Three herbal teas worth drinking every day
We hardly need convincing that juices, fizzy drinks and many other beverages on supermarket shelves are not healthy. Experts encourage us to give them up and drink at least two litres of water a day instead. Not everyone manages this all the time. In that situation, it is worth getting to know herbal teas, which can do a great deal of good for our bodies.
Herbal teas and their bad reputation
Many of us probably tried a herbal tea as children and simply did not like it. Remember peppermint infusion? When you were a child or a teenager, your reaction to its taste and smell was probably quite clear: you found it unappealing, didn't you?
As a result, we tended to avoid drinks like these, until we began to think more consciously about exercise, a healthy diet and rest. In short, herbs became a more prominent part of our lives as we grew up. Today it is not just our grandmothers who talk about them, but also doctors, dietitians, advocates of greener lifestyles, personal trainers and athletes.
You could say that this is how a large part of society came to appreciate herbal infusions. Above all, it is their many health-related properties that win people over. Although herbal tea is not everyone's idea of a delicious treat, herb enthusiasts say you can gradually acquire a taste for it. What do you think?
Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is valued for helping with digestive problems, especially after heavy meals or overeating. Its antispasmodic action can help with constipation and bloating and may ease abdominal pain. Another important quality associated with peppermint infusion is its calming effect. A cup can be welcome during periods of stress or restlessness. How about making it an afternoon ritual after work, with a favourite book or magazine? Sounds like a good plan!
Cistus tea
Cistus owes its reputation to its high polyphenol content, associated with neutralising free radicals in the body. As many of us know, an excess of free radicals accelerates ageing processes and contributes to the development of certain diseases, particularly lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, atherosclerosis and cancer.
Another benefit attributed to cistus infusions is support for the immune system, including activity against viruses, bacteria and fungi. For this reason, drinking it is recommended particularly during periods of reduced immunity, after illness and during the cold and flu season as a preventive measure.
Returning to the polyphenols in cistus and their antioxidant activity, the infusion is also traditionally consumed and applied externally to improve the condition of the skin, including for skin problems such as acne, atopic dermatitis and dandruff.
Nettle tea
Although we usually treat it as a weed, nettle surprises us with its wealth of beneficial constituents. It contains mineral salts important for normal bodily functions, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, potassium and silicon, as well as vitamins A, B2, C, E and K. This broad range of constituents is why regular nettle tea drinking is associated with benefits for skin, hair and nails.
It is also traditionally used for urinary tract conditions, supporting kidney function and the removal of toxins from the body — its cleansing action. Its iron content is another reason it is considered helpful for people with anaemia, through its association with blood formation.
Herbal tea for everyday drinking: what should you look for when shopping?
Herbal shops, pharmacies and tea retailers offer single-herb infusions — 100% peppermint, cistus or nettle, for example — as well as herbal blends, such as combinations of several herbs and dried fruits. There are also blends containing both herbs and tea leaves, such as green tea, alongside other ingredients.
One particularly tasty and aromatic example available in our online shop is Albert Tea Detox, a blend of green tea and herbs including nettle, horsetail, lemon balm, lemongrass and chamomile. It is a good option for an occasional cleanse — something to keep in the kitchen cupboard.
Read also: Four different ways to brew coffee