Health Benefits

What Does Herbal Tea Do For My Body?

There is nothing nicer on a cold midwinter's day than a soothing cup of herbal tea. But besides being a tasty, warming, caffeine-free pick-me-up, herbal tea has lots of wonderful health benefits. From soothing a troubled tummy to easing insomnia and calming a troubled mind, herbs have all sorts of healing powers. Drinking herbal tea can also be a great source of vitamins and minerals. 

What is herbal tea?

Herbal tea is not really made from tea - which is a specific kind of plant. The French use the word "tisane", which is a little more accurate, since herbal tea is really just an infusion of fruits, leaves, seeds, roots or bark, extracted in hot water. In drinking a well-steeped herbal tea, we get all the plants benefits in an easily digestible form!

The benefits of herbal tea

"In a lot of ways, we might get more benefit from a good organic tea than from a vitamin pill," says herbalist Marianne Beacon or Elderberry Herbals in Peterborough, Ont. "You're getting the benefits of hydration. There's the social element: Tea is something that you can share with people. And when you're drinking herbal tea, you get aromatherapy at the same time - and that's something you don't get from a vitamin tablet!"

That's why Toronto - based herbalist Marcia Dixon says herbal tea should always be steeped in a covered vessel to contain the beneficial essential oils. "Otherwise, your room smells nice but you are not retaining the medicinal properties."

How to choose an herbal tea

When it comes to choosing an herbal tea, both Dixon and Beacon agree that it's important to look for a well-sourced product made from high-quality ingredients. If you're drinking tea for the medicinal benefits, then definitely steer clear of products that add things like essential oils or flavors. And to really get the full benefits from drinking herbal tea, make sure you steep you loose tea or tea bags long enough - in some cases, as long as 10 - 15 minutes - to really bring out all the healthful properties.

"Anytime you are ingesting something, you're giving your body the building blocks it needs to manufacture tissues and hormones," says Dixon. "If you drink tea every day, you can make all sorts of significant changes to your mood, your skin, your sense of well-being and energy." Not to mention even weight loss and control depending on the tea you are drinking.

There are so many wonderful herbal teas to choose from. Here are a few of the most common. Don't be afraid to try something new! All herbal teas offer great health benefits!

Peppermint Tea

Halifax naturopath Colin Huska recommends drinking peppermint tea to relieve the symptoms of abdominal gas and bloating, and to relieve muscle spasms. It's also good for nausea (without vomiting) and for hearing up the body and making it swear. If indigestion or heartburn are problems, however, then Dixon recommends avoiding peppermint altogether. Peppermint tea can also be made using fresh herbs from the garden - and it's one of the easiest herbs to grow!

Ginger Tea

Another great digestive aid, ginger can be used to curb nausea, vomiting or upset stomach due to motion sickness. Make fresh ginger tea by simmering a piece of ginger root on the stove for 10 - 15 minutes - add fresh lemon juice and honey when you have a cold for a powerful germ-fighting combination. Beacon also suggests making tea from powdered ginger to ward off a chill.

Chamomile Tea

A gentle calming and sedative tea made from flowers, chamomile tea can be helpful for insomnia or even stress. It can also be helpful with digestion after a meal. Huska recommends chamomile in cases of cough and bronchitis, when you have a cold or fever, or as a gargle for inflammation of the mouth. Be sure to steep it well to get all the medicinal benefits.

Rooibos Tea

High in vitamin C as well as other minerals, rooibos has all sorts of health benefits. An easy drinking tea, it's largely grown in South Africa and has been touted for it's antioxidant properties - which may in turn help ward off disease and the signs of aging. It has also been shown to help with common skin concerns, such as eczema. 

Lemon Balm Tea

An easy-to-grow plant, lemon balm is helpful for lifting the spirits. "It's good for the winter blahs," say Deacon, "and it can help improve concentration." She adds that lemon balm is safe for children and may help prevent nightmares when consumed before bed. This herb also makes a refreshing iced tea, and can be flavored with lemon or maple syrup.

Milk Thistle and Dandelion Tea

When consumed as a tea, milk thistle or dandelion are gentle liver cleansers. "They help the liver to regenerate and function at a higher capacity," says Huska. "They can also assist in the production of bile, which can help with our digestive process."

Rosehip Tea

Rosehips are the fruit of the rose plant and are one of the best plant sources of vitamin C, which is important for the immune system, skin and tissue health, and adrenal function. Consider reaching for rosehip tea next time you need a health boost!