For centuries people have sipped on herbal teas to boost their health. If we're feeling anxious a cup of warm chamomile tea soon soothes us. If our tummy's upset, a peppermint brew helps settle our digestion. And many of us drink a daily cup (or two) of hibiscus tea to keep our blood pressure in check.
Few scientific studies have been done on the health benefits of herbal teas. But a recent US study reported in Science News has confirmed what most of us have known but couldn't prove – herbal teas have many health benefits.
Chamomile Good for Blood as Well as Nerves
Scientists at Tufts University in Boston looked at three popular herbal teas – chamomile, peppermint and hibiscus. The scientists found test-tube evidence that chamomile tea has significant anti-platelet clumping benefits, thereby helping to reduce the occurrence of blood clots. The study also found that chamomile tea has moderate anti-microbial activity.
Peppermint Tea Aids Digestion
Peppermint tea, the scientists found, has significant antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which may explain why sipping peppermint tea can ease digestion and diarrhoea. Peppermint tea was also found to contain antioxidants and some anti-tumour and anti-allergenic properties.
Healthy Hibiscus
The scientists also confirmed previous studies that have found that hibiscus tea helps lower blood pressure in people with pre- or mild hypertension.
The study was funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Celestial Seasonings group. The scientists, who work at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University concluded there is enough evidence to warrant further clinical studies into the health benefits of herbal teas.
But why wait for more studies? Go pop on the kettle and settle down with a healthy herbal brew right now.
Originally published on Mar 18, 2011
