Pick which ever cup of comfort you need!
Tea is the second-most consumed beverage in the world, and for good reason. For centuries, tea has been cherished for its medicinal benefits, with numerous studies linking various types of teas to improvements in many aspects of our health. Whether you're dealing with a common cold, low mood and energy, or tummy troubles, there's a comforting cup of tea to help alleviate your symptoms.
So, put the kettle on because I’m about to share details on several types of teas and how they can benefit your needs below!
Soothe your symptoms with a cup of comfort!
Cold, sore throat, & the sniffles
When you're fighting a cold and suffering from symptoms like a sore throat, congestion, and a stuffy nose, peppermint tea can be a soothing, caffeine-free option. Steeping peppermint tea in hot water releases beneficial essential oils and plant compounds like menthol (an ingredient also found in cough drops) that can help ease cold symptoms such as nasal congestion and cough. Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial when you're sick, and tea can contribute to your daily fluid intake.
Here's a relieving concoction: I love infusing peppermint tea with add-ins like raw honey, which has antibacterial properties; cloves, which offer anti-inflammatory benefits; and orange slices or peel for a boost of immune-supporting vitamin C and extra flavor.
So next time you're under the weather, brew yourself a comforting cup of peppermint tea and enjoy the soothing relief it brings.
Sleepless nights
Chamomile tea is well-known for its calming and sleep-promoting properties. Chamomile flower extracts provide essential oils that contain bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. One of these antioxidants, apigenin, has been linked to reducing insomnia and sleep troubles. Drinking a warm beverage like chamomile tea as part of your bedtime routine may also help promote relaxation.
My favorite sleepy-time tea is a comforting blend: I love to steep chamomile tea with steamed milk, cinnamon, and honey. The combination of flavors is warm and soothing, perfect for winding down at the end of the day.
Tummy Troubles
We've all experienced tummy troubles like bloating, gas, and nausea at some point. Ginger tea has been used to treat various digestive ailments since ancient times. Ginger contains a plant compound called gingerol, which has been linked to relieving nausea and bloating. You can find ginger tea bags often combined with other tea, spice, and herb flavors. Another simple and quick way to make ginger tea is by steeping 12 oz of water with a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger root.
A perfect combination for digestive health: Along with a thumb of ginger, I like to infuse hot water with other digestion-supporting ingredients like fennel seeds and mint leaves. Infusing fennel seeds can release essential oils that stimulate enzymes and gastric juices, supporting digestion.
This soothing blend not only helps ease digestive discomfort but also adds a refreshing taste to your cup. Cheers to better digestion!
Low Energy & Mood
A cup of green tea can be a gentle and effective way to boost energy during your day. It provides caffeine without the jittery side effects of higher-caffeinated options like sugary energy drinks and coffee. The combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine in green tea can benefit mood and brain function.
A refreshing infusion: Enjoy iced or warm green tea with a slice of fresh lemon and herbs like mint, rosemary, or sage for an added refreshing twist. This delightful combination not only enhances the flavor but also adds extra health benefits to your cup.
What to look for when buying tea
As you may have noticed, the grocery store tea aisle is saturated with options. It can be important to become aware of how to choose quality tea options so you reap the benefits of this comforting beverage and save time at the grocery store. Check out some indicators of quali-tea below!
Label Reading Tips:
What to avoid:
Artificial flavors and coloring in the ingredients
Additional ingredients like cornstarch, maltodextrin, soy lecithin
Added sugar or other sweeteners
Silky tea bags( unstable in hot water and materials of tea bag can leach into the water)
What to buy:
Certified organic and non-GMO ( tea leaves are prone to accumulate toxic agents from the soil in their leaves)
Look for certifications like organic, fair trade, or Rainforest Alliance. These can be indicators of quality and ethical production practices.
Loose leaf tea preferable
A quick Google search of the brand can help(look to see if they are conducting third party testing and testing for heavy metal)
Look for origin ( no origin listed can mean the tea is a blend for several different places. The origin is the best indicator of distinction and quality of flavor).
Tea brand options I like:
This blog post is for informational purposes only. Please seek individualized advice from a licensed medical professional to address and treat your health concerns.
Hungry for more information ? Check out my previous posts below!
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