Many people have heard reports concerning the benefits of drinking tea, but they may not understand the health information that backs up that claim. Tea has a gradual, natural medicating effect on the body, and is far less stressful that synthetic drugs. The effects in the long-run of tea's medical benefits may be greater than drugs, and there are less side effects when healing with tea.
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Herbs have long been used for their healing and medicating properties, and steeping them in hot water is the most effective way of breaking down the cell walls and releasing the therapeutic components.
Tea bags are typically steeped for 3-5 minutes, but some require steeping for up to 10 minutes. Be sure to read any directions that come with your particular blend to ensure you are getting the most
benefit from your tea.
There are a variety of teas to choose from, and aside from any specific conditions you wish to treat, you should experiment to determine which is most pleasing to your palette. Black or
red teas often have the most potent flavor, and may be a good option if you are trying to replace coffee with tea. Black or red tea is helpful in lowering cholesterol, relieving diarrhea, and helping respiratory function. Research has shown that two cups of black tea, every day for three weeks will open capillaries and help to prevent heart disease. The trace amounts of fluoride in black tea prevents tooth decay, which makes it a healthy replacement for sugary sodas and juices.
Green tea, which in recent years has increased in popularity, may be the tea that most people thinking of when considering the health
benefits of tea. Green tea has been shown to help fight cancer, lessen the symptoms of arthritis, lower high cholesterol, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and help with impaired immune function. Some people prefer the taste of green tea over black or
red tea because its flavor is somewhat milder.
If taste is what you are struggling with when it comes to
drinking tea, white tea may be a great option for you. Plus, the health benefits of white tea are staggering. White tea is very high in antioxidants, which scoop up the free radicals that enter our systems and cause disease. White tea contains flavonoids, one of the most powerful antioxidants, which inhibits the growth of cancer cells. White tea has also been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, boost healthy teeth and gums, and reduce stress.
Those looking to treat specific ailments may consider looking to the benefits of
herbal teas.
Peppermint tea is one of the most soothing teas one can drink. First, if you are planning to grow your own peppermint for tea, be sure to choose true peppermint, or Mentha piperita, because it has the highest number of active agents. The green leaves of this plant help prevent convulsions and flatulence. Those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome will find that sipping a cup of peppermint tea before or after a meal will ease their symptoms. Peppermint tea can also alleviate headaches, counteract motion sickness, and freshen breath.
Peppermint tea is not safe for small children or infants due to its menthol content, so choose another option if your child is battling a tummy ache.
Chamomile tea has long been a popular choose for relaxation and general well-being. The medicinal use of chamomile dates back as far as the Romans who relied on its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. The tea is safe for children and adults, and can be used on the regular basis. Those growing chamomile in their garden can prepare their tea by placing the flowers directly into the boiling water. Steep the tea less than five minutes and sip to reduce the effects of insomnia, stomach aches, sore throats, and cramps. Chamomile tea can also be used in healing compresses to reduce eye pain, or it can be added to bathwater for a relaxing soak.
Raspberry leaf tea may be one of the best choices for new tea drinkers. For the best results, the leaves are first steeped in cold water for a few hours, and then boiled for 10 minutes before straining. You can drink up to three large mugs per day to take advantage of the healing properties in the tea. It is helpful with alleviating intestinal problems, and menstrual complaints. The tannins in raspberry leaf tea have an astringent effect, giving the tea anti-inflammatory capabilities. It is also helpful for stopping bleeding, and contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C. Blending the leaves with elder, chamomile, and linden flowers creates a tea that helps to strengthen the bladder muscles. This is a safe solution for helping a child deal with bed wetting. Just be sure to serve the tea early in the evening, so as not to counteract the benefits!
The health
benefits of therapeutic teas are numerous. It hydrates the body, and can be blended to create specific mixes for treating a variety of health issues. Its preventative properties are also staggering, and working tea into your daily nutrition intake is a wise decision. Find a tea blend that satisfies your taste buds and targets your specific health concerns, and get to steeping and sipping as soon as possible!