Guest Contribution by: Indiana Lee
Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes, 0 seconds
Tea is the most popular and widely-consumed beverage across the globe. Its consumption spans thousands of years, though it’s thought to have originated in southwest China as a medicinal beverage.
Though many people enjoy tea for its flavor and comfort today, it’s also still widely known for some of its health benefits. Many studies have shown that drinking tea can boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and even help to prevent certain types of cancer.
But tea can do so much more that many people don’t know about. There are several little-known health remedies using tea that can alleviate symptoms of certain conditions and help you live a healthier, happier life.
Not sure what those benefits are or how drinking certain teas can improve your health? Let’s cover a few of the lesser-known remedies, so you can start making a daily cup of tea part of your routine.
Acid Reflux
About 20% of the U.S. population has GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Most people refer to it as acid reflux, though the two are slightly different. You might not even have an official diagnosis but struggle with digestive issues. Some of the most common symptoms of GERD include:
- Burning in the chest
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Regurgitation
Different factors play into those symptoms. But GERD can be triggered or exacerbated by what you eat and drink. Drinks to avoid typically include anything acidic, including juices or carbonated beverages.
Drinking herbal tea, on the other hand, can help with the symptoms of GERD. Not only can it improve digestion, but it is known to soothe stomach issues like gas and nausea. If you have acid reflux, try to stick with decaffeinated herbal tea, and avoid adding mint as it can be a trigger for digestive issues.
In some extreme cases, you may need to talk to your doctor about medications for GERD, designed to suppress acid and help you deal with more uncomfortable symptoms. But if you’re only experiencing mild reflux, try to change your dietary habits and include more herbal tea.
Sleep Issues
So many people deal with sleep issues, whether it’s insomnia or just not getting enough restful hours. If you toss and turn at night, you’ve already probably tried to find ways to remedy that problem. But have you tried tea?
Not getting enough sleep can throw off the natural circadian rhythms of your body. That creates somewhat of a vicious cycle, making it harder to fall asleep at night and leaving you tired during the day. Disruptions in your sleep patterns can eventually increase your risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Obesity
People struggle with sleep issues for a variety of reasons. Everything from anxiety to too much screen time can impact your natural sleep cycle. If you’re tired during the day you might also be tempted to nap. Unfortunately, that’s another surefire way to throw off your circadian rhythm and have trouble sleeping at night.
Drinking tea at night can give you soothing comfort that will help you relax and get the sleep you need. Any type of hot tea can help to get you into the right frame of mind. But, certain varieties are better for soothing you and allowing you to sleep without tossing and turning. The best tea varieties for a good night’s sleep include:
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Lemon Balm
- Passion Flower
- Magnolia Bark
Again, make sure you’re choosing teas without caffeine if you plan on consuming them at night. Make drinking a cup before bed part of your nighttime routine, and you can get your rhythm back on track.
Stress Relief
Certain types of tea can do more than just help with physical health issues. Herbal tea, for example, can help to alleviate stress. Does that mean it will remove stress from your life? No. You’re still going to have things that feel overwhelming, and you might still have a busy schedule to deal with.
But drinking a cup of decaffeinated herbal tea, especially in the evening, can relax your mind and body.
Studies have also shown that drinking tea helps to lower the stress hormone cortisol, helping you to feel calmer and more relaxed. Drinking green tea can improve your overall brain activity and focus, making you less likely to feel overwhelmed. There isn’t a ton of information readily available about the mental health benefits of different teas yet. But studies on the subject are ramping up as we’re experiencing somewhat of a mental health crisis across the globe.
Conclusion
Whether you’re trying to deal with stomach issues, get a good night’s sleep, or just improve your overall well-being, drinking tea can help. Be sure to do your research on different types of teas to find one that will benefit you the most. By drinking a cup each day, you can start to experience health benefits that will make your mind and body feel so much better.
Indiana Lee lives in the Northwest and has a passion for the environment and wellness. She draws her inspiration from nature and makes sure to explore the outdoors regularly with her two dogs. Indiana has experience in owning and operating her own business. Feel free to follow her on Twitter @indianalee3.
Photo “White and Brown Ceramic Mug” is under an irrevocable, nonexclusive, worldwide copyright license to the photographer Drew Jemmett and is being posted unaltered (source)
