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Tea Health Benefits

Tea Health Benefits

Five Teas That Will Get Rid of Your Hangover

March 18, 2022
teas-to-fight-hangover

We’ve all had those night where we have one to many drinks at happy hour with friends and we wake up feeling not our best. Alcohol being incredibly dehydrating will result in symptoms like headache, dry mouth and fatigue when you’re hungover, which is why you need to hydrate as much as possible while restoring your body’s electrolyte balance. One of the best ways to do this is with teas. We’ve put together a list of our top teas to help kick your hangover.

Before we jump into the teas best for a hangover, it’s important that we discuss some things to avoid. IF you are not used to consuming lots of caffeine, do not overload on it while trying to get rid of your hangover symptoms. Too much caffeine can further accentuate the symptoms. If your stomach is already reeling, your head is already spinning and you already feel dizzy, you don’t need another jolt. You definitely don’t need another stimulant, especially if you suffer from hangover shakes. One to two cups is more than enough to add to drinking plenty of water to get back to your normal self again!

Matcha

Matcha is praised for all its benefits as a superfood so it’s no wonder that it is great for the day after drinking. Matcha is not only loaded with antioxidants, it also has the caffeine and chlorophyll to help pick you back up! It is essentially a trifecta combination to help you kick it back into gear. Caffeine helps to reduce your headache, the antioxidants help your body detox, and the chlorophyll acts to restore the natural balance in your body. An added benefit is that Matcha is also known to have the ability to protect your liver. Since it is high in caffeine, we suggest only one cup of matcha when combatting your hangover. Too much caffeine can make you jittery and make the hangover process more difficult.

Pro tip: To maximize your matcha, add coconut water or coconut milk. The day after a big night your body is craving electrolytes. Add this to your cup, hot to iced, will make it that much more effective!

Ginger Tea

We have been using ginger for years and years to help treat all sorts of ailments. Rich in antioxidants and full of rich spice, ginger tea is a beloved option at any time of day, whether you’ve been drinking or not. Ginger is known to help calm your stomach and elevate nausea thanks to its active ingredient, gingerol! This ingredient is one reason why pregnant women suffering from morning sickness often nibble on ginger snaps or hard ginger candy to help keep their bellies calm. Studies have also shown its effective in reducing joint and muscle pain. Our lemon ginger herbal tea is the perfect tea to sip on as it has no caffeine and has a boost of lemon in it!

If you do not have a ginger tea handy, you can certainly use raw ginger by adding it to boiling water. A little splash of lemon will make for the ideal soothing hangover tea.

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflamitory properties so it could help with the hangover headache. It is also known to stimulate blood flow and metabolism which helps to boost detoxification. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also known to soothe and restore the skin from the inside out, and help with overall gut health. Many blends of Turmeric tea also contain ginger which is known to help with nausea, as stated above.

Chamomile Tea

Another great hangover tea choice is herbal chamomile tea. You’ll probably have some hidden in the kitchen and it’s a fantastic feel-good tea. It is great at helping settle the stomach and being caffeine-free, with every soothing sip, it provides a healing boost to your nervous system. It’s been used traditionally for centuries to settle upset nerves and is an easy-to-drink tea when hungover. The active ingredient in chamomile is apigenin which has been studied for its stress-relieving properties.

Tea Health Benefits

5 Benefits of Chamomile Tea You Won’t Want to Miss 

March 14, 2022

Chamomile tea is one of the most widely known and loved teas in the world, consumed by thousands for its numerous health benefits and delicious, clean taste. It’s easy to find in grocery stores and farmed in bulk simply to meet high demand. You’re likely wondering: why chamomile tea and what caused it historically to rise to popularity? We’ve got answers, and we also know that you won’t be able to get enough of this light, springy blend. Let’s get into the history, popularity, and wide list of ways that you can use chamomile tea for additional benefits. 

History and rise of chamomile tea 

There are two main types of chamomile: German chamomile and Roman chamomile, which have an even longer and more diverse history. German chamomile tea was discovered and used widely in Europe and Eastern Asia since ancient times, working as both a drink and medicinal brew depending on the needs of the drinker. 

Roman chamomile’s name was handed down from its impact on both Roman and Grecian cultures, coming from the Greek Khami (ground) and melon (apple). This was very appropriate, as this variety of the tea was known for its long stems and bulb-like endpoints that would brew into a delicious drink. It was so popular in ancient cultures, many considered it to be “god-given” and a type of religiously holy herb. 

