Herbal tea: Vital substance and health booster
Some drink it because of its healing properties, others make a cult out of it. Tea is more popular than ever. It is said to make you slim, protect you from cancer and keep your heart fit. Is it all just humbug? And above all: Does this only apply to “real” tea from the tea plant or also to herbal teas and fruit teas? Find out more about the different types of herbal tea that are commercially available, their ingredients and effects.
Polyphenole in Tee
Tea is considered healthy. The main reason for this is the so-called polyphenols. These substances are also found in red wine, which – consumed in moderation – is said to have a health-promoting effect. In America there are even a number of commercial preparations containing polyphenol extracts from tea and/or red wine.
Polyphenols are mainly found in “real” tea, for example in black, white and green tea. Polyphenols can also be found in herbal and fruit teas. But herbal teas have many other positive health effects.
Herbal teas and their effects
Herbal teas do not come from the tea bush, but from dried parts of other plants. Like the “real” teas, they contain no calories. However, they provide vitamins, minerals and essential oils with health-promoting properties. However, they lack the caffeine (exception: mate tea).
We show what’s in the different types of tea:
nettle tea
Nettle leaves are characterized by their content of vitamins and minerals. Nettle tea must not be used in kidney diseases!
Effects: draining, diuretic, strengthening, invigorating.
Fencheltee
The fennel fruits contain essential oil, the main components of which are the bitter fechenone and the sweet anethole.
Effects: helps with flatulence , cramps, nausea , abdominal pain and is anti-inflammatory.
Camomile tea
Chamomile flowers contain essential oils, the main component of which is azulene. The tea should always be drunk hot, otherwise much of its aroma will be lost.
Effects: is anti-inflammatory, helps with flatulence.
Lime blossom tea
Linden blossoms contain only a few essential oils. Its component farnesol ensures the pleasant taste.
Effects: drunk hot, sweaty, calming.
Melissentee
The lemon balm leaves spread an intense lemon scent. The reason for this are the essential oils contained in lemon balm.
Effects: helps with flatulence, cramps, nausea, abdominal pain; has a calming effect.
Sickness
The leaves are dried (green mate) and then roasted, which results in the dark brown color and the spicy taste.
Effects: stimulating, digestive, diuretic.
mint tea
Peppermint leaves contain 2-5% essential oils (up to 60% menthol). Tannins and bitter substances are also present. They cause the bitter taste when the tea steeps for too long.
Effects: good against flatulence, cramps, nausea, abdominal pain; is anti-inflammatory, helps with toothache, is calming, beneficial for colds (steam bath).
Rosehip tea as a fruit tea
Fruit teas can also have a positive effect on health. For example, the rose hip tea : the fruits of the dog rose contain tannins, fruit acids, essential oils and vitamin C. Ripe rosehips are among the fruits richest in vitamin C.
Effects: Rosehip tea protects against colds.