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My name is Megan and I have been in the industry of nutrition, herbal medicine and education for the last ten years. I have my Masters of Medical Science in Human Nutrition and I have worked with a variety of clients. I incorporate herbal medicine in my practice and have a small apothecary in my ho…
FAQs:
What is Herbal Tea?
Herbal teas, technically known as herbal infusions, and less commonly called tisanes are beverages made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material in hot water. Often herb tea, or the plain term tea, is used as a reference to all sorts of herbal teas. Many herbs used in teas/tisanes are also used in herbal medicine and folk medicine.
These "teas" do not usually contain any true tea (Camellia sinensis), but some herbal blends do contain true tea (e.g., the Indian classic masala chai). The term "herbal" tea is often used to distinguish these beverages from "true" teas (e.g., black, green, white, yellow, oolong), which are prepared from the cured leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. Unlike true teas, most tisanes do not naturally contain caffeine (though tea can be decaffeinated, i.e., processed to remove caffeine).
Is Herbal Tea a Diuretic?
Some herbs and dietary supplements may help you excrete water (diuretic) and help with sodium and water retention. Examples include dandelion, ginger, parsley, hawthorn, and juniper. But proceed with caution before taking any products that have a diuretic effect.
Fluid retention can be caused by several medical conditions and some medications. So it's important to talk to your doctor about possible causes of fluid retention before you try to treat it yourself. Also, some herbs and supplements can worsen medical problems you have or interact with medications you take.
In theory, natural diuretics may help relieve fluid retention by making you urinate more. But there's little — if any — scientific evidence to prove that these herbs or supplements have diuretic effects, so you may not find them effective.
Is Herbal Tea Good for You?
Some herbal teas offer health-promoting properties and have been used as natural remedies for centuries. Dieticians recommend herbal teas in moderation with medical approval as they can pose some risks to individuals with certain health conditions. Avoid herbal teas that contain added sugar and other additives. Herbal tea should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.
Does Herbal Tea Have Caffeine?
Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free. However, some herbs like yerba mate and guayusa contain caffeine, and manufacturers may add these caffeine-containing herbs to herbal tea blends. If you want to avoid caffeine, check the labels for ingredients to ensure caffeine-containing herbs are not included.
Are Herbal Teas Safe to Consume?
Herbal tea ingredients are generally recognized as safe, and most people can safely consume herbal tea in moderation. However, you should avoid teas if you have specific allergies or take medication that may have interactions. Additionally, some people may experience side effects like an upset stomach. It's best to consult with your healthcare provider before consuming herbal teas regularly, particularly if you have any health issues or are nursing or pregnant.
What is the Difference Between Herbal Tea and Decaf Tea?
The main difference between herbal tea and decaffeinated tea is the type of plant utilized to form the tea and the strategy utilized to evacuate caffeine.
Herbal tea is made from different parts of plants other than the Camellia sinensis plant, which is utilized to create conventional tea and contains caffeine. Herbal teas are caffeine-free and can be made from a wide assortment of plants, such as chamomile, mint, and lemon emollients.
Decaffeinated tea, on the other hand, is made from the takes off of the Camellia sinensis plant, which normally contains caffeine. The caffeine is expelled from the takes off employing a handle known as decaffeination, which can be done utilizing chemicals or characteristic strategies such as water or carbon dioxide. Decaffeinated tea still contains little sums of caffeine, more often than not around 2-5mg per 8 oz glass.
Another difference is that herbal tea is often consumed for its taste and health benefits, while decaffeinated tea is consumed by people who want to avoid caffeine but still want to enjoy the taste of traditional tea.
Does Herbal Tea Stain Your Teeth?
Absolutely, herbal tea can leave stains on teeth. Herbal teas, particularly those with vibrant colors like hibiscus or rooibos, have the potential to discolor teeth over prolonged periods of consumption. The intensity of the stain often depends on the specific type of tea and its ingredients.
The primary culprits behind these stains are compounds called tannins. Tannin is what stains teeth in tea. They're naturally occurring in many plants, including tea leaves. They can bind to the enamel of our teeth, leading to a gradual discoloration over time.
Does Drinking Herbal Tea Count as Water?
In case you didn’t know, herbal tea can count towards your fluid intake when it comes to your daily hydration. However, herbal tea should not completely replace your daily intake of plain (and pure) water. Nothing can or should replace plain water as the optimal choice for hydration because of the lack of added substances.