At this point, chamomile has been infused throughout a variety of products in both Western and Eastern cultures, including food, beverages, medications, cosmetics, and more — with good reason. This herb has a delicious, light taste and a variety of health benefits that you can enjoy with each cup. 

What does chamomile tea taste like? 

If you haven’t gotten to experience the taste of chamomile tea, you can expect an airy, floral taste. This gives way to a honey-sweet aftertaste and smooth finish. This is especially true if you make it hot. If you enjoy iced chamomile, you’ll likely encounter more of an herbaceous tang and deeper flavor depending on the depth of the brew. In either case, both types pair very well with honey, lemon, or ginger, and they are generally sold in standalone brew kits or paired with other soothing herbal blends. 

Health benefits of chamomile tea 

There are many health benefits that you can enjoy with each cup of chamomile tea, no matter what type is available to you. We do want to note that if you plan on using this tea for medicinal purposes, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional first to determine if this option is correct for your unique health needs. 

1. Lower blood pressure 

When you regularly drink chamomile tea, it is likely that you’ll experience naturally lower blood pressure. This is due to the presence of flavones, which are a class of antioxidants that are known to indicate your cardiac health levels and influence key health elements, like your cholesterol and blood pressure. If you find yourself constantly stressed or in a chronic state of burnout, chamomile tea can be especially helpful in regulating your circulatory system due to its calming effect. 

2. Soothed sore throats 

Allergy season is upon us, as well as the variety of spring flus that are going around. If you find yourself dealing with a sore throat from any trigger, this is a great tea blend to reach for. It is naturally anti-inflammatory and especially helpful in managing sore, irritated throats. You can find it at your nearest grocery store, making this an accessible treatment option to enjoy whenever you feel under the weather. 

3. Restful and easier sleep 

If you find yourself struggling with insomnia, you aren’t alone. Sleep issues affect 70 million of Americans per year according to the Cleveland Clinic, and this number can spike due to extreme stress and burnout like we currently face. Chamomile tea has been used since ancient times to address this issue and does so by its chemical composition that includes apigenin. This is known to influence GABA release and can be just what you need to get you into a deep, restorative sleep. 

4. Restored gut health 

Chamomile tea is a great herbal tea to reach for to support your natural microbiome and overall gut health. The tea is high in rich prebiotics, which allows your gut to rebuild any part of its damaged or less diverse flora. 

5. Lower blood sugar levels 

Chamomile tea can be very helpful in lowering your overall blood sugar levels. Recent scientific research showed consistent results spanning a total of eight weeks, and further research is being conducted to examine the extent of the benefit that the tea can bring to those dealing with hyperglycemia or diabetes. It’s also low-calorie, so it’s great to assist you in any sort of weight loss efforts. 

We hope this list inspired you to pick up more of this delicious blend on your next store run. We know that you won’t be able to get enough of this drink! 

Tea Health Benefits

4 Health Benefits of Passionflower Tea That You Shouldn’t Ignore 

March 10, 2022

If you’re looking for a tea that tastes like an exotic summer abroad with pops of vibrant, floral flavor, passionflower tea is the tea for you. This tea is just as delicious and rare-tasting as the name suggests, and is a favorite of millions of tea drinkers around the world. We don’t just love it for the taste — we also can’t get enough of the health benefits that are available with every cup. We know you won’t be able to either, so let’s get into what makes this tea so special. 

Where did passionflower tea come from? 

Passionflower and its edible uses became popular with teas and tinctures that originated in Aztec culture, as the ancient people used it to help their own with a variety of illnesses and discomforts. They quickly experimented and learned about the wide array of benefits in this deep violet flower, and were able to access it up and down the towns of the Southwestern United States. 

In the present day, it’s actually used in medicine in several foreign countries, more specifically in Egypt, Germany, France, and others throughout Europe and the East. There it is recognized as a pharmacological medication due to its potency and wide range of use, where it is used more liberally. In the West, the flower has a more widespread medicinal reputation among natural practitioners and alternative health professionals. 

What does passionflower tea taste like? 

Passionflower tea is known for its rich, deep, and floral taste, with an intensely sweet aftertaste that fades to a light feel on your tongue. It’s often paired with citrusy flavors in mixed drinks and teas, such as lemonade. These can brighten and amplify its flavor profile, making it more complex and the perfect pairing for your next outdoor dinner party or date night. If you’re looking to deepen this type of flavor in your next batch of tea, passionflower has been known to perform and brew exceptionally well with the cold brew process. 

Health benefits of passionflower tea 

There are a variety of health benefits that you can enjoy with every cup of passionflower tea. We’ve listed the top four below. 

