Health benefits of herbal teas

Drinking herbal teas is a perfect way to consume water, vitamins and minerals all at the same time. Herbal tea usually contains one or many herbal ingredients, which have several therapeutic functions. Herbal tea helps in relaxation, improves heart health and the immune system, and cleans the body's toxic matter. It also acts as an antioxidant and energy booster. It is effective for losing weight as well as getting a good night's sleep.
What are herbal teas?                                             
Herbal teas are actually infusions, and are properly called tisanes. Tisanes are made from mixtures of dried leaves, seeds, grasses, nuts, barks, fruits, flowers, or other botanical elements that give them their taste and provide the benefits of herbal teas. Unlike other forms of tea, herbal teas contain no caffeine. They can be a concoction made from fruit, herbs, flowers, spices and other botanicals. Herbal teas are usually blended to bring about a specific purpose or benefit, such as relaxation, rejuvenation, relief from a specific condition, amongst other things.
Benefits of Herbal Teas 
Firstly, it is important to note that there is a huge array of herbal teas available on the market – each one designed to have a specific therapeutic or medicinal benefit. However, there are some general benefits that can be obtained from herbal teas, and these include:

1. Achieving a more calm and relaxed state of mind
2. Supporting heart health
3. Aiding with stomach and digestive problems
4. Providing cleansing properties for the body
5. Promoting energy and wellness
6. Nourishing the nervous system
7. Strengthening the immune system
8. Providing antioxidants to the body
9. Boosting energy levels and
10. Invigorating the body relieving stress helping to avoid colds
11. Stimulating the internal organs promoting a good night’s sleep
12. Herbal teas are caffeine free and taste great

There are numerous herbal tea ingredients or herbs used, each having significance of its own.
Various kind of herbal teas and their benefits:                             

• Cinnamon: It helps in healthy blood circulation and digestion. Cinnamon tea is usually a seasonal drink had in winters to warm the body. It also lowers blood sugar and cholesterol. You can have cinnamon tea as a tisane or pour cinnamon-flavored water on regular teabag and allow it to infuse for a couple of minutes. 
• Ginseng: It maintains the vitality of the body. For several centuries, ginseng was considered some sort of a miracle herb in China. Today, various studies have revealed the rich medicinal properties of this root, making it one of the most preferred herbal teas. 
• Chamomile: It is anti-inflammatory and has antiseptic properties. Chamomile tea is a well known sedative and it helps relieve anxiety. Due to its sleep promoting qualities it is usually preferred by people suffering from insomnia. 
• Parsley: It helps in the proper functioning of the kidney. It also acts as a diuretic.
• Lemon Grass: It has calming and relaxing properties.
• Ginger Root or ginger Tea: For those who suffer from car sickness, ginger tea can help. It also aids digestion, eases flatulence, and relieves nausea. It provides relief to people suffering from lung congestion and arthritis.
• Pepper Mint: It acts as a stress buster. Peppermint is more than a popular flavor for mouth fresheners. It relaxes your muscles, aids digestion, and relieves flatulence and stomach cramps. Of course, it tastes great too
• Hawthorne: It improves heart health and blood circulation.
• Rose Hips: It is rich in Vitamin C and acts as a tonic for the kidney, liver and blood.
• Slippery Elm: It relieves stomach cramps and various gastrointestinal problems.
• Allspice: It relieves common cold as well as stomach problems

Related: teainfocentre.yolasite.com and other sites

Although there are herbal teabags available quite easily in supermarkets, it is more fun to make your own infusion at home with leaves, berries, herbs or flowers of your choice.

Useful links:

* 'History of the herbal tea'