Benefits of tea

With spring just around the corner, we are getting hit with that last round of cold and flu symptoms so I wanted to share my favorite teas with you to help fight off all those nasty bugs that can bring us down a couple of rungs and keep us from feeling our optimal selves.

When I started adding tea into my health routines I did have a side eye from the family but after sprucing them up a bit they have all joined me on the tea train and gladly reach for them when they need a boost to fight off those bugs and to help keep them healthy all year long.

I prefer loose-leaf teas but when we first began adding tea into our lives I did use high-quality bagged teas. Some bagged brands have other benefits mixed in and taste great.

Best teas for general health

Dandelion – This is an excellent source of potassium, stimulates mental health, cures respiratory problems, relieves coughs and congestion, promotes good oral hygiene, aids the liver in detoxifying, and is a great anti-inflammatory.

Don’t spray those dandelions in your yard! Pick them, wash, pat dry, and lay them out on a baking sheet dry them out in the oven at 250 degrees for 2-3 hours or in a dehydrator. Store in an airtight container. Place a few pieces in a mug and pour boiling water over them to steep into tea. Add honey to sweeten and add extra benefits.

Chamomile – Contains anti-inflammatory properties, soothes cold symptoms, aids digestion, reduces anxiety, soothes a sore throat, boosts immunity, and relaxing properties that promote restful sleep.

Can be brewed from a bag or loose leaf. I like it as is but if you prefer a little sweetness add in a pinch of honey for those extra benefits.

Green tea – Loaded with anti-oxidants, supports brain function, boosts energy, promotes fat loss, helps reduce heart disease, and offers some protection against cancers.

Safe to drink daily and if you add a slice of lemon and a pinch of honey you have a super tea chocked full of health benefits!

Oolong – Filled with an amino acid called L-theanine which has been shown to improve brain function, reduce stress and anxiety, have better sleep quality, improve gut function, and stimulate fat burning.

This tea has a floral, fruity, and earthy taste that is light and refreshing. It is great on its own but if added sweetness is needed you guessed it, honey. Milk, cream, and sugar will taint this tea and give it a funky taste.

Ginger – Filled with anti-inflammatory properties, alleviates nausea and indigestion, aids digestion, helps manage blood pressure and sugar levels, supports heart health, and has cancer-fighting properties.

Roughly chop fresh ginger and bring it to a boil. Let steep to desired taste. Add a cinnamon stick and half a lemon for a delicious comforting hot drink.

Hibiscus – Filled with anti-oxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and anthocyanin, anti-inflammatory, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, promotes weight loss, fights bacteria, and supports liver health.

Steep your loose leaf or begged hibiscus for 2-5 minutes. Sweeten with stevia for a sweet floral drink filled with many health benefits.

For the cold a flu season

Lemongrass – packed with vitamin C, antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial. Lemons and lemon gras are my go-to when feeling any cold or flu symptoms.

This can be brewed from a bag or loose leaf. When purchasing select a high-quality bagged or loose-leaf lemon grass tea. Bring water to a boil and pour over the tea. Let sit for 5 minutes to steep all the benefits from lemongrass.

Raw lemon and honey - packed with vitamin C, antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. Raw honey contains vitamins and minerals plus Bee byproducts that help with coughs, colds, and allergies.

Cut a lemon and place it in a mug. Pour hot water over the lemon. Add in raw organic honey (as much as you like) stir and let brew for 5 minutes. Sip to relieve symptoms. You can drink as many cups of this as needed.

Red onion and honey – Filled with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, loosens phlegm, and filled with allium and Sulphur compounds. Take a tablespoon as needed.

Chop a red onion and mix it with raw organic honey so all onion pieces are covered. Let sit for 24 hours in a covered container. Take a tablespoon as needed. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.

Fire cider – Relieves nasal congestion, supports digestion, warms the body, boosts immunity, has anti-biotic properties, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and a probiotic. The best part of this is you can make it yourself and keep it in the fridge for months. Take a shot as needed.

Roughly chop garlic, ginger, jalapenos, and red onion. Place in a jar and add Organic raw honey a good healthy squeeze or 1/8 cup if using a quart mason jar. Top off with raw organic apple cider vinegar. Cover give a good shake and let it sit for 24 hours before taking a shot as needed.

Tea has so many vitamins, minerals, and health benefits, plus it counts towards your water intake daily. Add some of these teas into your daily routines to help stay hydrated and healthy!

~ Tina