Herbal tea counts as water for hydration because most of them are around 95% water, and 5% added substances. In fact, this study comparing black tea and water found that there wasn’t any significant difference when it comes to hydration between the two beverages.
Does Herbal Tea help with Weight Loss?
Just like water, herbal tea can make you feel full. If you're trying to lose weight, this can mean that there's less room for food -- which lowers your total calorie consumption for the day. Along with helping you to avoid overeating, staying full has positive effects on your body and brain. It can make you feel more satisfied throughout the day, which in the long run can lead to an overall sense of wellness and happiness -- which means less binge and boredom eating.
Can I Drink Herbal Tea While Pregnant?
Some herbal teas are considered safer than others for pregnant women. Nettle tea is used in many herbal teas and is generally considered to be pregnancy-safe. While some midwives may advise drinking red raspberry leaf tea, there is no strong evidence of its benefits for pregnant women, and a 2019 study suggested it may have adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes.
During pregnancy, you should stay away from any herbal teas that are marketed for weight loss or dieting, or those that can be used as laxatives. Also, don’t drink those that contain any type of nutritional supplement. This is because the supplements can cause complications or interactions with other medications.
Keep in mind that even herbal teas labeled as “pregnancy teas” haven’t had enough studies done on them to be considered completely safe during pregnancy. Ask your doctor before trying out new types of tea.
Is It Okay to Drink a Lot Of Herbal Tea Every Day?
It should be consumed in moderation, not exceeding 3-4 cups per day. Excess consumption may have some adverse side effects. Dieticians recommend medical approval as it may pose some risks to individuals with certain health conditions. Negative effects include stomach problems, sleep issues, and headaches, among other problems. Overdose of certain teas can lead to toxicity in the body which can make you seriously ill.
Categories of Tea
There are several categories of tea, which are generally based on how the tea leaves are processed after they are harvested. Here are some of the main categories of tea:
1. Black tea: This is the most common type of tea consumed in the Western world. Black tea is made from fully oxidized tea leaves, which gives it a strong, robust flavor and a dark color. Black tea is often used to make iced tea and is commonly consumed with milk or sugar.
2. Green tea: This type of tea is made from tea leaves that have been lightly steamed or pan-fried, which helps to preserve the natural antioxidants and polyphenols in the leaves. Green tea has a more delicate flavor than black tea and is often consumed without milk or sugar.
3. Oolong tea: This type of tea is partially oxidized, which gives it a flavor that falls somewhere between black and green tea. Oolong tea is a popular choice in Chinese cuisine and is often served with meals.
4. White tea: This type of tea is made from young tea leaves and buds that have not been oxidized. White tea has a very delicate, subtle flavor and is often described as having a slightly sweet or floral taste.
5. Herbal tea: This category of tea includes any tea that is made from herbs or other plant materials that are not actually tea leaves. Herbal teas can be caffeine-free and come in a wide variety of flavors and blends, including chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and hibiscus, among others.
These are the main categories of tea, but many other types of tea blends and infusions combine different types of tea leaves or herbs to create unique flavors and health benefits.
Who Should Not Consume Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, some individuals should exercise caution or avoid certain herbal teas altogether. Here are some groups of people who should be careful with herbal teas or avoid them.
1. Pregnant and Nursing Women: Some herbs can have adverse effects on pregnancy or breastfeeding. It's important for pregnant and nursing women to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming herbal teas.
2. People with Allergies: Those who have allergies should be cautious when trying new herbal teas, as they may be sensitive to certain herbs. They should check the ingredients and avoid teas that contain allergens which known to be sensitive to them.
3. Individuals Taking Medications: Herbal teas can interact with medications. If someone is taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, they should consult with their healthcare provider to ensure there are no potential interactions.
4. People with Medical Conditions: Individuals with certain medical conditions should exercise caution with herbal teas. For example, those who have kidney problems should be careful with teas that contain high levels of oxalates, like black tea or some herbal teas.
5. People with Sensitivity to Caffeine: Some herbal teas, such as yerba mate or guayusa, contain caffeine-like compounds. Those who are sensitive to caffeine, be mindful of these teas.
6. Individuals with Gastrointestinal Issues: Some herbal teas can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. If someone has acid reflux, ulcers, or other digestive issues, certain herbal teas may exacerbate the symptoms.
7. Individuals with Heart Conditions and blood pressure concerns: Some herbs can affect heart rate and blood pressure, so those with heart conditions should be cautious with herbal teas and seek medical advice if unsure.
