Teas and Tonics for Wellness

If someone told you that drinking tea every day could improve your health would you do it? Well, it is possible. Whether you drink tea after dinner, instead of dessert or to feel more relaxed before bed, a cup of tea can improve your mood and detoxify the body. Many of these teas are anti-inflammatory and support overall health and wellness.

I have never been a big coffee drinker and in the last few years I have given up coffee for tea entirely. In fact, in lieu of iced coffee, I now prefer using Dandy Blend, an herbal coffee substitute made from the ground up, dried roots of the Dandelion plant.

Tea is a versatile drink which can be consumed hot or iced. I am less likely to enjoy an iced tea during the cold weather but give me a nice cup of hot tea any day.

Some of my favorite teas are also great for you.

• Matcha Green Tea is the powdered green tea leaf which Japanese culture has embraced as a tradition and ceremonial activity.  A very powerful antioxidant, especially the antioxidant Catechin which may help prevent certain cancers that is both calming and energizing.  It contains natural caffeine which stimulates the brain but without causing nervousness or hyperactivity. And is detoxifying due to the amount of chlorophyll which helps to eliminate heavy metals from the body.
• Peppermint Tea has the dual benefit of being beneficial for health and wellness and also for mood and overall wellbeing.  It aids in digestion and can relieve nausea.  Peppermint Tea acts as an anti-spasmodic which can also help with nausea and vomiting.  The fragrance can also be very soothing when you are sick, it helps to support stress relief and promote a more restful night sleep.  The naturally occurring menthol is found to help relieve sinus pressure.   
• Camomille Tea has been used for over 5,000 years as a source of tranquility, vitality, and longevity.  It is a natural anti-inflammatory tea that can be used as a natural arthritis and hemorrhoid remedy.  Drinking it at night can help with insomnia. It has also been known to fight anxiety, menstrual cramps and is a natural hay fever remedy.
• Ginger Tea is wonderful because the ginger root contains anti-inflammatory properties which support the body.  It is high in Vitamin C making it a great hangover remedy.  Ginger Tea has also been known to aid in digestion, ease the effects of vertigo and help ease menstrual cramps. 
• Turmeric Tea is another tea, high in anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is a root in the ginger family. It is common in Indian culture and cooking, usually ground into a spice and found in many curries. Adding a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper helps the turmeric become more effective.  The curcumin in turmeric is what makes it so helpful in fighting inflammation.  It is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine and has been found to be an antioxidant and antifungal.
• Lingzhi Tea is made from the lingzhi or reishi mushroom. This tea is also great as an anti-inflammatory remedy. It has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years and promotes vitality, helps balance blood pressure, detoxifies the blood, stimulates liver function and fights free radicals.

Some other teas I drink occasionally to support my body and its functions include:

• Dandelion Tea comes from the weed/plant whose leaves are great to include in a green juice and when the roots are dried and roasted is a delicious herbal coffee substitute.  Dandelion Tea helps to improve digestion, detoxifies the liver by easing congestion, reduces bloating, purifies the bladder and kidney and reduces the risk of UTIs.
• Milk Thistle Tea comes from the natural milk thistle weed in the sunflower and daisy family.  It has been known to detoxify the liver, promotes healthy digestion, it is an antioxidant, and is an anti-inflammatory.
• Burdock Tea is another anti-inflammatory and detoxifying tea which is beneficial in eliminating heavy metals from the blood. Similar to Dandelion Tea, it is also a diuretic that detoxifies the lymph system and skin and is an antibacterial for the body.

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