Before we get into this list, we do want to reiterate that if you plan on using the tea for medicinal purposes, it’s best to contact your health professional and work with them to determine if the tea is the right choice for your unique health situation. 

1. Fewer symptoms of menopause and hormonal dysregulation 

Passionflower tea has been known to trigger the brain to release a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid, otherwise known as GABA. This has been found to have an increasing role in our gut health and elasticity, and also to have a direct effect on hormonal stability, regulation, and health, among other effects. This is a fantastic way to naturally support your body’s ability to regulate itself naturally. 

2. Lessened instances of  anxiety and depression 

It’s been a hard few years. If you’re finding yourself struggling to rest at night, or dealing with instances of anxiety and depression, passionflower tea may be able to help give you a natural aid. The way it works is also centered around the brain’s release of GABA, which is known to slow the rate of transmissions between neurons. This can give you a light sedative effect without causing any sort of harm to your body’s natural rhythms and processes. 

3. Enhanced sleep quality and duration 

If you’re looking for better sleep and want a change from the regular routine of chamomile blends, passionflower tea can help. Used by the ancient Aztecs for this very purpose, passionflower is powered by phytonutrients, which can have an emotionally and neurologically calming effect on the brain. This, paired with its ability to calm your brain through the use of GABA, can help you sink into a rejuvenating, restful sleep. 

4. Preventative wellness benefits for neurological health 

Passionflower can also be used in your preventative health journey and is very valuable for its contributions to your neurological health. This beautiful bud works to prevent and mitigate the risk of debilitating neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. It does this through natural compounds in the flower, known as vitexin, apigenin, and chrysin. 

We hope that this guide was able to give you additional insight into the benefits that passionflower can provide beyond its delicious, crisp taste and gorgeous appearance on the vine. 

Tea Health Benefits

Flu-Fighting Teas to Keep You Healthy This Spring 

March 2, 2022

Spring is a time of lush growth and the change of the season. With the beauty that comes in that change, there also comes a plethora of flu and colds that you don’t want to deal with. Tea is a great treat to indulge in that also offers immune-boosting properties that can help your preventative wellness regimen, and keep you healthier through even the most vicious flu seasons. Let’s dive into some of the most delicious flu-fighting teas that you can enjoy, minimizing your risk of sickness. 

What does the body need to stay healthy? 

When evaluating if your favorite tea will do the trick and keep you well and boost your immune system, it’s important to understand what our body needs to stay healthy during cold and flu season. Most notably, you’ll want to look for options that help your body naturally maintain your levels of vitamin C and D, which can defend against flu viruses. You can also get Vitamin D naturally by getting out in the sunshine, and soaking in those deliciously warm spring days. 

Additionally, you can look for teas that offer benefits that promote your total-body health. For example, choosing blends that have a rich antioxidant profile or supportive measures for your other bodily systems can help reduce your body’s strain in that area and redirect its resources to keeping you well. This type of wellness framework is known as a more holistic approach to wellness. Teas can fit very well into this type of routine. 

5 flu-fighting teas to enjoy 

No one enjoys being sick — and teas are a great way to preserve and protect your natural health and immunity. Below, we’ve listed five top flu-fighting teas that you can enjoy all year long! 

1. Peppermint tea 

Peppermint tea is delicious, classic, and a great tea to enjoy if you’re wanting to nip an oncoming flu in the bud. Often, viruses come with a variety of unpleasant symptoms that range from your average cold including GI upset and body aches and pains. Peppermint is a great tea that addresses both of these concerns, acting as a muscle relaxant that is gentle on your body and soothing to inflammation anywhere in your muscular system: either the smooth muscles in your GI tract or the body-wide skeletal muscles throughout your aching body. Peppermint can also soothe a sore throat quickly, offering a clean-tasting, comforting wash over your palate and throat. 

2. Green tea 

If you’re beginning to feel under the weather or want to mitigate the risk of getting sick, reach for your nearest box of green tea. This type of tea has been found to have high concentrations of vitamin C, and is known to be a powerful antiviral against the common cold and flu. More recent studies have also shown promise toward green tea is a natural combatant against certain strains of coronaviruses as well, but more research needs to be done before anything conclusive is found. The tea is also known to be anti-inflammatory and is packed with antioxidants for a powerful immune boost. 

3. Black tea 

That’s right — something as common as black tea can be a powerful tool against the common bacterial and viral infections during flu season. Flavonoids in black tea have been found to have flu-fighting properties. These types of antioxidants are known to be powerful antimicrobials that are highly effective and bioavailable in the body when ingested in tea form. Black tea is easy to enjoy as well and can be purchased at your local grocery store. For an added antiviral punch, consider blending it with citrus and cinnamon to get the most benefit from every cup. 

