|
|
Tea, Herbal Tea and Health
The believed health benefits of tea and herbal tea
Almost as soon as tea was discovered about 5,000 years ago, claims were being made
about its effects on human health.
Tea has been said to cure everything from serious
illnesses to colds, from insomnia to drowsiness (how the same substance can help
with both insomnia and drowsiness is, well, somewhat questionable, to say the least),
obesity, diabetes, various cancers, liver problems, bladder problems, kidney stones
and so much more.
|
What is known about tea and herbal tea
A few health facts about tea are well established. For example, tea has caffeine
in it, but herbal teas generally do not contain caffeine. Tea has no calories,
no carbohydrates and no fat. Additives, such as milk, cream and sugar, however,
are another thing.
Tea is known to contain certain antioxidants in it, including catechins. The most
well-known of these catechins is called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG
for short. EGCG can be found mostly in green tea, although to a lesser degree it
is also present in black tea.
"Tea does our fancy aid, / Repress those vapours which the head
invade / And keeps that palace of the soul serene."
Edmund Waller, English poet, "Of Tea"
Herbal teas, of which there are many, do not normally contain "true tea" (that is,
leaves from the tea plant Camellia sinensis), but are made from a variety
of other plants. Each of these plants contains its own particular substances and
corresponding health benefits.
For example, chamomile tea--which is actually made from German chamomile, a member
of the daisy family--contains bisabolol, an essential oil that is basically
the "active ingredient" in chamomile tea. The ginger in ginger tea contains gingerol,
a substance believed to reduce nausea caused by motion sickness and pregnancy.
Tea, herbal tea and modern medicine
Modern western medicine has traditionally not given much credence to Eastern medical
practices, but this has been changing over the past few years. Western scientists
are now studying certain aspects of Eastern medicine, including the use of tea and
herbal tea for curing and preventing certain ailments.
The results, in some cases, are beginning to show promise.
For example, recent laboratory tests using the antioxidants in green tea have found
these substances may help with a number of medical conditions, including allergies,
Alzheimer's disease, obesity, even cancer.
Studies done on black tea show that this type of tea may be helpful with blood pressure
and food poisoning. In studies, white tea was found to help fight off bacteria
and viruses.
Herbal teas have historically been used for specific ailments, and in some cases,
are still being used in Europe and other parts of the world. Chamomile, for example,
is used as both a sleep aid and for stomach aches. Echinacea tea is taken to help
prevent colds. Mint tea is sometimes used to aid digestion, and as a diuretic.
Of course, you should
always consult with a health care professional before using any tea or herbal tea
for medicinal purposes. Be aware of any possible interactions with prescribed
medications you are taking, or any possible allergic reactions.
Tea, Herbal Tea and Health: Conclusion
History, and today's medical studies, show us that tea and herbal tea may indeed
be good for our health. More studies do need to be done to see exactly how beneficial
tea and herbal tea are and--perhaps more importantly--what, if any, side effects
tea and herbal tea may cause.
One thing is certain: more and more people each day are enjoying tea, perhaps not
necessarily for the health benefits, but for the taste and refreshment.
|
