly soothing and satisfying winter-warmer. Studies have linked ginger with the effective relief of nausea associated with both food and travel sickness alike. If you’re struggling with a winter cold or flu bug, a cup of ginger tea with a generous dose of honey and lemon can bring welcome relief. Feel free to add your own choice of seasonal spices to elevate this classic cup a level or two!
Chamomile Tea
Throughout history, chamomile tea has been used as an effective remedy for occasional bouts of sleeplessness. It can also be highly effective as an everyday stress-buster – perfect for unwinding during or after a busy day at the office. There’s also evidence to suggest that chamomile can boost the effectiveness and efficiency of the digestive system. It’s therefore another excellent choice after a meal, should your Christmas cravings get the better of you!
Rooibos Tea
Bursting with health benefits, rooibos tea is packed with Vitamin C and beneficial minerals. An important herbal preparation in countless cultures worldwide, rooibos tea is a powerful antioxidant and has been linked with stronger resistance to illness and disease throughout the year. Some studies have also shown that rooibos tea can be effective in the treatment of many common skin conditions, while at the same time combating common signs of ageing.
Lemon Balm Tea
Last but not least, lemon balm tea really is just the ticket for banishing those bothering winter blues. Associated with a significant boost in both concentration and energy levels, lemon balm tea can quickly and effectively invigorate during the darkest days. Along with being a great daytime drink, lemon balm tea is also said to help prevent nightmares if consumed before bed. If preferred, lemon balm tea can be enjoyed as a delicious iced tea, sweetened with maple syrup or your favourite fruit cordial.
So there we have it, five fabulously festive teas to keep you fit and healthy during the holiday season. To learn more about how tea can truly improve your health, not just for Christmas but throughout the year, get in touch today.