15 Herbal Teas And Their Health Benefits

The Brits have long been famed for their tea-drinking habits and, as it turns out, they know a thing or two about sipping their way to good health. A lot has changed, however, since a murky builder’s brew or a cup of dusty Earl Grey were the only options. From black tea to turmeric, matcha to camomile, your morning fix could go a long way to promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Matcha green tea

This fine-grain, lime-green powder might look dubious, but it packs an almighty punch. Whisk with hot water or milk to produce a brew heralded as a metabolism-boosting, antioxidising, cholesterol- and blood-sugar-lowering wonder cup.

Turmeric tea

Camomile tea

A perfect tonic for naughty rabbits, it turns out a nice cup of camomile tea can do impressive things for humans too. While it’s already famed for its ability to calm the nerves, scientists now claim that camomile can keep diabetes under control and potentially improve the complexion.

Peppermint tea

If you haven’t sought the balm of peppermint tea after a night on the tiles, then this may well be a game-changer. Refreshing, natural, cleansing – the best way to enjoy mint tea is to submerge the fresh leaves into just-shy-of-boiling water. Give it three minutes and sip your way to better digestion.

Rooibos tea

While the correct pronunciation for this tea might divide the crowd, one thing all
experts seem to agree on is its anti-inflammatory properties. Brew this one for seven minutes, sweetening with honey or agave.

Fennel tea

Wake up your senses with this major aniseed hit. Even if you’re not a fan of liquorice,
fennel tea is worth a try if you want to burn fat, cleanse the blood and boost your immune system.

Echinacea tea

Rumoured to improve symptoms of cold, flu and sinusitis, echinacea feels healthy without being medicinal, bringing immune-boosting benefits to fruity, floral notes.

White tea

Uncured and as natural as it comes, white tea contains catechins, thought to fight cardiovascular disease and potentially cancer.

Raspberry leaf tea

Delicately floral with deep raspberry notes, this humble little tea is packed with iron and can ease canker sores, cold sores and anaemia. Careful with this brew if you’re pregnant – it is known to promote uterine health and is often used to encourage the wee one along in the latter stages of pregnancy.

Oolong tea

With that pleasing rolling ‘o’, oolong tea calms in its very articulation. This deeply dark, smoky tea contains polyphenolic compounds, responsible for removing free radicals from the body. It is also thought to ease symptoms of dermatitis and promote good bone health, so load up your tea ball and leave for two to six minutes to brew, according to taste.

Ginger tea

Grate a generous piece of ginger root into a mug, steep in hot water for two minutes and strain for a glorious, spicy treat. This peppery cupful will contribute generously to your daily dose of vitamin C and kick-start your circulation.

Orange peel tea

Another free-radical-banishing brew, orange peel tea is packed with flavonoids, which work to combat the aging process. With crucial orange oil, orange peel tea will, if taken consistently, reduce acne and inflammation. Peel an orange and roughly chop the peel into small pieces. Simmer the peel in water with cinnamon for 10 minutes before straining and imbibing.

Sencha green tea

With a pleasantly grassy aroma, sencha green tea is a superstar. Boosting the metabolism, levelling you up on energy and brightening the skin, sencha should be a staple in any health-conscious household.

Black tea

This bitter brew will give you a lot to smile about. According to some researchers, those who regularly consume black tea are 50% less likely to exhibit early signs of dementia. It may well fortify the lungs as well, so get brewing!

Coffee leaf tea

For the last entry, how about your favourite cup o’ Joe like you’ve never tasted it before? Research shows that steeping coffee leaves in water releases unprecedented levels of mangiferin, thought to reduce the risk of cholesterol and diabetes.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.