While people may know that we can make teas out of the medicinal herbs we often use, we often forget that the usual teas we see in our tea drawer (is it only me that has an entire drawer dedicated to tea?) can have medicinal value as well! Here are some common teas most of us have on hand and their medicinal properties:
Chamomile Tea
- Not just for sleepy time (though it works!), chamomile is also great for cramping digestive disorders like IBS, colic, indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation. It repairs your GI mucosa in the presence of gastritis and ulcers. It also decreases inflammation topically and speeds up the healing process. It used to be a folk remedy for teething babies to reduce pain! And, as we know best, it has calming effects, helping with anxiety and sleep.
Green Tea
- We know green tea as the anti-aging, antioxidant powerhouse. It has less caffeine than black tea, so, while it can still provide a little mid-afternoon pep and increase alertness, its less likely to affect sleep. Green tea can also improve dental health, decrease inflammation (specifically asthma). EGCG, one of the active parts of green tea, has been highly studied as anti-cancer, anti-viral, liver protective, cholesterol support, blood pressure supportive. Green tea also has theanine, which calms the nervous system but keeps it alert!
Earl Grey Tea
- Famous in the UK, Earl Grey is black tea mixed with bergamot oil. Black tea reduces stroke risk and improves cardiac health. Bergamot is the new darling of the cardiovascular community in that it is anti-inflammatory, its been shown to reduce cholesterol and LDL, modulates blood sugar.
Rooibos Tea
- Rooibos is one of my favorite teas in that its mildly sweet and slightly vanilla flavored naturally. It is rich in antioxidants while also being caffeine free! It has been linked to improved heart health, decreased cholesterol, and decreased blood sugar. Rooibos is my go-to herb for detox and mold support. It naturally improves our glutathione production. Glutathione is our master antioxidant and helps all our detox processes.
Spearmint Tea
- While most know spearmint tea to help gas/bloating, and other digestive distress, it also has some anti-allergy and asthma properties as well. Spearmint has also been shown to be beneficial in decreasing testosterone levels in women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) in as little as a month! It also can potentially improve levels of FSH, LH, and estrogen, which may support fertility.
Corn Silk Tea
- This one might not be in your tea drawer, but I suggest you make a spot for it if you find yourself experiencing repeated UTIs! It is a diuretic and bladder soother. It decreases inflammation of the urinary system and has also been shown to mildly decrease blood pressure.
Which of these teas did you already have on hand? Which is your favorite? Let us know!