Therapeutic teas for digestive, immune and nervous system support
Enjoy, any time.
Image credit: Kiran K. via unsplash.com
Along with a boost of hydration, herbal teas deliver a multitude of therapeutic nutritional benefits. Whilst they may be helpful as part of a specific nutritional protocol, herbal teas can be enjoyed any time and are a simple addition to your daily routine. Below, find a selection of ingredients – which you may see featured on their own, or as part of a blend – to try for digestive, immune and nervous system support.
To support digestion, try:
Peppermint. Stimulates bile production, calms intestinal muscle spasms, and reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (including abdominal pain), thereby promoting digestion and alleviating digestive discomfort [1; 2; 3; 4].
Fennel. Relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle and reduces bloating and gas; also soothes stomach cramping and muscle spasms associated with inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions and digestive disorders [5].
Find both in T2 Tummy Tea, $17 (25 bags); available here.
To support immunity, try:
Ginger. Provides symptomatic relief for colds and influenza, whilst its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties protect against fever and viral infection, particularly within the respiratory system [6; 7].
Rosehip. Enhances and restores immunity via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial actions [8; 9].
Enjoy ginger in Organic Merchant Lemongrass and Ginger Tea, $19.95 (60g), available here; meanwhile, find rosehip in Organic Merchant Antioxidant Tea, $24.95 (100g), available here.
To support the nervous system, try:
Lavender. Has anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, sedative and calming properties; also helps to relieve insomnia and improve sleep quality [1; 10].
Lemon balm. Helps to relieve stress and anxiety; its sedative properties also help relieve insomnia related to nervous system disorders [1; 11].
Both are found in The Healthy Chef Relax Botanical Tisane, $29.95 (60g); available here.
References.
[1] Kowalski, R., Baj, T., Kowalska, G., & Pankiewicz, U. (2015). Estimation of potential availability of essential oil in some brands of herbal teas and herbal dietary supplements. PLoS One, 10(6), 1-16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0130714
[2] Ravikumar, C. (2014). Review on herbal teas. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 6(5), 236-238.
[3] Marcel, C. (2021). Peppermint. CINAHL Nutrition Guide [Database record].
[4] Therapeutic Research Centre. (2021). Peppermint. Food, Herbs and Supplements [Database record].
[5] Divya, D. (2022). Effect of fennel seed: On women’s health. International Journal of Advances in Nursing Management, 10(2), 95-98. https://doi.org/10.52711/2454-2652.2022.00024
[6] Gadge, S.(2021). Antiviral and immunity-modulating natural herbs in the prevention of COVID-19. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 13(2), 81-94. http://dx.doi.org/10.52711/0975-4385.2021.00014
[7] Vázquez-Fresno, R., Rosana, A., Sajed, T., Onookome-Okome, T., Wishart, N. A., & Wishart, D. S. (2019). Herbs and spices: Biomarkers of intake based on human intervention studies – A systematic review. Genes & Nutrition, 14(18), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12263-019-0636-8
[8] Mannozzi, C., Foligni, R., Scalise, A., & Mozzon, M. (2020). Characterization of lipid substances of rose hip seeds as a potential source of functional components: A review. Italian Journal of Food Science, 32(4), 721-733.
[9] Zieniewska, I., Zalewska, A., Żendzian-Piotrowska, M., [Ładny, J. R., & Maciejczyk, M. (2020). Antioxidant and antiglycation properties of seventeen fruit teas obtained from one manufacturer. Applied Sciences, 10(15), 5195-5227. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app10155195
[10] Peir, H. K., Ghadiri, M. K., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 1-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/681304
[11] Cases, J., Ibarra, A., Feuillère, N., Roller, M., & Sukkar, S. (2011). Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 4(3), 211–218. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12349-010-0045-4