Your Daily Tea Guide: Brews for Health and Wellness

People have been drinking tea for thousands of years. Adding herbs to hot water adds flavor, and many cultures and societies insist there are numerous health and wellness benefits as well. Some of these claims are based on faith while others are based on conclusive research.

According to TeaUSA.org, the health benefits held within a cup of tea are numerous. The precious ingredients are known as Flavenoids. These natural wonders are said to have antioxidant properties, able to combat the effects of free radicals on our bodies (those contaminants in our bodies that can lead to chronic disease). Partner the antioxidant properties with the culture of herbal healing, and you�re staring into a cup packed with therapeutic power! There are several different kinds of teas available to help you through life�s challenges. You just have to know which herbal infusions offer relief for specific situations. We�ve put together this handy guide to some of the most popular herbal remedies that you can brew-up for health, healing and a holistic approach to well-being.

There are several different kinds of teas available to help you through life�s challenges. You just have to know which herbal infusions offer relief for specific situations. We�ve put together this handy guide to some of the most popular herbal remedies that you can brew-up for health, healing and a holistic approach to well-being.

Calming Teas

Chamomile, Kava Kava, Valerian and St. John�s Wort are all herbs known for their calming and soothing properties. If you�ve had a rough day or need a wind-down cup at the end of the day, skip the caffeine and opt for these naturally caffeine-free herbal blends including these herbs.

Digestive Aid Teas

If you find a meal that�s not agreeing with you or just want an after-dinner digestive aid, try ginger or mint herbal infusions. Ginger has long been used in Asian cultures to accompany meals. Mint brews are also light and refreshing when served cold.

Diuretic Teas

Our bodies can sometimes retain excess water. Whether a reflection of our diet or hormonal cycles, there are a few teas that offer natural diuretic (water-shedding) properties. Try brewing up a cup of tea that includes Dandelion Root, Uva Ursi or Chamomile. Be sure to pay attention to instructions for duration of use, as excessive use of diuretics can lead to electrolyte depletion and cramping.

Teas for Urinary Tract Health

You�ll often find herbs like Dandelion Root, Uvi Ursi, and Chamomile mixed with Cranberry in herbal blends to promote urinary tract health. Important for women who are more prone to urinary tract infections than men, herbal blends for urinary tract health often have antiseptic and liver-cleansing properties as well.

Teas for Immune Defense

If you�re feeling a bit under the weather, herbal infusions containing Echinacea and Goldenseal can help naturally boost your body�s defenses. These two herbs are readily available in a wide variety of ready-made herbal tea blends and are held to offer one of the best defenses against the common cold according to HerbWisdom.com.

There are certainly many other types of teas, including some of the more popular varieties of green, black and white teas found at any grocery store. Many of these teas also have tremendous health and wellness benefits. Simply put, if you enjoy the taste and it makes you feel good to drink the tea, you are already experiencing one of the best health and wellness benefits of all � happiness.

Nathan Joynt works with Gaiam Inc, one of the world�s leading media authorities for health, fitness and green living.