Herbal tea is a great way to boost immunity and detox during the winter season. Drinking tea regularly helps to flush out toxins from the body and gives additional minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins to your diet. Not to mention herbal teas are also generally low in caffeine. They are good for your immune system and they also help aid digestion, increase concentration, and reduce stress.
Although you can easily enjoy herbal tea all year long, the winter is particularly a great time to enjoy its various health benefits. So, if it’s possible, it is recommended that you skip the coffee in the morning and reach for herbal tea to kickstart your day.
Chamomile Tea for Relaxation
A gentle, sedative, and calming tea made from flowers, chamomile tea can be helpful for relaxing and insomnia. The chamomile flower has certain properties that will instantly relax you and put you at ease. Perhaps this is the reason why it is used in a wide variety of sleep-enhancing teas. Chamomile tea is recommended if you are having a stressful week.
Chamomile tea can also be helpful with digestion after a meal. It is believed to strengthen the immune system because of the fact that it is filled with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is not only good for boosting the immune system, but you can also use it for soothing the symptoms of pneumonia and strep throat.
Ginger Tea for a Pick-Me-Up
Ginger tea is another recommended herbal tea that you should drink to stay healthy during the winter season. Ginger contains gingerol, which is very beneficial thanks to its medical properties. It has been used for centuries to fight the common cold and the flu because of its strong disease-fighting antioxidant effects.
Apart from the above-listed benefits, ginger tea can also be used to curb upset stomach, vomiting, and nausea due to motion sickness. Simmer a piece of ginger root on the stove for about 10-15 minutes to make fresh ginger tea. Then add honey and fresh lemon juice when you have a cold for a powerful germ-fighting combination.
Peppermint Tea for a Tummy Trouble
Peppermint tea is a favorite herbal tea of many individuals around the world. It contains antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It also includes menthol, which is very effective when it comes to fighting flu and common cold. Drink peppermint tea to relieve the symptoms of abdominal bloating and gas, and to relieve muscle spasms. This herbal tea is also good for nausea (without vomiting). However, some experts recommend that one should avoid this tea if heartburn and indigestion are problems.
As much as you like the winter season, you cannot deny the fact that it can take a toll on your health. Fortunately, there are ways to keep the cold and its side effects at bay. Drinking herbal tea is one reliable way to achieve that. Apart from being good sources of minerals and vitamins, the herbal teas mentioned above also offer various health benefits.
Photos by: Joanna Kosinska, Ornella Binni, Dominik Martin, Manki Kim, Carli Jeen