4. Cinnamon tea 

This type of tea is great for helping you to deal with the symptoms that can run rampant with brutal cases of the flu, including sore throats and congestion. When you drink cinnamon tea, you’re also ingesting its antioxidant polyphenols and proanthocyanidins that can reduce inflammation in irritated areas (such as the throat,) and offer temporary pain relief with each sip. It also gives your immune system a temporary boost and can be taken in tandem with other flu-fighting teas such as black tea. 

5. Lemonbalm tea 

Lemonbalm tea is ideal if you’re struggling with GI upset but still need a symptom-relieving, comforting tea to sip on. The flavor of lemonbalm is very mild, and it still delivers a potent blend of necessary antioxidants and antiviral properties that can help to shorten the length of your sickness. It’s also great to alleviate symptoms of respiratory infection, congestion, sinus pain and inflammation, and chronic coughs. Simply inhaling the steam before each sip can help to bring some instant relief. 

We hope that these teas help you to prepare to weather cold and flu season. If you find yourself feeling under the weather, reach for these teas to get some relief. Stay healthy and well! 

Tea Health Benefits

Tea Wellness: Sipping for Healthy, Glowing Skin

February 28, 2022

Beautiful skin starts from within. From the inside, out. While we can spend hundreds of dollars on all types of different skincare, we first need to make sure that what’s going on inside is clean, too. When your insides are working properly, it really shows on the outside. The skin is the largest organ in the body and we need to make sure we are treating it with love and care! In case you didn’t know, tea is PACKED with antioxidants which are essential for a natural glow. Antioxidants help in restoring your natural, even and brighter skin tone by clearing the free radicals and inhibiting the enzymes responsible for the over-production of melanin. In this article, we will be breaking down what teas can help support that healthy glow.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is anti-septic and anti-bacterial. It encourages cell turnover, gets rid of dead skin cells and makes your skin stay consistently glowing. Peppermint tea is especially great if you suffer from hormonal acne like many of us do. The menthol in peppermint tea can help improve hormonal imbalances and slow the production of excess sebum on the skin.  It’s also rich in vitamin E which helps in visibly slowing down of the aging process due to excessive sun exposure.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is a huge contender for helping with anti-aging!  It has high levels of antioxidants, zinc, and alpha-hydroxy acids that give it the ability to prevent and reverse fat loss under the skin, and protects against harmful free radicals that we are faced with day to day. Rooibos is also high in zinc which has been proven to help correct hormonal imbalances that trigger acne.

Chamomile Tea

When you feel stressed, your sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline into your body. Cortisol causes increased oil production in your skin glands, which can lead to clogged pores, acne breakouts and can result in physical manifestations such as wrinkles. Chamomile tea has been used for its stress relieving qualities for a long, long time. It is ideal for inducing feelings of calm, rest, and encouraging better sleep which are critical for allowing the skin to naturally heal and imperative for glowing skin. Stress can disrupt your sleeping patterns. A good nights rest is crucial for your skin to repair and rejuvenate itself!

Green Tea

We can’t have a list of best teas for your sink without mentioning the GOAT of antioxidant filled teas. “Is green tea good for your skin?” is a question that’s often Googled, and the answer is yes!  For one, green tea is rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a highly potent antioxidant, which research has shown helps reduce oiliness of the skin and improve acne. It’s also extremely high antioxidant content also protects the skin against UV damage.

Ginger Tea

Ginger is helpful in the process of digestion and aids in gut health. Good digestion equals good skin. Studies show that people who have a healthier gut microbiota may have a healthier fatty acid profile in their skin, meaning their skin is more moisturized, hydrated and protected. Good digestion means toxins are discarded regularly from your body bringing freshness and a radiant glow to your skin.

All of these teas above have amazing health and skin benefits. Even if you only incorporate one or two of these teas for glowing skin into your daily diet, you should notice the wondrous effects they can bring to your skin! Along with sipping on tea for glowing skin, we also researched the best skincare products that use tea as their main ingredient. You can read all about tea infused skincare!

Tea Health Benefits

The Best Teas to Help Alleviate a Sore Throat

February 22, 2022

Drinking fluids when you’re feeling under the wether is essential to help flush out toxins from the body. Warm liquids can be especially comforting when your throat is irritated. But sipping certain herbal teas like licorice root or green tea may have even greater benefits — like reducing throat swelling and helping to clear mucus. Why is this? Tea is packed with amino acids and antioxidants that can help speed up the process in addition to traditional medicines to help you recover quicker. Even if you take all the necessary precautions like booster, flu shot, diligently washing your hands, you may still end up under the weather. Let’s jump in to the best teas to help you through those times!

