Health Benefits of Herbal Teas

If you have an ailment, like cramps or stress, don't turn to your medicine cabinet just yet. Try drinking an herbal tea first. Some ailments can be relieved with a simple cup of herbal tea.

For cramps and crankiness, something women can definitely identify with, try a tea made with spearmint, lemon balm, raspberry leaf and nettle. This type of tea can actually relieve the irritability and cramps that often accompany menstruation. One to two cups daily in the week before and the week during your period should help.

To relieve bloating, try ginger or peppermint tea. One to two cups can relieve the puffiness you're feeling and even help settle a stomach.

Women may be interested in taking motherwort tea. This tea helps with anxiety and relieves premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Motherwort also promotes the health of the uterus after childbirth.

Certain teas can even help with stress. Lavender and chamomile can help with anxiety. Lemon balm can help with relaxation.

A tea made from burdock root can have many beneficial properties. Burdock tea may help regulate blood sugar, cleanse blood, and stimulate your liver. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Hawthorn tea also offers several beneficial properties. It strengthens one's circulation, helps balance blood pressure, and may lower cholesterol. These properties make hawthorn tea a good choice for heart health.

Adding thyme to a tea makes for a good antiseptic. Thyme helps with sore throats and coughs, and boosts the immune system. It may also promote perspiration, so consuming thyme in moderation may be best.

If you have a cold, adding yarrow to your tea can help you feel better. Yarrow can lessen chest congestion and cold symptoms. It also improves appetite and digestion, which can also help you feel better faster.

Damiana offers several benefits. It is a menstrual aid, as some other teas are. It also acts as a laxative and diuretic, helps with depression and anxiety, and even functions as an aphrodisiac.

Tea with cinnamon bark packs a wallop. Cinnamon may regulate insulin and blood sugar, ease an upset stomach, lessen menstrual cramps, relieve cold symptoms and improve circulation.

Licorice is not just candy. It is also a beneficial tea supplement. Licorice reduces menstrual cramps and helps relieve coughs and sore throats. It also increases your libido, enhances digestion and helps provide relief from seasonal allergies.

There are many other teas that provide benefits; these are just a few. If you are sick for a few days, or are uncertain about whether self medicating with tea is safe for you, consult a doctor first.

Sources:

Fitness Magazine, November 2007, page 72
http://coffeetea.about.com/library/herbs/blherbs.htm