4. Chamomile Tea May Aid Sleep and Support Immunity
If you’re feeling wired at bedtime, consider sipping a cup of chamomile tea to wind down. “Since chamomile tea is an herbal tea that contains no caffeine, it can be a calming beverage before bed,” says Retelny.
“Chamomile is in the daisy family and is widely used all over the world,” explains Retelny. “It’s one of the oldest documented medicinal plants with a variety of healing properties.”
That’s not all, though: Chamomile tea may support immune health, says Retelny. One review suggested that chamomile tea may help stimulate the immune system, but the researchers noted that more clinical trials need to be done. Also, a 2022 review found chamomile to possess possible anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and blood-pressure-lowering properties. However, most of the studies included were performed in a lab, not with humans.
Drinking chamomile tea may also be beneficial for women experiencing premenstrual syndrome, according to another review. The researchers also noted the tea’s anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties.
Other research suggested that drinking chamomile tea was associated with a decreased mortality risk in Hispanic women over age 65.
5. Ginger Tea May Help Treat Nausea and Vomiting
Got tummy troublesor a bout of morning sickness? You may want to sip some ginger tea, which is well known for its ability to help ease digestive stress.
According to one review, ginger, an ancient root known for its medicinal properties, is a safe and effective treatment for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.
Research also has suggested that ginger helps reduce post-chemotherapy nausea in adults with cancer by 40 percent. (In this study, participants took ginger in supplemental form.) Furthermore, gingerols, the compounds that give ginger its characteristic taste and smell, may be useful in therapies that help protect against diseases like diabetes and cancer, the research noted.
To enjoy ginger tea, grate the root, put the pieces at the bottom of a mug, pour hot water on top, and let it steep for a couple of minutes. To avoid the DIY route, buy prepackaged tea bags made with dried ginger.
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6. Peppermint Tea Is Associated With a Healthy Digestive System
Like ginger, peppermint is known for promoting healthy digestion. “Peppermint herbal tea can be a great option to help support digestion,” says Al Bochi. “Peppermint contains a compound called menthol that can help relax the intestinal tract and help relieve bloating.”
Some studies in animal models have shown that peppermint can specifically help relax gastrointestinal tissues, a reviewnoted. Another review found that peppermint oil is a safe and effective short-term treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), though it’s worth noting that peppermint oil is more highly concentrated than peppermint tea.
Other research has shown that peppermint (which was taken in tablet form) could ease chest pain and help people with esophagus disorders better swallow their food, potentially byhelping relax smooth muscle located in the lower esophagus.
Because peppermint tea doesn’t contain any caffeine, it’s also a great option for a soothing drink before bed.
7. Hibiscus Tea May Play a Role in Lowering Blood Pressure
Not only does hibiscus tea — made from dry hibiscus leaves — taste delicious and tangy, but it may help your ticker, too. Research has found drinking hibiscus tea two times a day may be effective for managing blood pressure in stage one hypertension, along with lifestyle and dietary modification.
On top of that, a review found that hibiscus may reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body fat, and iron deficiency.
Hibiscus may have protective effects against obesity, too. A small, randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that participants who took hibiscus extract saw reductions in body weight, BMI, and central fat mass, regardless of the physical activity.
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8. Fennel Tea May Ease Menopause Symptoms
Another tea that helps with digestion? Fennel. “Fennel also relaxes digestive muscles to help with bowel regularity,” says Al Bochi. One review noted that fennel, which has long been known as a medicinal plant, is widely used for treating digestive issues as well as IBS. The review cited polyphenols as one reason for fennel’s antioxidant properties.
Furthermore, fennel may help ease menopause symptoms in postmenopausal women without serious side effects, according to a small study using fennel in capsule form.
Interested in trying fennel tea? You can buy fennel tea in tea bags or crush fennel seeds and steep for a few minutes in a tea ball.
A Final Word on Cooking With Tea
One last hot tip: Whatever you decide to brew, keep in mind that “drinking tea is a great way to reap the benefits of plants in your diet,” says Retelny. So don’t discard any leftover tea that you couldn’t finish. “Use this glorious liquid to make quinoa, brown rice, or couscous —the cooked grains will absorb whatever plant compounds are present in the tea,” says Retelny. You can also baste chicken, fish, or tenderloin cuts of meat with a homemade marinade using green tea combined with olive oil, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic, Retelny suggests. “The possibilities are endless with tea!”