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is known to have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce swelling and repair tissue. It’s also an antispasmodic, meaning it can help to reduce any coughing as well. And inhaling chamomile steam is a popular home remedy for treating respiratory issues associated with the common cold.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is an amazing drink to have when your throat is irritated. Because peppermint contains menthol, it acts as an effective decongestant and soothing agent. It’s a great choice before bedtime, as it helps aid in digestion, too. The antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory components of green tea all help in dealing with cold symptoms.

Black Tea

When you’re feeling under the weather, skip your morning cup of joe for a caffeinated cup of black tea. Not only will it wake you up, but it also has compounds called tannins that will help reduce inflammation and relieve sore throat pain. You can also gargle black tea at a comfortable temperature to help reduce inflammation.

Ginger Tea

Ginger helps in soothing a sore throat in two ways – one by relieving the pain and second by fighting the infections. Ginger is huge in the wellness space for a reason. Ginger root is loaded with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help fight off sickness at its root. Ginger may also help with lowering body temperature and reducing fever. Adding a dash of cinnamon can help increase the antibacterial effects.

Green Tea

Green tea contains powerful antioxidant compounds called polyphenols that may help your immune system fight off cold and flu viruses. Green tea is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties which may help to alleviate discomfort of a sore throat. These properties come from a compound called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which reduces inflammatory proteins in your body. This is important because sore throat is most often caused by inflammation of the pharynx, or back of your throat due to a cold or flu.

Tea Tips:

  • Try adding fresh lemon to your cup of tea. Lemon is packed with Vitamin C! Vitamin C is a tried and true remedy for fighting infection and bolstering immunity.
  • Add a dash of cinnamon to increase the antibacterial effects in all of these cups of tea! Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants which lend it a mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Our Lemon Ginger Herbal Tea is a great tea to help your sore throat. Not only is it naturally caffeine free, its packed with cold busting ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, lemon peel, licorice and spearmint.
  • Add honey to your tea for extra throat soothing benefits. Honey is one of the best remedies for a sore throat due to its natural antibacterial properties that allows it to act as a wound healer, immediately offering relief for pain while working to reduce inflammation.

Aside from tea soothing a sore throat and alleviating symptoms, it is always best to check with a medical professional if you’re truly under the weather. Tea offers many benefits for helping you through these times. Even the simplicity of preparing and enjoying a cup of tea can help you to relax and soothe both the body and mind. Whether you or a loved one is suffering from a sore throat, we hope you feel better soon!

Tea Health Benefits

Reset with Night Time Teas

February 15, 2022

After a long day, it can be hard to unwind and turn off your brain at bedtime. Between deadlines at work, your kid’s soccer practice and the laundry piling up, you may have trouble de-stressing while trying to fall asleep. While there are many different ways to help you relax and unwind after a long day, or week, have you ever thought about adding tea to your nighttime routine? Better quality sleep in only one sip away.

Sleep plays a crucial role in your overall health. Sleep is just as important as diet and exercise. Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood, and health. Not getting enough quality sleep regularly raises the risk of many diseases and disorders. 

Chamomile

Chamomile’s warmth, subtle sweetness, and delicate floral notes aren’t the only reasons this herbal tea promotes a sense of relaxation and calmness in those who drink it. Chamomile is a friend with big benefits. According to a 2019 research review, this sweet and earthy tea can help improve sleep quality and is an effective treatment for GAD. One of the main chemical compounds in chamomile is a flavonoid called apigenin. Apigenin creates a mild sedative effect by binding to receptors in the brain responsible for inducing sleepiness and decreasing anxiety.

Tip: If you want to take advantage of chamomile’s sleep-inducing benefits, it’s recommended that you drink your chamomile tea for about 45 minutes before going to bed. This allows your body plenty of time to metabolize the chemical compounds that make chamomile an effective sleep aid.

Peppermint

Peppermint tea is an ideal choice before bed, as it’s naturally caffeine-free. What’s more, peppermint’s capacity as a muscle relaxant may help you relax before bedtime. Peppermint tea has proven to be beneficial for sleep, and can even help insomniacs sleep for longer hours and have a better quality sleep. Peppermint tea is caffeine-free and has relaxing properties which can help reduce tension from your muscles.

