A cup of tea can warm the body and soul on a cold day, and sometimes it’s medicine for a exhausted and weakened body.
Tea has a century-old tradition in some countries, while in others it’s popular as a medicinal drink or simply consumed because people love the taste. In winter, tea is enjoyed hot, in summer with ice. Among the various teas, there are herbal teas specifically consumed to relieve physical and mental ailments. Some are chosen to boost the immune system, but there are also soothing, anti-inflammatory and digestive teas.
The beginning of the year is a time of purification for many people, who consider that detoxification or dieting is a must after gorging throughout the holidays; at such occasions, some teas and herbs can be used to help burn fat. However, it is important to make it clear that these drinks only help to trigger the process, and they do not guarantee weight loss by themselves.
To achieve your weight loss goal, don’t engage in drastic fasting; instead, change your lifestyle and aim for a healthy diet. Herbal teas can help you achieve your goal, as some act as a diuretic, while others speed up the metabolism.
Nettle tea
This ancient herb is known for its many beneficial effects. It is one of the best blood purifiers, is known for its detoxifying effects, reduces uric acid levels in the body and is therefore also suitable for treating gout, arthritis and rheumatic diseases.
Nettle tea is rich in vitamins and minerals, supports the metabolism and has a diuretic effect, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids while consuming it. Nettle tea cleanses the liver and has a good effect on digestion, and is particularly recommended when dieting.
The tea is recommended to be consumed on an empty stomach. Boil 2 teaspoons of nettle leaves in 1 cup of water, cover for 8 minutes, strain and sip.
Green tea
A remedy for the body and soul, green tea plays an important role in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and is recommended for a wide range of health problems. It has antioxidant properties and contains less caffeine than coffee, but enough to keep you alert and stimulate brain function.
The best-known effect of green tea is that it stimulates fat burning and boosts metabolism. When preparing it, always make sure not to boil the tea. Instead, use pleasantly warm water, add 1 teaspoon of leaves to 1 cup, and drink without adding sugar.
Ginger tea
Ginger tea is a refreshing drink in summer and a warming miracle in winter, but can also be used as a spice. This healthy root can be used fresh or ground, and is best known for its immune-boosting properties and for reducing symptoms of respiratory illnesses. Ginger is also known to improve digestion, reduce bloating and burn fat.
To make tea, add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to 1 cup of boiling water, cover and leave to infuse for 5 minutes. Fresh ginger can be used to make a more aromatic tea. You can flavor ginger tea with lemon or a little honey.
Peppermint tea
The pleasant, slightly mentholated aroma makes peppermint tea a very popular refreshing drink, and it also has many positive health benefits. This ancient plant stimulates blood circulation, reduces headaches, helps relieve tension, has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, clears the airways due to its menthol content, is a very useful immune booster during cold and flu season, and even supports weight loss.
The tea is calorie-free and is recommended to be enjoyed cold instead of soft drinks. The ingredients in the tea control appetite, so you won’t be plagued by cravings and hunger. You can use a filter or several fresh or dried mint twigs to make tea. For the latter, add 1 teaspoon per 1 cup, cover and leave to steep for a few minutes; you can also drink the tea chilled.
Elderberry tea
Elderberries are not only wonderful as a syrup; they can also be used to make a pleasantly flavored tea. Elderberries have been used in folk medicine since ancient times, and their beneficial effects include antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. Elderberries are used not only as a drink, but also as a poultice for external use.
Elderberries are rich in vitamin C, they boost the immune system, clear the respiratory tract during colds, and have a cardiotonic and diuretic effect, which helps in weight loss. To make tea, pour two cups of hot water over 1 teaspoonful of elderberry flowers and cover to infuse for 5 minutes.
White acacia tea
Fragrant white acacia has many beneficial properties. One of its best-known benefits is that it reduces the production of stomach acid, which is why it is recommended to treat acid reflux. For the same reason, acacia tea also has an appetite suppressant effect, and it is an excellent diuretic.
The tea is prepared in the usual way: for 1 cup of tea, boil 1 teaspoon of white acacia, set aside to infuse for 3 minutes and enjoy hot.