January is Hot Tea Month, making it the perfect time to indulge in a soothing, healthy beverage during these cold winter months. ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Helen Lee, DC, explains that hot teas can naturally remedy various ailments ranging from headaches to hypertension.
“In order to get the most enjoyment and benefit from tea, it is important to find the highest quality,” says Lee. “Not all teas are alike in the way that they are grown, harvested, processed and cared for.”
Lee says that teas made from various herbs, botanicals, seeds, flowers and fruit will provide the most health benefits. In addition, most teas also contain tannic acid, which is great for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial use, perfect for swelling, bee stings and burns. She gives the following tips for using teas as a natural health remedy:
- Green teas are typically less processed and provide increased antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which help to aid stomach ailments, increase metabolism and boost the immune system.
- Red and rooibos teas contain minerals including copper, iron, potassium and manganese, and increase antioxidants to soothe headaches and stomach cramping. In addition, hypertension and nervousness is known to decrease.
- Peppermint teas contain vitamin B, calcium and potassium, and are known to ease irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and decrease nausea and vomiting.
- Chamomile tea helps soothe and relax the body while decreasing diabetes complications, suppressing fungal growth and aiding IBS symptoms.