Lavender

Everything else in your chill-time arsenal (lotion, pillow mist, bath bombs…) is lavender-scented for a good reason: It’s extremely calming. We can thank the ancient Greeks and Romans for the idea — they threw lavender into their baths and were obsessed with inhaling its soothing scent. Not only is it often enjoyed as a soothing bedtime tea, but some research also supports that lavender could promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality. For instance, one small study found that women who had recently given birth and who drank 1 cup of lavender tea per day for 2 weeks experienced less fatigue than a control group. Another study in older adults showed that lavender tea effectively decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety, both of which could contribute to insomnia.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass tea is an exceptional sleep aid that stimulates rest by inducing the release of chemicals and hormones that regulate sleep. Specifically, lemongrass tea triggers the release of serotonin, a hormone that has been connected to improving mood and happiness. This tea is particularly useful for individuals who suffer from restlessness before bed as the sedative effects reduce stress while serotonin increases feelings of contentment. Our lemon ginger herbal tea contains lemongrass, ginger and lemon peel which is a lovely tea to sip on just before bed!

Passionflower Tea

A study published in Phytotherapy Research examined the effects of passionflower on sleep quality in 41 individuals aged 18 to 35. The participants consumed one cup of passionflower tea or a placebo for a 1-week period and kept a sleep journal. At the end of the study, participants who consumed passionflower tea showed significantly increased sleep quality. Passionflower tea offers a sweet, floral way to alleviate sleep disorders and get better quality sleep. Consume a cup each evening before bed to reap the benefits of passionflower tea.

One of the only downsides to tea before bed is the caffeine. If you’re really sensitive to caffeine, you probably want to avoid tea that contains even a little caffeine before you go to sleep. If you have too much caffeine, it can affect how quickly you fall asleep and how well you sleep throughout the night.

Sip a delicious cup of one of these top bedtime teas and you’ll be slipping into sweet dreams in no time. 

Tea Health Benefits

5 Delicious Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea

January 31, 2022

Peppermint tea has been enjoyed for centuries and was made popular thanks to its clean, crisp, and refreshing taste. Beyond its deliciousness, peppermint tea offers a variety of health benefits to drinkers — elevating the drink in an entirely new way. In this blog post, we explore the history of peppermint tea, and review five health benefits of peppermint tea that you can enjoy with every cup! 

The history of peppermint tea 

Peppermint tea has had a long-disputed origin story but was first recognized and used widely as medicine by the ancient colonizations of Egypt and the Middle East. This was dated and discovered in pyramids hailing from 1000 B.C., showing the extensive and rich history of the use of peppermint in dishes, oils, tinctures, and medicinal brews

Throughout the past few centuries, the teas and blends were traded widely throughout Europe and its surrounding regions, often comprised of a blend of different mints and herbs. The popularity of the drink has continued to rise to the present day, with peppermint often being featured in a variety of blends that you can find in grocery stores and cafes. 

The drink is widely enjoyed, and with good reason — you can enjoy a variety of health benefits in each earthy, sweet, and herbaceous sip. 

Enjoying health benefits of peppermint tea 

To fully enjoy the health benefits that you can gain from peppermint tea, you can drink 1-2 cups consistently per day. Consistency is key for long-term gain, although you may feel more immediate relief from certain ailments with a single cup. Below, we’ve compiled five of the main health benefits that you can enjoy from peppermint tea. 

1. Stress reduction 

Peppermint tea is one of the top teas that you can drink for stress relief and relaxation. Peppermint oil has been used for centuries as an inhalant that can help you enhance your natural resiliency and stress management processes. If you’re experiencing anxiety, peppermint tea or an infused blend can help to quiet your nerves and give you a mood boost. Plus, the overall sensory experience of tea is very soothing, as you shift your focus from the feelings to the warmth, comfort, and delicious taste of the blend. 

 2. Headache relief 

In the peppermint leaves, there are plenty of natural oils such as menthol that provide relief from intense headaches and pains, specifically tension headaches. You can use a variety of types of peppermint products, such as oils and teas, to naturally ease tension headaches. This is due to the natural ability of the herb to promote circulation and its cooling properties. Peppermint tea can also be used in conjunction with other peppermint products, such as oils and poultices, for a more amplified effect in the body. 

3. Muscle relaxant 

Muscular aches and pains can happen for a variety of reasons, and often send people reaching for the medicine cabinet just to find an ounce of relief. With peppermint tea, you can enjoy the benefits that you would experience with a traditional muscle relaxant — without any of the unpleasant side effects. The oils and compounds in peppermint naturally promote circulation and relaxation, making peppermint tea an incredibly effective agent for muscular relaxation. Whether you’re experiencing lower back cramps, sore arm muscles, or menstrual cramps, peppermint tea can help. 

