Top 10 Organic Herbal Teas and Their Incredible Health Benefits
Herbal teas have become very popular lately for their abilities to support health and wellness. Unlike true teas which come from the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas are made by infusing herbs, spices, flowers, fruits and other botanicals in hot water to extract their beneficial compounds. When these teas are grown and produced without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), they are considered organic.
This article will focus on 10 top organic herbal teas and outline their incredible health benefits backed by scientific research. Keep reading to learn more about how drinking these flavorful teas can contribute to your overall well-being.
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea comes from the chamomile plant, which looks like a tiny daisy. Dried chamomile flowers are used to make this soothing, slightly sweet floral tea.
Chamomile tea is most well-known for its relaxing, calming properties. Scientists think this is due to compounds inside chamomile called apigenin, luteolin and bisabolol which interact with receptors in the brain that may induce sleepiness and reduce anxiety.
Health Benefits
Improves Sleep Quality: Several studies have found that regularly drinking chamomile tea can improve sleep quality and duration, especially for women in the postpartum period and older adults.
Anti-Inflammatory & Antibacterial: Test tube and animal research shows chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and liver-protecting capabilities. More studies are needed to confirm effects in humans.
Blood Sugar Control & PMS Symptom Relief: One study in people with type 2 diabetes found that taking chamomile extract for 8 weeks reduced blood sugar levels. Other research reveals drinking chamomile tea may ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
2. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is made from the leaves of the peppermint plant. It has a cool, refreshing minty flavor and is a popular after-dinner drink to aid digestion. Peppermint tea bags can be found in most grocery stores.
In addition to helping digestive issues, peppermint tea contains antioxidants and has shown antiviral, anticancer and antibacterial effects in test tube studies. More research is necessary to confirm these effects in humans.
Health Benefits
Digestive Aid: Multiple studies demonstrate that peppermint oil, which is concentrated in peppermint tea bags, helps relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It appears to work by relaxing intestinal muscles.
Nausea Relief: Evidence indicates that inhaling or taking peppermint oil in capsule form effectively minimizes nausea related to chemotherapy, surgery and pregnancy. The amount of oil in peppermint tea hasn't been studied for nausea.
Antioxidant & Antimicrobial Properties: While more research is needed, lab studies reveal peppermint has antioxidant capabilities plus antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer effects. The amounts present in the tea are unknown.
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is made from fresh or dried ginger root steeped in hot water, sometimes with lemon and honey added for flavor. It has a spicy, warming taste that stimulates the senses.
For centuries, ginger has been used as a remedy for digestive issues, nausea and pain. Modern research is now confirming its traditional medicinal applications.
Health Benefits
Relieves Nausea: Multiple studies demonstrate the effectiveness of ginger for reducing nausea related to surgery, chemotherapy, pregnancy, motion sickness and vertigo. How it works is still unclear.
Aids Digestion: Evidence suggests ginger tea can minimize symptoms of gastrointestinal issues like stomach ulcers, acid reflux and abdominal pain by increasing digestive enzyme activity and stimulating muscle contractions in the gut.
Reduces Menstrual Pain: Research reveals that ginger is as effective as drugs like ibuprofen for lessening painful menstrual cramps, possibly by decreasing inflammation and relaxing uterine muscles.
Improves Heart Disease Risk Factors: Human studies indicate daily ginger supplementation significantly lowers blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c and LDL cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Ginger doses ranged from 1-3 grams per day.
4. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea features vibrant red-purple color and tart, cranberry-like flavor from the fleshy calyces of the hibiscus flower. It's sometimes called "sour tea" and is popular in the Middle East and tropical regions.
In addition to its unique taste, hibiscus tea boasts an array of science-backed health benefits, particularly for heart health, blood pressure and antioxidant protection.
For those looking to add hibiscus tea to their health plans, Lifeboost Coffee has a fantastic choice called Crimson Hibiscus Infusion Tea. Their hibiscus tea lets you sip all the rich flavor and perks of the flower while supporting organic, sustainable growing methods.
Health Benefits
Supports Heart Health: Multiple studies demonstrate drinking hibiscus tea lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and blood pressure, especially in those with high baseline levels and those at risk for heart disease. Effects may be due to antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins.
