I have become addicted to herbal tea this winter. Not
only are herbal teas a great way to warm up in
winter, but they taste great. I
have found myself reaching for herbal tea much more frequently than a glass of
water. It’s a great way to stay hydrated plus there are the added health
benefits of the herbs themselves. Below is a list of some of my favourites and
their health benefits.
Pukka Organic
Herbal Tea Range
This tea range it beautiful. Not only do they make
some great blends, but they come in beautiful packaging which makes it even
more indulgent to enjoy a cup. I have been having the ‘refresh’ which is made
with organic peppermint, licorice and fennel. It tastes quite sweet and
balances blood sugars so is great for sugar cravings. It also soothes the
digestive tract and reduces bloating. I also love their ‘original chai’ with
cinnamon, black tea, ginger, cardamom and licorice. The licorice sweetens it up
and the cinnamon and ginger warm up the body. I have it with a little honey but
you could also add a dash of almond milk.
Green tea
Green tea has so many health benefits that it should
be in your daily list. It has a high flavonoid content which are powerful
antioxidents. It is also the highest food source of catechins which are
stronger antioxidents than Vitamin E and A. Regular consumption (aim for 2-3
cups a day) reduces the risk of cancers, heart disease, lowers cholesterol and
reduces blood pressure. Always choose an organic green tea as it is known to be
high in pesticides. You can drink this hot, but I often drink it at room
temperature as if it is a glass of water purely for its health benefits! Add a
ginger or peppermint tea bag if you want more flavour.
Planet Organic
Ginseng Plus
Planet organic tea has a range of herbal teas, but I
like the Ginseng Plus. It contains siberian ginseng and licorice to support the
adrenal glands, nervous system and boost energy levels. It also contains ginger
and cinnamon which means it tastes almost like a chai tea. Nice and sweet and a
great way to boost mental clarity and energy on a busy day.
Winter boost
tea
This warming winter tea contains a combination of
peppermint, elderflower, lemon peel, yarrow, echinacea, angelica, lemon balm
and marjoram. It is organic and designed for battling a cold or flu. The
elderflower, yarrow and peppermint are traditionally used as a diaphoretic to
support a fever. Echinacea boost the immune system while the angelica and
marjoram are used for coughs, bronchitis, inflammation and in the chest and to
fight infections. It has a mild peppermint taste and tastes great with a dash
of honey. Kids can also drink this cooled to aid a fever. This is a great
addition to the medicine cabinet in winter.
Black tea
I must admit I really love a cup of black English
breakfast tea with a half teaspoon of honey. It too contains high levels of
anti-oxidents and the catechins also found in green tea. It does contain
caffeine, about 1/3 the amount found in a cup of coffee. But let’s face it- I
like the caffeine hit and a cup of black tea does make the start of the day a
lot easier.