4. Respiratory tract support 

Peppermint is especially soothing and helpful for those who struggle with respiratory illness or chronic conditions — such as asthma or bronchitis. The soothing elements in the plant and tea can work similarly to eucalyptus, dilating your airways and helping the oxygen to flow freely through your respiratory system. The pleasant aroma is also strong enough to help clear your sinuses as you sip. Peppermint tea is also beneficial for those who may need additional lubrication in their lungs, and can help to clear a variety of virulent respiratory infections. The anti-inflammatory properties in the tea make it an excellent bronchodilator and can help soothe the rest of your system in the event of a flare or an infection. 

5. Gastrointestinal relief 

We’ve saved the best for last. Peppermint tea has been used for decades to promote a healthy GI system and can soothe a variety of stomach complaints. Most famously, the tea can easily ease the spasming of an empty or too-full stomach, help those with spasmodic disorders and nausea, as well as reduce instances of bloat. If you struggle with acid reflux, however, you may want to go to a gentler, less-strong tea or oil, such as fennel. Peppermint has a particularly strong flavor that can worsen pre-existing gastric reflux and heartburn.

Tea Health Benefits

Top 5 Teas For Respiratory Health

January 12, 2022

As cold and flu season nears, many are turning to preventative wellness measures to stay healthy throughout the season. One of the best ways to do that is by enjoying a steaming cup of tea – which can be incredibly healing to your respiratory health. In this article, we’ll be covering the top five teas that support your respiratory health and examining the function and breakdown of each. 

Medicinal Properties of Teas 

Teas have been seen as medicine for centuries and were used to alleviate a variety of ailments and symptoms. While many at the time disregarded these remedies as folk medicine, science has since proven the efficacy of plants when it comes to addressing physical symptoms in the body. In-depth studies around botany, herbology, and biology have led us to the conclusion that teas can be a valuable asset in our search for the best preventative medicine. 

Licorice Root Tea 

Licorice root tea has a cloyingly sweet taste that is very unique and is matched with an equally earthen flavor that sits on the tongue with every sip. While this flavor profile can be intense, the benefits are equally diverse and can be very helpful to maintaining your health. Licorice tea has been found to offer antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which serve as your first line of defense after cold and flu exposure. The respiratory benefits begin with the first sip, as it has been known to soothe the most irritated throats, utilizing its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. If you’re struggling with difficulty breathing due to a cold or longer-term ailment such as bronchitis, this can work with your body to naturally calm and open your irritated respiratory system. 

Eucalyptus Tea 

Eucalyptus tea has been known to be especially effective, having naturally calming effects and boasting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These occur organically in the blend thanks to tannins and flavonoids that can naturally support your health. Eucalyptus tea may come as a standalone brew, or you may enjoy the benefits of a eucalyptus-infused tea blend that is designed to give you total body support. No matter your choice, this tea is a great pick if you’re dealing with a cold, the flu, or simply congestion that comes along with the change of weather. 

Green Tea 

Green tea has been hailed as a health support for centuries and goes back to the ancient Eastern world – where it was one of the main treatments given and enjoyed daily for preventative wellness. Beyond the naturally occurring anti-inflammatory properties of the tea, it also contains approximately 28 milligrams of caffeine, which can naturally open and relax inflamed airways. Its fresh and vibrant taste only adds to the appeal that this versatile tea offers to any drinker, and has helped it rise to some of the topmost commonly enjoyed blends around the globe. 

Ginger Tea 

Ginger tea is a powerful blend that can help you heal the next time that you feel under the weather. Besides its fresh, zingy taste, you can expect the crisp brew to not only soothe inflammation throughout your body but also fight actively against the virus or bacteria attacking the body. Ginger is a known detoxifier and is delicious to sip on any time of day – soothing the gut and regulating your body’s natural systems as it supports your immune system for natural health. 

Fennel Tea 

Fennel tea is a delicious and complex brew that can give you the fresh herbal taste that so many crave – while providing invaluable health benefits for every system in your body. Within the respiratory system, fennel acts as a powerful expectorant that can help you dislodge painful mucus blocks that are plugging your airways. This tea is especially beneficial during allergy season or if you suffer from recurring illnesses, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. It also holds anti-inflammatory properties and is naturally soothing to the body, acting as a powerful cellular detoxification agent that can help you heal quickly and build resilience. 

