Herbal teas are a great option for staying hydrated, but did you know that they also have some amazing health benefits too?.
Good quality herbal teas are made from a variety of plant parts, such as leaves, flowers, roots, and fruits. These natural ingredients can contain various vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds that contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
Caffeinated drinks have a slightly diuretic effect, meaning that they offer little or no hydration. So why not swap your next drink for a herbal blend, they taste great and are a wonderful way to support your long-term health. They can even help reduce perimenopause symptoms.
Here are some of the most common teas that are supportive of menopause, but can be enjoyed by anyone, at any time.
Green Tea and it’s health benefits.
Green tea is high in polyphenols and antioxidants, particularly EGCG. These polyphenols can contribute to the reduction of inflammation and protect the body against chronic diseases and ageing. It can enhance brain function and boost metabolism, and has also been shown to benefit blood sugar levels.
Green often contains caffeine so if you are sensitive to caffeine then make sure you get a decaffeinated version. And if you are not drinking decaf please ensure you are enjoying your tea before midday, to ensure you still get a good nights sleep.
If you don’t like the taste of green tea, it has a slightly astringent flavour, try making a cup and allowing it to cool. You can then blend it into a smoothie to get the benefit without the taste.
Chamomile Tea helps mood and digestion.
Chamomile tea is made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant. It is often consumed for its relaxing and calming properties, helping to reduce anxiety throughout the day which is a common perimenopause symptom. When enjoyed at night, particularly if combined with other ingredients such as lavender and lemonbalm it can supporting restorative sleep.
Chamomile tea has traditionally been used to reduce indigestion, bloating, and gas. Chamomile tea’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Due to it’s muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties chamomile tea can help alleviate menstrual cramps and discomfort. You can also chill the used bags and use them as soothing eye patches.
Chamomile is a member of the mint family and is really easy to grow in your own garden or balcony. Just make sure it’s in a pot as it’s quite invasive. Pick the lovely flowers and add them to a pot to infuse for the freshest tea daily.
Refreshing Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea has a refreshing taste and has been traditionally used to alleviate digestive discomfort, often sipped after a meal it helps relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which eases symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas. It can also help freshen breath and inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Peppermint naturally relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation which may help alleviate headaches and migraines. The menthol in peppermint can provide a cooling sensation and can help open up airways and provide relief from nasal congestion and respiratory issues associated with colds and flu.
Enjoy peppermint tea hot or cold, it’s particularly refreshing in summer months over ice and some fresh leaves and maybe a slice of cucumber. It’s the easiest herb to grow and every kitchen windowsill should have a pot of mint in my opinion!
Sage tea aromatic and antioxidant
Studies show that sage can have positive effects on cognitive function and memory. A recent study found that simply smelling sage boosted memory and mood, compared with a control group. So keep your cup on your desk to benefit from the mood-boosting aroma after you have finished drinking.
Sage has also been shown to improve menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes and night sweats. The compounds in sage interact with receptors in the brain which helps to reduce feelings of anxiety and improve memory and concentration, another common perimenopause symptom.
Another easy-to-grow herb, you can brew your tea with the leaves, however, it does have quite a strong taste, and I would recommend trying it within a blend first, then building up to single herb varieties. And if you really don’t like the taste, then just add it to your cooking for the same benefit.
How to choose your tea
There are so many different varieties of herbal tea available, however all teas are not created equal.
When choosing herbal tea, factors such as ingredient quality, processing methods, and the material of the tea bag have a significant impact on the nutrients and bioavailability. Whenever possible choose organic brands that use natural bags or why not try loose tea?
Many manufacturers create blends that include different herbs and botanicals that work together for optimum benefit. They are also experts at creating teas that taste great! Here are some of my favourite brands:
Pukka Teas – available from many supermarkets, direct and on this platform.
Nutra Tea – therapeutic blends that taste great and really work. Use code WHILL10 to get 10% off at checkout
Hot Tea Mamma – blends created just for women, from breast feeding to menopause, created by a true expert, listen to my podcast episode with Bethan. Use code FABFEMALE15 to get 15% off your order
Want more advice just like this?
Where to get more advice
If you would like more advice about diet and lifestyle to support you through mid-life and beyond they you will find this and much more in my Fab Female Nutrition Community on facebook. And why not share your favourite tea blend with the group?
