6 herbal teas that are actually good for you

What is it that gives us that heart-warming, soothing, tingly sensation when we take a sip of a freshly-brewed hot herbal tea? Well, it is the essential oils in the various herbs that make the tea smell so amazing when it is left to brew for a while. A handy tip: keep your teapot or tea cup covered whilst the herbs are brewing. That will ensure the essential oils stay within the vessel for you to maximise the benefits.
Now, these beautiful aromas may tickle and soothe your senses; however, there are a lot of health benefits of drinking freshly infused real herbal teas.
Ginger tea
If you can find fresh ginger root and use that to create a fresh brew, you will maximise the benefits of this magical root. Ginger tea is a centuries-old home remedy for various ailments like colds, flus, digestive problems, nausea, motion sickness or even an upset stomach. If you can't find fresh ginger root, then opt for ginger powder and make your own concoction with warm water. Add honey, lime and black pepper to ward off a cold or just add lime to tackle nausea.
Rosehip tea
Feeling run down? Fret not, just find some rosehips (fruit of the rose plant) and infuse them in hot boiling water for at least 30 minutes to ensure maximum benefits. This delicately scented tea is one of the best plant sources of Vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. This tea is also great for skin, tissue and adrenal functions, which, in turn, mean less water retention. It also has anti-ageing properties. The next time you need to kickstart your immune system, reach out for this rosehip concoction.
Lemon balm tea
This concoction, that has mild sedative properties, will lift your spirits like no other. If you find it difficult to concentrate or happen to be overworked, this brew could be helpful. Served cold or hot, it tastes amazing and can be adjusted according to the season. You could try sweetening it with a bit of maple syrup or give the sweet stuff a miss altogether.
Hibiscus tea
These pink flower petals will turn your beverage a bright pink/red, which can be quite alarming at the beginning. When infused well in hot boiling water, this tea will help stabilise high blood pressure, high cholesterol and an unhappy digestive and immune system. Other benefits of hibiscus tea include reduction in inflammation and a more active metabolism.
When all your systems are well set, you will also experience slow and steady weight loss that will be sustainable. If you find the tea too sour, add some honey or maple syrup to neutralise the flavour.
Lemon grass tea
A herb you can grow in your back garden, all it needs is some sun, soil and water - not a lot of tender loving care. This plant, when used as a tea, detoxifies your body. A freshly brewed pot early in the morning can work wonders for your immune system as well.With its fabulous cooling properties, lemongrass will soothe your gut. In other words, you can bid adieu to bloating, constipation and indigestion.
Chamomile
A gentle, calming tea made from chamomile flowers, it can help you with insomnia by calming your nerves. It is believed to help with cough and bronchitis, though I have never tested this personally.
Verdict: Start experimenting with these varieties of herbal teas and try to keep a little journal in order to record what you used the teas for and how well they helped in alleviating those symptoms. Enjoy the brews, cold or hot, depending on the weather.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com