Brew The Perfect Health Supporting Blend Today

If you’re looking to harness the natural healing benefits of tea, you may start by going to your local loose-leaf store or grocery supply. While these blends are delicious alone, you may also find mixed infusions packaged under respiratory care blends or packages. In either case, you can rest assured that you’re protecting and assisting your body through its natural processes and contributing to your preventative health – so that you can thrive all season long.

Tea Health Benefits

5 Teas to Lower Your Blood Pressure

January 4, 2022

The use of tea for medicinal purposes is nearly as old as time. For many, tea served as a common cure for a variety of physical symptoms and conditions, ranging from anxiety to chronic inflammation, to hypertension. Nearly 47% of United States adults struggle with chronic or acute hypertension, which may or may not be controlled through medication or lifestyle changes. Tea can be a powerful aid to those who need to lower their blood pressure and cannot tolerate medication. In this article, we explore 5 teas that you can enjoy to lower your blood pressure.

How Can Teas Lower Your Blood Pressure? 

Tea can lower your blood pressure by negating any negative environmental influences, such as stress, or other contributors to hypertension.  You can enjoy these teas and tonics in any form, either hot and freshly brewed, or cooled in the fridge as you would drink an iced tea. While these are designed to be used for medicinal purposes, you can choose to dress up your drink with healing raw honey or other fruity additions for taste enhancement. 

1. Hibiscus Tea 

This fruity and fun blend can help you lower your blood pressure with consistent use. You won’t find it difficult to enjoy this delicious tea, giving you exotic, light, and floral flavors with each sip. This is complemented nicely with the tartness that comes into play with the aftertaste, making each drink a new, well-rounded experience. You can enjoy this tea any time of day without ill effect, reaping the benefits of the powerhouse antioxidants and anti-cancer polyphenols. For best enjoyment and benefit, consume one to two cups daily.

2. Greek Mountain Tea 

This tea may be lesser-known, but gives some of the most potent benefits of any blend. One of the biggest benefits of Greek Mountain Tea is its ability to cause vasodilation, reducing the muscular strain on the heart and helping drinkers to enjoy lower blood pressure. While it does have earthen undertones, the main flavor highlights are floral, sweet, and mild compared to other, more aggressive tasting teas. 

3. Turmeric Tea 

Turmeric is one of the most well-known herbs thanks to its prevalence in Eastern medicine and traditions. Tea drinkers in the US are welcoming the familiar golden blend and enjoying a variety of benefits. Beyond reducing your blood pressure, Tumeric offers the extra preventative benefit of arterial protection and regulation, helping you to maintain healthy blood pressure levels into the future. This tea has a full-bodied, rich flavor that can be herbaceous and spicy with just a hint of sweetness in the afternotes. The spice is not overpowering and pairs well with other common additions of lemon or ginger. 

4. Chamomile Tea 

That’s right — chamomile tea isn’t just known for its soothing benefits and anti-anxiety properties. This tea can have a direct effect on your blood pressure and health, working preventatively to support your other symptoms. If hypertension is commonly caused due to anxiety, stress, or other related mental health difficulties, chamomile blends can work to soothe and comfort, directly lowering your blood pressure and helping you to build resiliency to stress. The soft, sweet, vanilla-like notes of the tea make this a favorite around the world and is especially delicious before bed or in times of stress. You can pair this tea well with honey or lemon and enjoy it in a whole new way. 

5. Rooibos Tea 

Also known as bush tea or red bush tea, rooibos tea has been incorporated into blends for centuries for its variety of health benefits. This tea won’t help to just soothe you — it actually goes to work on a molecular level. Your blood vessels constrict under stress or due to other factors via the ACE enzyme. This causes your heart to pump harder and your symptoms to appear. Rooibos breaks down and actively stops these enzymes from binding to their reactionary sites, helping to support your body’s natural processes. Bush tea has a milder flavor and has a sweet and savory profile. Some have likened the taste to a light, nutty, and spiced flavor as you would expect from a holiday blend. You can enjoy rooibos as a standalone tea or blended with other elements such as vanilla or citrus. 

What To Know Before Using Blood-Pressure Lowering Tea Blends 

Natural ways of addressing common medical ailments are becoming mainstream thanks to the rise of complementary and alternative medical practices. While teas are a great resource to help your body support itself naturally and through low-risk methods, it is important to consult your physician or pharmacist before incorporating them into your daily routine. 

Teas are a low-risk way to help support your body but may interact with other medications or treatment options. Always speak with your provider to ensure that you can enjoy these blends safely.