There are many benefits of organic herbal tea. If you are new to organic herbal teas, here is some information to help you decide which one is best for you.

What is organic herbal tea made from?

Organic herbal teas are made from herbs, fruits, seeds or roots that are steeped in hot water to make a tea. Herbal teas do not contain artificial ingredients, flavoring or sugar. Most herbal teas are full of antioxidants and have some specific medicinal properties. Using an herbal tea as a medicinal remedy can be more effective, safer and a more natural solution than prescription medication which has greater risks and side effects.

7 Organic Herbal tea benefits

1. Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine free. Certain teas do contain enough caffeine to provide that morning “jump start” but at lower and healthier levels than coffee.
2. Herbal teas are extremely rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants have been shown to boost your immune system, and have anti-aging benefits too.
3. Many herbal teas support digestion and help to treat nausea, indigestion and constipation.
4. Herbal teas are a well-known stress reliever. Many herbal teas have calming properties that help to reduce stress and anxiety.
5. Some herbal teas, especially green tea, have been proven in studies to be effective as an anti-inflammatory.
6. Herbal teas have a detoxifying effect on the body. These teas support your body in cleansing and flushing out toxins form your system.
7. Herbal teas contribute to heart and overall cardiovascular health. Herbal teas have been shown to significantly lower high blood pressure in a matter of weeks.

Which organic herbal tea is right for me?

Each organic herbal tea has a different flavor and different benefits. Listed below are commonly used organic herbal teas and their properties. This guide will help you decide which tea is best for you. There are also many organic herbal tea blends which blend several herbs to maximize the benefits and medicinal qualities.

Types of organic herbal teas and their benefits

• Bergamot – Bergamot is a citrus fruit which is main ingredient in Earl Grey tea. Helps with treating mild depression and digestion problems. Mostly found as a blend with other herbs.
• Chamomile – Reduce stress and anxiety, treats insomnia, relaxes muscles and reduces irritability.
• Cinnamon – Improves digestion, has warming properties – good for people who feel cold.
• Echinacea -Enhances the immune system, treatment for colds, flu and infections.
• Fennel – Has a licorice flavor and is often served with honey to treat indigestion (blends with chamomile) and used to treat colic in babies.
• Ginger – Treats nausea, diarrhea, indigestion and cramping. Helps to reduce levels of stress and anxiety, improves circulation.
• Green Tea – Increases metabolism; helps calm the nerves keeping you alert due to caffeine levels, long lasting energy boost, antioxidants in green tea increase the body’s ability to burn fat as fuel increasing muscle endurance.
• Hibiscus – High levels of antioxidants. Helps reduce mucus membrane inflammation to treat sore throats, gum disease, cystitis. Reduces high blood pressure.
• Juniper Berry – Treats urinary tract problems. Diuretic. Promotes heart health.
• Lavender – Promoted feeling of calm. Eases abdominal cramps. Best used in a tea blend vs as a stand-alone tea.
• Lemon Balm– Belongs to mint family has natural mint flavor with slight taste of lemon, reduces stress hormone cortisol and relaxes body without causing drowsiness, elevates mood.
• Lemongrass – Aids in digestion, good for treating bloating and abdominal gas. Also aids in treating headaches and nervous exhaustion.
• Lemon Myrtle – Good tea for cold or flu; often mixed with honey.
• Mint – Reduce food cravings, speeds digestion, relieve pain and discomfort from gas and bloating.
• Oolong – Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease diabetes and cancer. Helps fight obesity and promote weight loss by increasing metabolism and suppressing the production of new fat cells. Decreases inflammation. Supports a healthy brain. Prevents bone loss. Reduces Eczema. High in caffeine content.
• Peppermint – Excellent for digestive problems, nasal congestion, can help to relieve hot flashes and menopausal symptoms aromatic tea reduces stress, menthol in peppermint natural muscle relaxant reducing tension help overall calm. Contains no caffeine. Will promote a peaceful sleep. Not advisable for pregnant women.
• Pu-erh – Promotes weight loss, reduction of serum cholesterol and cardiovascular protection, aids in sleep and stress reduction by increasing production of melatonin in the brain, mood stabilizer, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Raspberry Leaf – Particularly good for pregnant women to relieve morning sickness.
• Rosehip – Drink before bed to ease mind, detoxifying the body, strengthens immune system, protects skin, anti-aging benefits, and eases chronic pain.
• Rooibos (red tea) – Cure for headaches, insomnia, asthma, eczema, bone weakness, hypertension, allergies and premature aging. Reduces hunger. No caffeine content.
• Sage – Uplifting effect helpful for menopause and PMS symptom, mood regulator, has a strong taste.
• Spearmint – Cure for sinus and upper respiratory infections. Blends well with lemon grass tea.
• Vervain – Calm nervous system, often used to treat anxiety and mild depression.
• White tea – Boosts cardiovascular health, lowers cholesterol, reduces risk of cancer and enhances weight loss.

Many retailers offer sampler packages that allow you to try multiple organic herbal teas i.e. Traditional Medicinals Seasonal Herb Tea Sampler. After you have selected a tea that works for you, it is important to drink the tea regularly to reap the benefits. Many studies suggest 3 or more cups per day to be most effective. Tea naturally contains zero calories, so drinking 3 or more cups of tea per day can actually have further benefits if the tea is replacing a calorie rich beverage. Therefore you should be willing to experiment with a variety of teas to find the one that is right for you.

Drinking organic herbal tea is just one aspect of a healthy lifestyle. A combination of a healthy diet, exercising, and adding stress reduction activities such as meditation or yoga can contribute to your overall health.

Visit the Online Organic Health Store to find a variety of Organic Herbal Teas and other organic products to support a healthy lifestyle.