If you are a tea drinker, you know that there is something about a nice, warm cup of tea that seems to soothe the body and restore the soul. Tea has been a traditional remedy for centuries, calming the tummy, curing insomnia, and easing a troubled mind. Some teas even act as a caffeine-free pick-me-up on days when you just need a little bit of a boost. Herbal teas help you stay hydrated, help you to relax, and are easily digested. They can even cure a cold and indigestion, or fight infection and nausea.

When choosing a herbal tea, be sure to watch out for some of the fruity flavors that often have more flavor (be careful of artificial flavorings) than tea. Take care to buy organic tea in order to avoid chemical pesticides and herbicides, and allow tea to sit in hot water for 10 minutes so that it imparts all of the healing benefits of the herbs.

Here are some of the best herbal teas for maintaining good health:

1. Ginger

Ginger is a wonderful remedy in the early stages of infection. It is warming and promotes fever, which helps the body to heal quickly.  Ginger’s warming effects widen blood vessels and increase circulation.

2. Chamomile

This traditional and remedial tea is often sipped for relief from insomnia. Chamomile contains amino acids that have tranquil and relaxing effects on the body.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint tea is drunk as a remedy for nausea and vomiting. It stimulates bile production in the gall bladder, and breaks down fat in the digestive system, reliving nausea.

4. Rooibos

This red tea is high in Vitamin C and other important minerals. Its antioxidant properties help to fight disease and signs of aging. Rooibos it is also known to be effective in treating skin diseases like eczema. It’s known as the caffeine-free Green Tea.

5. Dandelion

This is my favorite. I have one cup every night before bed. It aids with digestion, and functions well to relieve digestive disorders like constipation and diarrhea. Dandelion helps improve the function of and maintains optimum liver, kidney, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and gall bladder function.

Whether you drink herbal tea for its effect on your body or your mind, you can not go wrong by including some of these great teas in your day.

Please note some herbal teas can adjust the effects of medication. Please consult your naturopath or doctor in relation to herbal tea interactions with medication. Please note that I am not a certified nutritionist or naturopath. I am passionate about food and healthy living, and my life experiences have led me to the knowledge that I strongly feel can help others. Therefore, my ideas and guidance should not be taken as medical or health advice.