HERBAL teas are all known for the many medicinal qualities they are supposed to possess. It is claimed they can help with everything from easing a cold and indigestion to fighting infection and nausea.
These teas come in different varieties, some common and others that are more obscure, and depending on the area of the world, different types will be more widely available.
Herbal tea or herbal infusion is simply the combination of boiling water and dried leaves, flowers, fruits or herbs, generally known to have medicinal or nutritious values and letting them steep for a few minutes.
But when choosing a herbal tea remedy, picking the right one is important. Although herbal teas offer some variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, the specifics depend on the particular herbs and plants that are chosen.
There are various herbal teas, and they are listed below
Ginger tea:
Ginger is an excellent remedy in the early stages of an infection because, as a warming spice, it can promote a fever and hasten to heal. Ginger’s warming effects are also said to relieve rheumatic aches and pains by widening the blood vessels and stimulating circulation.
Ginger tea is also recommended for women who are experiencing nausea and vomiting as well as uterine cramping in early pregnancy. It can help with nausea and cramping because of its calming effect on the stomach.
Hibiscus tea
Research has uncovered a range of health benefits linked to drinking hibiscus tea, showing that it may lower blood pressure, fight bacteria and even aid weight loss.
Recent studies on hibiscus tea, what is popularly called zobo, have looked at the possible role of hibiscus in the treatment of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming hibiscus tea lowered blood pressure in people at risk of high blood pressure and those with mildly high blood pressure.
Other studies, including a 2014 review of a number of clinical trials, showed that consuming hibiscus tea or extract increased good cholesterol and decreased bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Lemongrass tea
Studies conducted on lemongrass tea by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) confirmed the anti-malaria activity of the water extract of Lemongrass.
With antiseptic compounds which kill disease-causing germs, lemongrass tea supports the digestive process, removes bloating, indigestion, flatulence, stomach spasms, cramps, and vomiting, among other ailments.
In Asia, Lemongrass is widely used to treat cold and cough and other respiratory conditions, including bronchial asthma.
Moringa oleifera tea
People who drink moringa tea report a pleasant boost in energy and mental clarity after consuming a single cup. Women find that Moringa tea helps with cramps and bloating during their menstrual cycles, and men report increased levels of stamina during their working days.
Interestingly, several studies have shown that Moringa oleifera has many health benefits. For instance, in 2009, researchers reported in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine that Moringa oleifera reduced fasting blood sugar by 13.5 per cent in 30 women who took seven grammes of moringa leaf powder every day for three months.
Bitter leaf tea
Researchers found that bitter leaf processed into herbal tea reduced blood glucose level of diabetic rats.
Many studies have shown that bitter leaf contains chemical substances in it that may render cancerous cells more sensitive to chemotherapy, strengthen the immune system, decrease blood glucose and also act as a worm expeller.
In 2009, a preliminary clinical trial found that fresh leaves of bitter leaves were 67 per cent effective in the treatment of mild malaria, Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine, said.
Mistletoe tea
Granted many people attest that mistletoe tea helps with control of blood pressure. Others drink the tea to improve blood circulation and prevent or manage stroke. Leaves of mistletoe no doubt are medicinal and support good health.
In 2015, experts in a study said that regular intake of mistletoe tea, what is known as Afomo in Yoruba, Awuruse in Ibo and Bokondoro in Hausa in high doses can help to boost body’s immunity against many infections such as flu.
The experts in the edition of the journal, African Health Science had compared the effects of mistletoe harvested from three different plants (Coffee, kola, and cocoa) on blood samples of albino rats. The rats had taken extracts of the mistletoe for 14 days.
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