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2016_06_02 - Elli Davis

Green tea has long taken the spotlight for being a healthy and energy-boosting elixir – but did you know that there are dozens of herbal teas that boast amazing health benefits? The following are three of the most common (but underrated) herbs and what they can do for you:

Peppermint for Weight Loss, Boosting Immunity and Improving Memory

Peppermint makes a great, fresh tasting tea that is known for improving your breath. Peppermint prevents nausea, boosts your immune system and aids in weight loss by reducing appetite. It also has the power to reduce fevers and help with respiratory issues. While most herbal teas have relaxing qualities, studies show that peppermint increases alertness. A recent study also found that peppermint significantly improves long-term and working memory among healthy adults.

Chamomile for Relaxing, Healing and Soothing Stomach Aches 

We know that chamomile is great for relaxation, but did you know it also has healing properties? In a study involving rats, rats that were given chamomile flavoured water healed faster than those that that did not receive the mixture. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans used it as a salve for wounds! Chamomile also has soothing effects and is great for stomach aches. The tea relaxes muscles and helps with digestion. Chamomile tea also slows down memory and attention speed, which makes it an excellent night time drink.

Rosemary for Easing Pain, Improving Memory and Stimulating Hair Growth

Rosemary has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Although prominently used as a flavoring agent, rosemary makes a great tea as well. Rosemary tea can help with digestion, promote cognitive function and protect the body from heart disease. Studies also found that rosemary enhances memory speed in elderly adults – even just sniffing the aroma itself can help older adults remember things.

Rosemary is a fantastic herb but should be used with caution. Pregnant woman are urged to avoid large quantities of rosemary due to its uterine-stimulating properties and large doses can cause vomiting, spasm or fluid in the lungs. Rosemary also has the potential of interfering with some pharmaceutical drugs, so be sure to consult with your doctor before using any herbs.

There are dozens of healthy herbal teas that can be used for various ailments and overall health – which teas do you drink?