5 Herbal teas and their secret health benefits

Zero Caffeine: 5 Herbal teas and their secret health benefits

Angela Goh

10 May 2016

updated the Tuesday, May 10, 2016

1/5
Chamomile Tea
Health benefit: Helps combat insomnia
It is a widely known fact that sipping on hot chamomile tea can relieve stress and calm the senses, making it a good late night sedative. Made from the flowers of the chamomile plant, drinking a cup of freshly brewed tea before bedtime and alleviate symptoms of restlessness and insomnia. It is also helpful with digestion after a heavy meal. As it is a subtle tea, be sure to steep it well to get all the benefits.
2/5
Fennel Tea
Health benefit: Relieves water retention
Because of its diuretic properties, drinking fennel tea is a great way to flush out excess fluids and remove toxins from your body. This means it will help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. Studies also show that fennel can suppress your appetite by creating a feeling of ‘fullness’, thus helping to prevent weight gain.
3/5
Ginseng Tea
Health benefit: Boosts energy & relieves stress
Ginseng is a known stress reliever, as well as a good digestive aid. It is becoming increasingly popular for energy drinks and health drinks to incorporate ginseng because of the ingredient’s stimulant properties. In Asian medicine, ginseng is touted to boost the body’s immunity levels and reduce menstrual symptoms.
4/5
Dandelion Tea
Health benefit: Gentle liver cleanser

Dandelion, like milk thistle and fennel, is commonly used to detoxify the body. Used as a medicinal herb for centuries by cultures across the globe, dandelion tea promotes liver health by acting as a tonic. By drinking a cup of tea daily, you are effectively helping your liver to flush out toxins, which will in turn promote a clearer complexion and a better immune system.
5/5
Peppermint Tea
Health benefit: Helps with digestion
To relieve symptoms of bloating and abdominal gas, peppermint tea will do the trick magnificently. Not only does this fragrant, head-clearing tea have a strong taste, it can also reduce inflammation and aid in combating common ailments such as colds and coughs.

Soothe your mind and body with refreshing botanical brews – they can provide numerous health benefits and gently flush out toxins.

Unlike black teas or green teas, herbal teas are usually completely free of caffeine, which is a good start for people who want to cut down on the notorious stimulant (also considered the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive drug). While most of us are familiar with ginseng and peppermint teas, we might only drink these once in a blue moon. It might be wise to start regularly consuming herbal concoctions. From sipping on a mug of calming chamomile before going to bed, to drinking some dandelion tea each morning to kickstart that liver detoxification process, there are plenty of ways to embrace the gentle benefits of botanical brews.

As with all natural and alternative medicines, do drink these tonics in moderation as going overboard might cause complications. Always consult a health practitioner before attempting to add herbal teas to your diet, especially if you are pregnant or taking certain medication.

Head up to the gallery above to check out the health benefits of 5 herbal teas that we have selected.

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

Natural Healing: 5 Amazing herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Soothing Spice: Fight against nausea with ginger

Bold & Beautiful: How to wear bold colours