Lowers Oxidative Stress: Research on athletes found that taking hibiscus extract for 6 weeks significantly decreased oxidative stress during high intensity cycling. This indicates hibiscus's antioxidant protective powers.
Note About Safety: Though rare, certain prescription medications like hydrochlorothiazide interact with hibiscus tea and increase the risk of adverse effects. Consult your doctor.
5. Echinacea Tea
Echinacea tea is made from the coneflower herb Echinacea purpurea. It has a slightly sweet yet spicy, earthy flavor profile.
For many years, Echinacea has been used to prevent and treat the common cold. Modern science now backs up some of these traditional claims through multiple human clinical trials.
Health Benefits
Shortens Common Cold Duration: A review of several studies found that taking Echinacea extracts when cold symptoms first start shortens the duration of the common cold by an average of 1.4 days compared to placebo groups. Benefits peaked around 10 days of supplementation.
Reduces Severity of Symptoms: Research shows certain Echinacea supplements can moderately reduce common cold symptoms like sneezing, sore throat and fever when taken as soon as signs begin. Most studies used Echinacea purpurea or paradoxa.
Enhances Immunity: Studies indicate Echinacea enhances activity of certain immune cells like macrophages plus increases levels of compounds like interleukin-10 which play vital roles in regulating immune response. This may explain its preventative capacities.
6. Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea, sometimes called "red bush tea", is a naturally caffeine-free, fruity-tasting tisane made from the leaves of the shrub Aspalathus linearis grown exclusively in South Africa's Cederberg region.
Traditionally, native tribes used rooibos to relieve colic in infants and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Today, rooibos is consumed around the world for its unique flavor and potential health benefits.
Health Benefits
Allergy Relief: Rooibos contains bioactive compounds like quercetin and isoquercitrin that lab tests reveal have antihistamine effects. One human trial found that rooibos extracts improved symptoms of allergic rhinitis like sneezing, itchy nose and congestion.
Supports Bone Health: Animal and cell studies show rooibos suppresses formation of osteoclast cells involved in breaking down bone. This effect may help treat conditions involving excessive bone loss like osteoporosis. More human data is needed.
Improves Heart Health: Though more research is necessary, some older studies found that rooibos tea may benefit heart health by improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels when consumed regularly over 6 weeks.
7. Sage Tea
Sage tea is brewed from the fragrant grey-green leaves of the sage herb. It has an earthy, slightly bitter taste profile.
Sage tea has many traditional health uses that researchers are now beginning to confirm, especially regarding brain health, memory and cholesterol improvement.
Health Benefits
Enhances Cognition: Multiple studies demonstrate daily sage extract for 4-6 months improves cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders, though limitations exist. Researchers believe sage protects acetylcholine levels which are important for memory and learning.
Boosts Memory Function: Clinical trials show certain proprietary sage extracts heighten memory, attention and mood after single doses in healthy young adults. Larger scale studies are still needed to confirm effects.
Cholesterol Control: Consuming sage leaf tea and sage oil for 2 months significantly lowered "bad" LDL cholesterol levels compared to control groups in most - but not all - controlled studies. Results may be due to anti-inflammatory compounds.
8. Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea features a mild lemon aroma and flavor from the dried leaves of the Melissa officinalis plant. It has been used for reducing anxiety and sleep issues in traditional medicine practices for centuries.
Research now backs up lemon balm's calming capacities plus other benefits related to heart health and antioxidant status:
Health Benefits
Heart Health: In one study, drinking lemon balm tea twice daily for 6 weeks markedly improved the elasticity of arteries in postmenopausal women. Better elasticity translates to lower heart disease risk. Antioxidant compounds are likely responsible.
Increases Antioxidants: Studies reveal lemon balm extract meaningfully raises blood levels of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase compared to control groups. This research indicates lemon balm enhances the body's natural antioxidant defenses.
Reduces Anxiety and Boosts Mood: Combining lemon balm extracts with other calming herbs (like valerian) substantially reduced anxiety symptoms and improved mood in clinical trials. Lemon balm appears effective and safe though larger studies should be conducted.
9. Rose Hip Tea
Rose hip tea features a pleasantly tangy flavor from the fruity hips or berries of the rose plant. It's naturally high in immune-boosting vitamin C - in fact, rose hips contain considerably higher amounts than oranges.
