Tea is the most widely consumed beverage throughout the world. I know we Americans like our coffee, but tea is rated the number one drink. As a Natural Health Doctor, I know that teas provide a medicinal benefit for our bodies. However, in this article I will take a look at the less known teas along with their benefits.
We know teas may help with cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; encourage weight loss; lower cholesterol; and bring about mental alertness. Many teas have antimicrobial qualities. You know the benefits of green tea and chamomile tea. Therefore, I’m talking about teas that are not as well known.
Look at less known teas for health
The three main varieties of tea are green, oolong, and black tea. Having said this, did you know they are made from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. You will note a difference in their colors, tastes, and properties. The difference is distinguished from how and where they’re grown. Herbal teas are a variety of plants and they are not truly ‘Teas’, but herbal infusions.
Ok, let’s take a look now at some of these delicious teas.
- Chaga tea is a mushroom tea thought to boost the immune system. It’s believed to help prevent cancers such as breast, liver, uterus, and liver. This tea is used to improve energy levels and to aid in digestion. Chaga tea has a subtle, distinct flavor that is quite unique. It’s earthy and somewhat bitter, but not unpleasant. It tastes warm even when consumed cold.
- Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea. It’s neither a green tea or a black tea. Being a Camellia sinensis, Oolong is both a green tea and black tea depending on how it’s processed. Studies have shown drinking Oolong tea helps in weight loss. This tea also helps to keep blood glucose in check. Generally speaking, the greener the tea, the less time it has to oxidate. Thus, the taste is milder. Oolong teas tend to have mostly a sweet, toasty, and flowery, taste.
- Rooibos tea aids in regenerating the liver, lowers cholesterol, and aids in reducing gastrula distress. Rooibos is an acquired taste. There is an earthy quality to it. Rooibos tea comes in two forms, red and green. Green Rooibos has considerably more antioxidants than red rooibos. It is in a colder state, and its polyphenols are still intact. Because of the polyphenols, Rooibos tea has an anti-inflammatory quality to it. Rooibos is a bush tea.
- Juniper Berry tea with its piney aroma is often used for their diuretic properties, due to the terpinen-4-ol found in their essential oil. Having said this, the tea aids in digestion and helps with urinary tract infections. Juniper berry tea taste much like gin. So, if you like gin, this is the tea for you! Gin is flavored with Juniper berries.
- Tulsi tea is made from the Ayurvedic herb tulsi, also called “holy basil.” It is native to India where it is valued as an energizing yet calming beverage and sacred plant. Tulsi has a clove-like aroma and peppery flavor. Therefore, it’s mostly used for its calming affect.
Just a few more to talk about
Moving along to the last few herbal teas for this article:
- Elderflower comes from the flower of the Elder tree. Elderflower reduces mucus in the sinuses and lungs and also treats coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. This tea also helps remove toxins from the body through urine and sweat. Be certain that you buy your elderflowers from a trusted source. This plant has a chemical similar to cyanide that can be dangerous if used incorrectly. American elderflower also known as sweet elder or black elderberry, it produces berries with a flavor slightly sweeter than those of the European elderflower. This plant is musky and fragrant.
- Cardamom is an evergreen plant that grows in Guatemala and India. Cardamom is used when you want to relieve a cough and need a good expectorant. This tea is excellent at detoxifying the body. It’s especially good at removing excess caffeine from your system. Cardamom’s flavor is similar to ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Milk Thistle and dandelion teas are gentle ways to cleanse the liver and the blood. This rather bland tea increases Glutathione Antioxidant Activity. Glutathione is considered the body’s master antioxidant and vital for effective liver functioning. Our ancestors used these teas as a spring tonic.
- Saffron is native to Greece or Southwest Asia and comes from the flower of a saffron crocus plant, which is a relative to the lily family. It’s a yellow-orange spice used to color fabric and foods. Research shows that saffron tea can improve the health of the eyes as well as slow the progress of diseases that cause blindness. The flower contains a compound called Crocin and is a powerful antioxidant. This compound is so powerful that it can offer us protection from certain types of cancer. Saffron can help with insomnia, PMS, depression, memory loss, and asthma. Saffron falls into the category of exotic spices. In teas, saffron produces a refreshing aroma and an earthy flavor.
Summary
This is a short list of lesser known herbal teas boosting health benefits. Explore the mushroom teas and exotic spices. For instance, Pu-erh tea made from fermented and aged leaves and considered a black tea, it helps reduce weight gain and lowers LDL cholesterol (you know, the bad kind). Jiaogulan (also known as Gynostemma) it is an herb in the same family as cucumbers and melons. It is a climbing vine that is often referred to as the “immortality” herb in traditional Chinese medicine.
Explore the wonders of different exotic teas. Research the flavors and enjoy a variety. Give your taste buds something new to experience. Get out of your culinary rut!
