Herbal tea has been enjoyed for hundreds of years for both its palatable taste and its health benefits. Traditional teas come from the plant Camellia sinensis; herbal teas are made from various herbs, flowers, spices, or fruits that have been steeped in hot water. Whether you're looking to unwind, improve your immune health, or aid digestion, herbal tea is a natural, caffeine-free option that can cater to your wellness goals.

The Health Benefits of Herbal Tea

Here are some scientifically backed benefits of herbal teas:

1. Supports Digestion

• Herbal teas such as peppermint, ginger, and fennel are known to help relieve indigestion, gas, and bloating.

• A 2018 review published in Nutrients found peppermint oil has noted gastrointestinal health benefits for individuals with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

2. Boosts Immunity

• Herbal teas that contain Echinacea, elderberry, or turmeric may provide a boost to your body's immune responses.

• Echinacea was shown in a study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine to reduce the risk of coming down with a cold by as much as 58%.

3. Helps with Sleep

• Chamomile tea is well-known to have caffeine-free calming properties. 

• Chamomile extract was shown in a 2016 study published in Phytomedicine to enhance the quality of sleep in postpartum women compared to a placebo.

4. Reduces Inflammation

• Curcumin and gingerol are examples of anti-inflammatory compounds found in turmeric and ginger herbal ingredients.

• Use of these ingredients may assist with chronic inflammation associated with arthritis or metabolic syndrome conditions. 

5. Helps with Heart Health

• Hibiscus tea has been shown to decrease blood pressure in individuals with mild hypertension.

• A randomized clinical trial published in The Journal of Nutrition reports that hibiscus tea had significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

6. Helps with Stress Reduction

• Lemon balm and lavender are examples of herbal ingredients that can help reduce anxiety or improve mood. 

• Lemon balm was shown in a 2014 study published in Nutrients to reduce cortisol, which is associated with stress.

How to Select Quality Herbal Tea

To maximize any potential benefits from drinking herbal tea, look for the criteria below:

100% Natural Ingredients: Avoid artificial ingredients such as flavoring, colors, etc. and sweeteners.

Certified Organic: Herbs should have been grown without harmful pesticides.

Packaging: The best quality teas are preserved in airtight, opaque packaging, as this preserves the flavor and potency of the tea.

Professionally Sourced: Choose companies that make their sourcing transparent and test for quality.

At Green Hill Tea Co., you will find herbal tea blends that are handpicked and carefully blended using the highest quality ingredients. You will enjoy great flavor, responsible sourcing, and great wellness in every cup!

How to Brew Herbal Tea Properly

To gain the maximum benefit from your herbal tea:

Fresh Filtered Water - The freshness of your water will affect the flavor and extraction quality.

Steep Duration - For herbal tea infusions, you should steep for 5-10 minutes. Give the herbs time to stretch out and release their maximum potential. Cover your cup while steeping.

Temperature - Most herbal teas steep well in boiling water (around 200°F or 93°C).

Avoid Over Steeping - Some herbal blends, such as hibiscus or licorice root, can produce bitterness if oversteeped, take care not to steep too long!

Herbal tea is more than a flavorful drink, it’s a natural ally for your health and well-being. Whether you're winding down after a long day or giving your immune system a gentle nudge, herbal infusions are a safe and enjoyable way to support your body.

Ready to discover your perfect cup?
Explore the wide range of premium herbal teas at Green Hill Tea Co. and make every sip count.