by Dr. Alex Heyne Contributor

5 Ancient Healing Teas and Their Benefits

Ancient healing teas have a rich historical legacy with roots tracing back centuries. Cultures worldwide have embraced the therapeutic properties of various teas for medicinal purposes.

Ancient healing teas have played a vital role in Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering remedies for a wide range of ailments. The infusion of herbs, roots, and leaves into hot water has been a time-honored practice, with each culture contributing unique blends tailored to address specific health concerns.

This blog will explore the historical healing properties of five specific teas. Discover the traditional uses and cultural significance of each infusion, gaining insights into the holistic health practices passed down through generations.

Healing Tea #1: Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea holds a fascinating origin and history as a herbal remedy. Derived from the Asteraceae family of plants, chamomile has been cherished for its medicinal properties for centuries.

The tea is celebrated for its ability to soothe and relax, making it a popular choice for those seeking a natural remedy to alleviate stress and promote better sleep. Beyond its calming effects, chamomile tea boasts a range of medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics.

Its diverse benefits span from aiding digestion to relieving symptoms of anxiety and promoting skin health. Additionally, chamomile tea is renowned for addressing common ailments such as insomnia, indigestion, and even skin irritations.

A 2017 study compared the effects of chamomile tea with acarbose, a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that the tea inhibited digestive enzymes related to intestinal sugar release, similar to acarbose. Unlike acarbose, chamomile tea effectively inhibited the transport of fructose and glucose through specific glucose transporters.

Moreover, this study suggests that chamomile tea could be a potential tool for managing sugar absorption and metabolism, particularly in scenarios involving high sugar bolus stress.

Read More: Anti Inflammatory Herbs

Healing Tea #2: Ginger Tea

Ginger tea has been esteemed for centuries for its remarkable healing properties and numerous health benefits. The use of ginger in holistic health practices dates back to ancient cultures, where it was revered for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive properties.

From alleviating nausea and promoting digestion to boosting the immune system, the applications of ginger tea are diverse. This versatile infusion serves as a comforting remedy for various health issues, making it a staple in the repertoire of natural, soothing solutions for overall well-being.

A 2017 study investigated the antioxidant activity of ginger extract supplements in newly diagnosed cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were divided into two groups, one receiving ginger extract and the other a placebo, starting three days before chemotherapy.

Antioxidant parameters were measured at different time points after chemotherapy. The results showed that the ginger group had significantly increased antioxidant activity and decreased oxidative markers compared to the placebo group.

This study’s results suggest that daily ginger extract supplementation before chemotherapy can boost antioxidant defenses in patients receiving moderate-to-high emetogenic potential chemotherapy.

Read More: Herbs for Anemia

Healing Tea #3: Peppermint Tea

Peppermint has been utilized for its therapeutic properties for centuries. The menthol-rich herb is known for its soothing and invigorating effects, making peppermint tea a popular choice for those seeking natural remedies.

Beyond its refreshing taste, peppermint tea is renowned for alleviating various conditions, from easing digestive discomfort and relieving headaches to promoting relaxation.

The consumption of peppermint tea stands as a delightful and holistic approach to addressing a range of health concerns, adding both flavor and well-being to one’s lifestyle.

A 2019 scientific review explored peppermint oil’s metabolism, impact on physiology, clinical applications, efficacy, and safety. The findings suggest that peppermint oil has multiple mechanisms of action, including muscle relaxation, sensitivity modulation, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, and psychosocial distress modulation.

This study also found that peppermint oil influences the physiology of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, and colon. It has also been successfully used in clinical disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, with placebo-controlled studies supporting its efficacy.

Moreover, this review concludes that peppermint oil, a natural product, has a positive impact on gastrointestinal health with a good safety profile.

Healing Tea #4: Holy Basil (Tulsi) Tea

Holy basil holds a prominent place in the world of herbal remedies. This sacred herb, also known as Tulsi, is deeply rooted in various cultural traditions and has been cherished for its health benefits and medicinal qualities.

Holy basil tea, derived from the leaves of this revered plant, offers a holistic approach to well-being. Traditionally, holy basil has been used for a myriad of wellness purposes, including stress relief, immune system support, and promoting respiratory health.

According to a 2014 study, Tulsi has unique pharmacological actions that help combat physical, chemical, metabolic, and psychological stress. It protects organs from chemical stress, counters metabolic stress by normalizing blood parameters, and addresses psychological stress through positive effects on memory, cognition, and mood. Tulsi’s antimicrobial properties make it suitable for various applications, including as a sanitizer, mouthwash, and water purifier.

Healing Tea #5: Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root has a rich history as a medicinal herb. The active ingredients within licorice root, such as glycyrrhizin, contribute to its diverse health benefits.

This herbal remedy is renowned for its potential to soothe digestive issues, alleviate respiratory discomfort, and even support adrenal function.

Brewing licorice root tea provides a flavorful and accessible avenue to tap into the age-old wisdom that surrounds this versatile herb, offering both a comforting beverage and potential health support.

A 2021 study explored the antiviral activity of glycyrrhizin, the main active ingredient in licorice root, against SARS-CoV-2. Their findings suggest that glycyrrhizin inhibits the virus’s replication by targeting the main protease Mpro.

The study proposes that glycyrrhizin-containing products, such as licorice root tea or black licorice, could be beneficial for SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals and recommends further clinical investigation of glycyrrhizin as a potential treatment for COVID-19.

Conclusion

These teas, deeply rooted in historical and medicinal practices, offer a diverse range of therapeutic benefits. I encourage readers to embrace the rich heritage of these teas and consider incorporating them into their daily wellness routines.

Whether seeking relaxation, digestive support, or immune system enhancement, these ancient healing teas provide a holistic approach to health. Let the warmth of chamomile, the zing of ginger, the freshness of peppermint, the sacred essence of holy basil, and the smooth sweetness of licorice root infuse your life with both flavor and well-being.

Remember, in our pursuit of health, balance is key. Emphasizing the importance of holistic practices, let these teas be a harmonious addition to a well-rounded approach to overall health and wellness.

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