Herbal Tea: The Delicious Medicine In Your Pantry

Herbal tea is a broad term encompassing any steeped leaf, flower, or bark. Essentially, as long as the beverage doesn't contain Camellia sinensis (the actual tea plant), it's herbal.

Aromatic and full of flavor, herbal teas are versatile and enjoyable any time of the day! Almost all herbal teas are caffeine free. Those sensitive to caffeine can enjoy a delicious hot or iced tea without the stimulation.

Many "teas" that we drink regularly aren't teas at all. Most botanicals contain unique properties that offer awesome health benefits to accompany their delicious taste. Some examples of popular herbal teas are chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus. Let's explore some of these special "teas" and discover why they're good for you and advantageous to your health!

Organic Chamomile

Nile chamomile is a small flower with white petals and big, yellow capitula where the pollen is exposed. Though its appearance is reminiscent of other flowers in the daisy family, it contains quite a few unique medicinal properties.

Ancient Egyptian society utilized chamomile as an anti-inflammatory both orally and topically. They also used it to calm anxieties and prevent nightmares! Today, science has uncovered the phytochemicals responsible for chamomile's soothing nature.

Uses: Sleep-inducing, calming, anti-inflammatory.

Contraindications: Not recommended during pregnancy

Organic Turmeric Ginger

Two culinary super powers, these roots work in tandem to provide digestive support and prevent inflammation. Turmeric is renowned for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial abilities in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Combining the active phytochemicals in these two nutraceuticals increases the efficacy and bioavailability of their medicinal properties.

There are innumerable benefits to consuming  turmeric and ginger as part of a healthy regimen, with no side effects. A natural preventative for cardiovascular disease, joint inflammation, and digestive ailments, this blend is a daily must-have! Ginger also has a reputation as an anti-dyspeptic and is recommended for its ability to quell nausea symptoms.

Uses: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, calms the digestion

Contraindications: Possible drug interactions, not recommended during pregnancy

Organic Body Revive

This delicious herbal blend has a deep, dark red color and an equally rich flavor.  Body Revive is a potent combination of hibiscus, rosehip, and schizandra berry, this health-promoting mix strengthens the immune system and cleanses the body.

Schizandra berry, known as Wu Wei Zi, is an adaptogen used in traditional Chinese medicine for longevity and vitality. It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in Chinese medicine!

Hibiscus is a diuretic that helps to relieve bloating, inflammation, and constipation. Studies also cite this sweet and tangy flower as a natural remedy for high blood pressure. Rosehip strengthens the immune system. Meanwhile, ginger adds a delicious zing and digestive support.

Uses: Strengthens the immune system, promotes digestive health, cleansing

Contraindications: Low blood pressure, not recommended during pregnancy

Organic Lemongrass Ginger Serenity

Lemongrass is a traditional herb in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda for everything from the common cold to digestive ailments.  Lemongrass Ginger Serenity has a bright and soothing flavor, perfect for a summer day or when you're craving one! Sweet and citrusy, it brews well, both hot and iced—lemongrass's soothing properties help relieve bloating and constipation. Antioxidant, antibiotic, and antifungal properties make it effective at combating the common cold and congestion!

Uses: Relieves cold symptoms, stimulates motility, and relieves bloating

Contraindications: Not recommended during pregnancy

Organic Peppermint Tea

Pure  peppermint tea is caffeine-free, refreshing, and cooling. This mellow and delicious little leaf also helps clear up congestion in the sinus, relieving pressure from cold and flu symptoms.

Spasmolytic properties relax the smooth muscles of the intestines and colon, calming down the digestive system and lessening symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Uses: Soothes indigestion, may reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

Contraindications: Possible drug interactions

Drink and Be Merry!

Many herbs, roots, and flowers used to create herbal "tea" blends are just as healthful as delicious. Although they are not tea, they are worth the steep for their naturally therapeutic qualities. By incorporating herbal tea into your daily regimen, you can receive benefits without adding extra caffeine. Perhaps next time you have a sniffle or an ache, you'll reach for the cabinet in your kitchen instead of your bathroom. Let your food (and your drink) be thy medicine!