In addition to vitamin C content and tasty flavor, rose hip tea boasts anti-inflammatory antioxidants that studies reveal can ease arthritis symptoms and support fat burning.
Health Benefits
Arthritis Pain Relief: Multiple studies demonstrate that routinely consuming rose hip powder significantly reduces arthritis-related pain, stiffness and disability compared to placebo. Benefits are attributed to anti-inflammatory compounds called galactolipids.
Weight Management: Research shows taking rose hip powder for 6 weeks lowers BMI and belly fat percentage versus control groups. Experts think plant chemicals called polyphenols help convert white fat to calorie-burning brown fat via thermogenic activation.
Supports Immunity: Rose hips provide very high amounts of immune-enhancing vitamin C: 426mg per 100 grams dried powder - over 7 times the vitamin C in oranges! Vitamin C helps immune cells kill pathogens and protects against cellular damage.
10. Passionflower Tea
Passionflower tea features a floral aroma and slightly tart flavor. It is brewed from the dried leaves, vines and flowers of the Passiflora plant species.
Traditionally consumed to promote calmness and sleep, passionflower continues to be used for anxiety and insomnia with research validating some applications.
Health Benefits
Promotes Restful Sleep: A clinical trial in 41 people with insomnia found that taking passionflower extract tablets for 2 weeks markedly boosted sleep quality scores compared to placebo but didn't significantly affect sleep duration. Studies show passionflower increases GABA.
Relieves Anxiety: Multiple human research studies demonstrate that short-term passionflower extract consumption substantially minimizes anxiety in both healthy adults and surgical patients without major side effects. However more data is still needed.
Natural Sedative: Passionflower contains bioactive compounds like harmine and flavonoids that are thought to exert sedative effects on the central nervous system. More studies should identify optimal dosages for anxiety and sleep disorders.
Conclusion
As outlined throughout this article, organic herbal teas offer a vast array of science-backed health advantages ranging from enhanced digestion and pain relief to memory and mood improvement. They are also brimming with disease-fighting antioxidants.
With so many options to choose from - like chamomile, peppermint, ginger, Echinacea and more - consider gradually introducing several types into your routine. Lifeboost's premium organic herbal teas are an excellent addition, providing high-quality, sustainably sourced options that complement every aspect of your wellness journey. Try sipping these flavorful teas not only for enjoyment but also to boost your overall wellness.
Just be sure to consult your doctor if you take any medications or have specific health conditions, as herb-drug interactions can occasionally occur.
FAQs
What are some of the most popular herbal tea flavors?
Some of the most popular herbal tea flavors include chamomile, peppermint, ginger, Echinacea, rooibos, sage, lemon balm, rose hip and passionflower. Each has its own unique taste, aroma and array of health benefits.
What herbs are typically used to make herbal teas?
Common herbs used to make herbal teas are chamomile, peppermint, ginger, Echinacea, cinnamon, turmeric, lemongrass, hibiscus, rosemary, thyme, lavender, fennel, cardamom, dandelion root and milk thistle. Flowers, roots, seeds, berries and barks may be incorporated too.
Are herbal teas caffeine free?
Yes, herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free because they are made from steeping herbs, flowers, roots and fruits rather than traditional tea leaves. Exceptions include yerba mate, guarana and matcha powder which do naturally contain caffeine.
Can herbal teas be consumed before bedtime?
Most herbal teas can be enjoyed before bedtime since they do not contain stimulating caffeine. Options like chamomile, passionflower and lemon balm may actually promote sleepiness and are often drunk before bed to aid sleep. However, some herbs may be too energizing for certain people.
How should herbal teas be steeped?
Herbal teas are best steeped in hot - but not boiling - water for 5-10 minutes depending on the herb variety. Steeping too long can make some herbs taste overly bitter. Tea bags, tea balls or tea infusers work well for containing loose tea leaves while they soak to extract beneficial compounds.
Are there any side effects or safety concerns with herbal teas?
When consumed in normal amounts, most herbal teas are very safe. However certain herbs may interact with medications or exacerbate health conditions. Safety also depends on factors like sourcing, brewing method and dosage. Talk to your doctor before regularly consuming herbal tea if you take any prescriptions. Start slowly then gradually increase intake while paying attention to body signals.
Check out Lifeboost Coffee Golden Sand Serenity Tea.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Charles Livingston nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.