By Flourish Heights Contributor Claudia Carrillo
Are you a tea lover? There are so many varieties of teas with unique flavors and colors. We can drink them hot or iced, sweetened or unsweetened. With the many options teas have to offer, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide which tea you should go for. Herbal teas specifically are beverages made from mixtures of herbs, spices, and plant components. What if we told you that there are a number of herbal teas out there that are beneficial for women’s health?
Today, we’re sharing 5 herbal teas you need to add to your routine.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is made from ginger root. It is known for its spicy, strong flavor which is not everyone’s cup of tea (pun intended). But either way, so delicious. Some enjoy it with water and honey while others enjoy it with milk. No matter your preference, ginger tea offers a good deal of health benefits you need to know about.
Ginger tea contains properties that may help relieve symptoms such as sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. Not only that, but it can also help relieve painful cramps associated with menstruation for some women. The ginger root is rich in phenolic compounds, which are plant compounds’ reducing agents that help to protect tissues against oxidative stress in the body, also known as anti-oxidants. Phenolic compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory properties as well. Relax before bedtime with a cup of warm ginger tea. You won’t regret it.
Raspberry Leaf Tea
As the name implies, a raspberry leaf tea is made from the leaves of red raspberry and should not be confused with raspberry-flavored tea. It actually does not taste anywhere close to raspberry at all. It has a mild, subtly tangy flavor; kind of like a smoother black tea. If you’re not a fan of the flavor, it can be easily fixed with honey or agave. For generations, European and Native American women specifically have used this tea to relieve menstrual cramps. This herb is rich in tannins, which are polyphenols (plant antioxidants) that help to tone and tighten tissues. The uterus is made of thick tissue and blood vessels. During menstruation, the uterus becomes slightly inflamed as it works to shed the lining of the uterus. Nourishing properly with food and beverages high in antioxidants can aid your body in this process.
Fennel Tea
Fennel tea is made from the seeds of a fennel plant. Flavor-wise, it probably has the strongest and most bitter taste out of the five teas. People compare it to licorice, but it does have a soft scent when boiled. Fennel and licorice have very similar chemical structures, which is why their scents and flavors are so similar. Similar to both ginger and raspberry leaf teas, fennel tea is rich in polyphenols. This characterizes its great antioxidant properties. During menopause, there’s a drastic fluctuation in hormones which may lead to common symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Drinking or eating foods rich in antioxidants, like fennel tea, may help ease menopausal symptoms for some women. That’s not all, fennel tea has antimicrobial properties that may help reduce urinary tract infections. We seriously can’t get enough of fennel tea.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is made from the dried leaves of chamomile flowers. It has a very mild, soft flavor and it does not contain caffeine. Chamomile has a very calming and relaxing effect. It even has a floral taste with a soft sweetness. One thing we absolutely love is its sedative effects, which are very beneficial for women who struggle with getting enough sleep at night. If you have challenges with sleep quality whether before, during, or after your period, post-partum, or menopause, you might want to add chamomile to your sleep routine. Thank us later!
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is made from the leaves of the hibiscus flower. It has a bright red color and it tastes tangy, yet very delicious. Hibiscus tea is rich in vitamin C, which is one of the most common antioxidants. Vitamin C has various roles in the body including tissue repair, wound healing, aiding in iron absorption, as well as production of collagen. It also helps support the immune system. Similar to fennel tea, it also contains antimicrobial properties coming from the presence of anthocyanins. These are common compounds found in flowers that give them vibrant colors. Some research has shown that it may help reduce cholesterol levels and support heart health. This is beneficial for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, as high cholesterol can be very common among this population.
Did you notice? Most of these herbal teas contain powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which offer numerous benefits for women’s health. That alone is enough to add herbal teas to your current routine. What’s your favorite tea? Let us know in the comments.