Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is a form of tea that uses a combination of flowering herbs and tea to create a hot drink. Most people are aware of some herbal teas, like peppermint or chamomile. Almost any kind of herb can be used to create a tea, provided it’s safe for human consumption. Herbal tea has a long history in many cultures. They have been used for medicinal qualities throughout history in almost all cultures. Even today they are widely used for a variety of conditions. Here are just a few of the common uses for some of the most popular herbal tea varieties.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile herbal tea is known for its pleasant, sweet smell and its relaxing qualities. Chamomile is almost always the main ingredient in teas designed to help people sleep. It can also be used to sooth a sore throat and create a tranquil attitude. To create a great bedtime drink, add a tablespoon of honey and a vanilla bean or a tiny drop of vanilla extract. The vanilla helps to enhance the already comforting flavor of the chamomile flower. While chamomile tea is widely available, those with ragweed allergies should avoid it. It is part of the ragweed family, and can create more issues for those who suffer.
Ginger Tea
Ginger herbal tea has a spicy, strong flavor. It’s used in cooking quite often for this reason. When the ginger root is steeped in boiling water you can create a tea that is helpful for queasy stomachs. It’s often used for those with poor appetites, or those with gastrointestinal issues. It can be blended with lemon to ease the flavor since it can be overwhelming. If the flavor is too strong, try to brew it for less time. Adding a little honey can help tone down the spiciness as well.
Kava
Kava is another herb that is used for relaxation purposes. It has a different effect than chamomile, and is a good choice for those who can’t drink chamomile blends. Kava reduces stress and promotes a feeling a peace. It’s often used for meditative purposes, to ease anxiety, or to help eliminate insomnia. Kava should be consumed responsibly. Like some other herbs, it does have very mild hallucinogenic qualities. When consumed in great amounts, it can create an unpleasant situation.
Blood Orange Herbal Tea
Despite the scary name, blood orange herbal tea is a tasty treat. It has a sweet, tangy flavor with a rich finish. This relaxing herbal tea is great as an after dinner drink, and the lack of caffeine allows you to enjoy up right up until bedtime. Blood orange tea is great as is, or add a teaspoon of sugar to give it a sweeter flavor.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is not only tasty, it’s also a great healing herbal tea. Peppermint tea can be used in the morning to help wake you up instead of coffee. It can also be used if you’re feeling low on energy. The bright, minty flavor will help perk you up without added stimulants. It’s also great to sooth a sore throat. Spearmint tea has many of the same benefits, with a slightly different flavor.
Hibiscus Tea
This tea is common, but not well known by its traditional name. Orange hibiscus is known for its natural detox qualities. In most detox herbal tea blends, orange hibiscus is one of the main ingredients. This herbal tea will help gently cleanse toxins from your body, and help you feel revitalized and healthier overall.
Thyme Herbal Tea
Another blend of tea that is easy to find, but not always known, is thyme tea. Thyme helps clear up congestion. You’ll find many herbal tea blends that are designed to help you when you have a cold or the flu, and most of these contain thyme.
Buying Tea Online
The most popular way to purchase loose leaf tea is to buy it online. You can find some selections at your local health food stores, but to find a good variety to blend your own you’ll need to look online. If you’ve never purchased tea online try a reputable company. For loose tea, try www.adagio.com. They offer small sizes of fresh, loose tea that are affordable. You also have the option to create your own blends of herbal tea.