Common Ingredients Used in Herbal Tea Blends
Below are common ingredients used in herbal teas and their purported properties. Please note that herbal teas are NOT pharmaceutical medications, meaning while they may possess specific properties in a research setting, they may perform very differently in a home-brewed herbal tea.
1. Astragalus is known to potentially enhance immune function and may have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
2. Chamomile is known for calming and soothing properties, it may be useful to help improve ailments, including anxiety, insomnia, and digestive disorders.
3. Echinacea is known for its potential ability to enhance immune function and reduce the severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections.
4. Elderflower may be useful to help improve respiratory infections and may have potential anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.
5. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, it may be useful for relieving symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and other digestive ailments.
6. Hibiscus is known for potential cardiovascular benefits, including reductions in blood pressure and improvements in lipid profiles.
7. Lavender is known for its relaxing and calming properties, and it may be useful in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and improving sleep quality.
8. Lemon balm is known for its calming and relaxing effects, it may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep quality.
9. Peppermint is known for its potential ability to relieve symptoms of digestive disorders, it may help aid digestion.
10. Rose hips are rich in vitamin C and may have anti-inflammatory effects, as well as potential benefits for skin health and wound healing.
11. Rooibos is known for containing high levels of antioxidants, which may help to protect against a range of diseases.
12. Yerba mate are known for stimulating properties and may help to improve cognitive function, boost energy levels, and improve mood.
Herbal Teas that are Caffeine-Free
The vast majority of herbal teas are caffeine-free, as they're made from infusing plants that don't have a caffeine content. Examples of popular herbal teas that are 100% caffeine-free include:
- Chamomile
- Mint (including peppermint and spearmint)
- Lemon balm
- Rose
- Lavender
- Valerian
- Ginger
- Rooibos
- Rosehip
- Cinnamon
- Lemongrass
- Licorice
- Aniseed
- Turmeric
- Hibiscus
-Jasmine (not Jasmine green tea)
- Nettle
- Dandelion
- Guava
- Thyme
- Rosemary
If you find these ingredients in tea blends, make sure you check the ingredients list carefully. If the tea contains white tea, oolong tea, or any other true tea alongside the herbs, it will likely contain small amounts of caffeine.
Herbal Teas With Caffeine
Here are some types of herbal teas that may contain caffeine and the approximate caffeine levels they contain:
1. Yerba Mate
This traditional South American beverage is made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant and can contain between 24-40mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
2. Guarana
This herb is native to the Amazon region and its seeds contain caffeine. Guarana is often added to energy drinks, supplements, and teas and it can contain around 40-80mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
3. Kola Nut
This nut comes from the kola tree and is native to Africa, it can contain up to 2% caffeine, which is about the same amount as in coffee beans.
4. Guayusa
This is another traditional South American beverage made from the leaves of the holly tree, it can contain up to 60 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
5. Cocoa Husk
The cocoa husk is the outer layer of the cocoa bean, it contains caffeine and theobromine, it can contain up to 12mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
9 Herbal Tea Health Benefits
Let’s take a deeper dive into all the herbal tea benefits you could hope for.
1. Rejuvenation: Herbal teas like Linden and Chamomile help reduce stress and promote relaxation, aiding in recovery from burnout.
2. Digestive Support: Teas such as Peppermint and Dandelion improve digestion, alleviate bloating, and may reduce ulcer risk by balancing stomach acid.
3. Chronic Disease Prevention: Herbal teas rich in antioxidants, like Rooibos and Hibiscus, can help prevent conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
4. Cold and Flu Relief: Ginger tea combats infections and soothes sore throats, while mint teas relieve nasal congestion.
5. Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, Hibiscus tea can combat oxidative damage, promoting youthful skin.
6. Immune System Support: Teas like Ginger and Turmeric can enhance immune function, while Dandelion tea offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
7. Cognitive Enhancement: Herbal teas improve focus and cognitive function; Cinnamon tea may protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
8. Blood Pressure Regulation: Hibiscus tea has been linked to lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension-related health issues.
9. Skin Health: Spearmint and Elderberry teas promote clearer skin and protect against UV damage, enhancing overall skin vitality.
