Did you know that herbal tea isn’t really tea at all? Unlike actual tea (black tea, green tea, and oolong tea) which comes from the plant called Camellia sinensis, herbal tea is made from a combination of herbs and spices. Also known as tisane, herbal tea is an infusion drink, with herbs and spices steeped in hot water to release their benefits.
New blends can be created using almost any fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices. They are mostly caffeine and tannin free and don’t cause acidity.
Herbal teas are all the rave, and rightly so. With a wide array of health and nutritional properties, people are increasingly opting for this healthy alternative to energy drinks and carbonated beverages. There seems to be a herbal tea option for just about any ailment one is suffering from. For example, if one suffers from a lack of sleep and insomnia, a cup of chamomile tea is recommended. If the issue is that of indigestion, peppermint tea is a go-to. Herbal teas are proven to improve mental alertness, reduce risks of various kinds of cancers, and help combat cardiovascular issues.
However, just like everything, herbal teas need to be taken with a pinch of salt. A lack of proper knowledge and guidance can put one at risk. Also, being aware of your body’s needs, and then choosing a herbal tea that is best suited will help you achieve your health objectives faster.
Before consuming anything, it is important to ensure that you have determined and are sure of what it contains, how safe it is for you, and whether the information provided about it is accurate or not.
To be able to reap maximum benefits from the infusion, it is important that good quality herbs and spices are used.
Additives and flavoring often take away from the goodness and are really not needed for a delicious tasting tea. When possible, make sure to reach for organic blends as they are likely to be of better quality with a fresh taste. They also have few or no additives, so that’s also a plus.
Oftentimes, a herbal tea that is well-known for its beneficial properties might not be well suited to you at all. It totally depends on your health and body’s needs. Before starting off with anything, it is important to discuss so with your health care practitioner to rule out harmful interactions with any medication that you might be taking. Also, an underlying health condition such as pregnancy may bar you from benefiting from certain blends. It might even be downright dangerous. For example, many doctors recommend pregnant women to steer clear of chamomile tea as it can cause contractions and may lead to preterm labor.
Another example is that herbal teas, in combination with anticoagulants have been found to cause significant kidney and liver damage.
In addition, herbal teas can have a powerful impact in large doses. For example, chamomile tea is known for its calming and soothing properties. However, if mixed with alcohol, can result in extreme drowsiness and even bleeding. Therefore it is always advisable to stay within the recommended limits to the intake.
Unfortunately, some tea selling companies are not faithful to their customers and engage in unethical practices. It is possible that the tea blend you’re using is falsely labeled. It may contain unlisted components, that might be harmful or even illegal. It may be that the product has not been sufficiently tested or the claims made are unsubstantiated. Hence, it is important to be aware of the sourcing mechanisms of the brand you’re trusting. It’s very easy to fall prey to such practices and suffer both physically and monetarily.
Summing up, the herbal goodness is undeniable. However, caution is recommended. Individuals need to be more aware and knowledgeable of what they consume and not depend on hearsay. Your body is your temple and needs to be taken care of. Being mindful about what one puts in the body is the key to living a healthy and fulfilled life.
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