There is nothing better than a hot cup of tea on a cold day or an iced tea on a hot day. Not only is tea refreshing, but it is also very healthy for you. The benefits of tea have been known for thousands of years. Tea is said to have been discovered by the Emperor of China, in 2500BC; when the Emperor was drinking a cup of hot water, a Camellia sinesis leaf fell into the cup and he drunk it, thus brewing tea leaves was born.
I may receive a commission if you purchase something linked in this post. See more details here. All information in this article is opinion and personal experience only – please do your own research when it comes to your health.
From there, the Chinese used tea for various medicinal purposes. The Japanese used tea for ceremonials purposes. The Indians used tea for social purposes, and then when the British discovered tea, they mass produced it for the world. And that is the history of how your lovely cup of tea ended up on your dining room table.
Different tea leaves are used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Tea can help you relax, pick you up or even cure some common ailments. At Zero Waster we love loose leaf tea and are always sipping on a delicious brew, whether we’re feeling under the weather or not! So here are six common ailments that can be naturally cured with a hot or cold cup of loose leaf tea.
6 Common Ailments and What Tea to Drink
Headaches
It’s easy to turn to painkillers to get rid of a headache, however, there are a few natural teas that can help to relieve head pain including migraines. Ginger tea, chamomile tea and feverfew tea can reduce head tension. Ginger has anti inflammatory properties, while chamomile is relaxing and can ease pain. Feverfew tea also has anti inflammatory properties and is a mild sedative. Feverfew tea is a little bitter, so it is best mixed with honey. You can choose to either drink these three teas separately or mix them together to make a unique brew.
Allergies
We’re all happy when spring arrives, but not so happy about those nasty allergies. Sneezing, irritated eyes, itchy skin and congestion—do these symptoms ring a bell? Most allergy tablets require a prescription, so instead of heading to the doctor, try one of these natural tea brews.
The teas for allergies are peppermint tea, mint tea, nettle tea or green tea. Peppermint and mint tea both contain menthol, which is great for relieving congestion. Green tea, on the other hand, contains antioxidants which can block allergies from inhibiting the body. Nettle tea is the most recommended as it contains antihistamine properties, which is one of the ingredients in allergy tablets. Antihistamines can prevent allergies altogether. It is recommended to mix mint tea with nettle tea as the taste is quite delicious. If it is a hot day, then try making iced tea, which will be much more refreshing.
Upset Stomach
Stomach aches are common. Many people experience an upset stomach on a weekly basis for a variety of reasons. The best teas to drink for an upset stomach are fennel tea, peppermint tea, ginger tea and chamomile tea. Fennel tea and peppermint tea have long been known to aid in digestion. Chamomile tea is a relaxant and can help to alleviate pain, reduce heartburn and reduce flatulence. Ginger tea can help to reduce inflammation and relax the stomach. You can boil 4-6 slices of ginger in water for ten minutes to create a simple ginger tea, and add lemon for added benefit. For an upset stomach it is best to mix two or three of these teas with a little honey.
Insomnia and Anxiety
Having trouble sleeping or relaxing? Don’t turn to your usual sleeping pills, but instead have a hot cup of tea before bed. The best teas to help you sleep or relax are chamomile tea, spearmint tea, lemongrass tea and valerian root tea. As you know by now, chamomile tea can do it all, but it is best known for encouraging relaxation and reducing anxiety. Lemongrass and spearmint tea have soothing properties, while valerian root has powerful sedative properties. Mix these teas together or drink them separately.
Cold, Flu and Sore Throat
Most people turn to vitamin C tablets when they have a sore throat or catch a cold, but you can also turn to loose leaf tea. White teas like green tea can help to eliminate bacteria in the body. To alleviate a sore throat you can use teas like lemon balm, sage, lemongrass and lemon verbena. Peppermint tea and mint tea on the other hand can help to clear your congested passages. Try brewing some peppermint tea with lemongrass and sage to fight the flu.
Sunburn
Did you know that tea can also be used to relieve sunburn? Instead of drinking it though, all you need to do is place three black tea bags in a jug of warm water. Let the tea bags soak for one hour and then dip a rag into the jug and dab onto your sunburn. Let the tea water seep into your skin. The tannic acid and theobromine from the black tea helps to take away the burn and encourage skin repair. This method can also be used for relief if you are experiencing a skin rash.
As you can see, you do not always need modern medicine or a doctor to cure your common ailments. No matter what you are experiencing, there is most likely a tea that can help cure your ailment. Stock up on some natural loose leaf tea and brew your way back to optimal health.
With thanks! Valuable information!