Drawbacks of Herbal Tea
There are several herbal tea side effects worth noting before you make these beverages a part of your diet. You should always talk to your doctor before trying any herbal teas or supplements, especially if you are being treated for any conditions, are on any medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some potential adverse effects include:
1. Liver Damage
Liver damage, as well as other major organ system damage, can occur with drinking excessive amounts of certain herbal teas. The most common of these teas known to cause liver damage include comfrey root and comfrey leaf, chaparral (found in many products formulated for weight loss), germander (comparable to “complementary therapy” or “homeopathic therapy”), and kava. Each of these is commonly used in herbal tea blends and may cause permanent damage to the liver with only a few uses.
2. Abnormal Heart Rhythms
Certain herbs that belong to the Valerian family (which includes valerian root, lemon balm, etc.) have been shown to change heart rhythms when taken orally or applied topically. These should not be included in an herbal tea blend.
3. Kidney Problems
Renal disorders of various types, including glomerulonephritis, have been associated with consuming herbal tea regularly. These changes can occur in people who take these beverages for extended periods and may result in the need for kidney dialysis or transplantation. In addition to different types of renal disease, there is also some evidence that suggests drinking tea with certain herbs may increase your chances of developing bladder cancer.
4. Harmful Interactions With Prescription Medications
Several herbs have been shown to interact with prescription medications in a harmful way. When making your herbal tea blends, you should always check to see if any ingredients in your mix could cause a reaction when taken with the prescription medications you take. More often than not, this type of reaction is mild and has little effect on your overall health, but it’s important to understand that interaction could occur. Symptoms of a bad reaction include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, agitation, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, mental confusion or delirium, seizures, coma, and rash.
Different Types of Herbal Teas for Weight Loss
Various types of tea can be used for weight loss. Here’s a breakdown of some popular herbal teas and their benefits:
1. Cinnamon Tea: This warming and flavourful tea is known for its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are stable, it helps curb cravings, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit.
2. Peppermint Tea: Peppermint tea is a great option for curbing appetite. It has a naturally sweet flavor and can reduce cravings for sugary snacks, making it easier to control calorie intake. Additionally, peppermint tea aids digestion and reduces bloating.
3. Ginger Tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger tea aids digestion, reduces bloating, and improves fat metabolism. Ginger tea can also increase feelings of fullness, helping to reduce overeating.
4. Oolong Tea: Similar to green tea, oolong tea has been shown to boost metabolism and fat burning. It is slightly more oxidized than green tea, giving it a distinct flavor and added benefits for weight loss.
5. Dandelion Tea: This tea acts as a natural diuretic, helping to flush out excess water and reduce bloating. It can be particularly useful if you’re feeling water retention.
6. Hibiscus Tea: Hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to reduce body weight and appetite.
How to Make Herbal Tea
Tea is not hard. It’s so simple. Many herbal preparations are simple once you make them a few times. Here are the steps on how to make herbal tea:
1. Boil Water: Use a tea kettle, saucepan, or hot shot to bring water to a boil, ensuring it reaches the temperature necessary to extract the herbs' properties.
2. Prepare Herbs: Place about a teaspoon of your chosen loose-leaf herbs into a tea strainer or premade tea bag, then position it in your cup.
3. Pour Water: Carefully pour the boiling water over the herbs, fully submerging them.
4. Steep: Cover the cup with a bowl or plate to retain steam and essential oils. Steeping times vary 10 minutes for leaves/flowers, 20 minutes for harder herbs, and 30 minutes for roots (may require simmering).
5. Strain: Remove the tea bag or strainer, squeezing out excess liquid if necessary. Dispose of the used herbs or reuse them.
6. Sweeten: Add a preferred sweetener, such as honey, to taste. Over time, you may find you prefer the tea without additional sweetness. Consider using herbal honey for added flavor.
How to Drink Herbal Tea
To live a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to continue eating fruits and vegetables, maintaining physical activity, and staying hydrated. Bump up your total fluid intake by drinking herbal tea to prevent dehydration and keep your body and organs functioning properly.
Here are different ways to drink herbal tea:
1. Hot brewed or Iced tea
Drink it hot or cold, it’s up to you.
2. Slice of lemon
Add a slice of lemon as a way to add vitamin C and enhance the flavor profile.
3. Add milk
Skim milk is a great way to add calcium to your herbal tea blend.
4. Add natural sweeteners
Try to avoid adding sugar and instead opt for natural sweeteners like honey or agave.
5. Sparkling water
Switch up the water type from tap to spring or sparkling water.
6. Steeping times
For a more potent remedy, increase the steep time from 1-2 minutes for example to 20 or 30 minutes.
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