Tea is good for you in many ways! But there are lots of teas out there… so how do you choose the one that’s best for what’s ailing you?
Alas, some teas make big claims and have small (if any) benefits. The coffee and tea aisle at the food store is full of all kinds of health remedies. And for some things, like stress, anxiety, PMS, and an upset stomach, tea can be the perfect cure. You usually don’t need to drink much — just one or two cups can relieve the problem.
If you are feeling nauseated, bloated, or just struggling with a bout of indigestion, a peppermint or ginger tea can be a great solution. Even a peppermint or ginger candy can help! These two herbs are time-tested stomach soothers.
When stress or anxiety won’t let you unwind, try a chamomile, lavender, or lemon balm tea. The two flowers are known for helping soothe and relax; the lemon balm is a good soother, too. Of course, you can get similar relief and relaxation from soaking in a tub with any (or all) of the three.
Tea is great for a sore throat. The warmth is soothing; add honey and lemon to soothe and coat your throat. Any type of tea is a pretty good throat soother. If you need your voice working when it would rather not, try horehound tea.
The right tea can be a great PMS buster. Look for teas that include raspberry leaf, spearmint, lemon balm, and nettle to relieve cramps and irritability. You can start drinking a cup of the tea every day for a week before you are due to start menstruating, and continue until your time of the month has passed. I’ve been extra-cranky during PMS lately… so I think it’s time to try some tea!