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5 of the best herbal teas and their benefits

Fighting morning sickness, relieving period pain, managing weight, lowering cholesterol and improving memory… herbal teas can work wellness wonders.

Written by Becky Hardy

Published 31.05.2023

If you’ve already ready our first article on herbal teas and their benefits, then you’ll be familiar with the near-magical wellness properties we could be getting from a good brew.

In this, the second instalment of the series, we look at the health benefits to be found in ginger tea, hibiscus tea, rooibos tea, sage tea and rose hip tea – and, again, our findings may very well surprise you.

With everything from fighting morning sickness to managing weight and lowering cholesterol on the menu, it may well be your self-care saviour is waiting for you at the bottom of your favourite mug…

GINGER TEA

Ideal for: fighting nausea

Does ginger tea have caffeine? No

Ginger tea really packs a punch when it comes to its health-improving, disease-fighting properties.

Chock-full of antioxidants, ginger tea is a renowned remedy for anyone suffering from vomiting or nausea, especially for women in the early stages of pregnancy. It’s has also proven useful in fighting sickness in those undergoing cancer treatments and surgery.

Studies also suggest that ginger tea may prevent stomach ulcers and prove effective in relieving indigestion, as well as reducing cramps and pain associated with menstruation.

And for anyone with diabetes, early evidence has found ginger tea could also improve your blood sugar levelsand lipid levels.

Ginger tea benefits:

Fights nausea
Relieves period pain
Improves blood sugar levels
Prevents stomach ulcers
Relieves indigestion

HIBISCUS TEA

Ideal for: lowering blood pressure

Does hibiscus tea have caffeine? No

Made from the brightly-coloured flowers of the hibiscus plant, hibiscus tea contains potassium, calcium, magnesium and other trace minerals that all help to keep your levels healthy.

The tea’s antioxidant power comes from its “anthocyanins”, which also offer strong anti-viral and cardiovascular benefits.

Recent studies have found hibiscus tea could significantly reduce “bad” cholesterol, along with your blood pressure – meaning you’ll also be reducing the risk of developing heart disease or suffering a heart attack or a stroke.

Disclaimer: Be sure to check with your GP before you start drinking hibiscus tea if you’re taking diuretics, as it may interact with your medication.

Hibiscus tea benefits:

Improves heart health
Lowers blood pressure
Reduces “bad” cholesterol
Anti-viral properties

ROOIBOS TEA

Ideal for: improving bone health

Does rooibos tea have caffeine? No

Unlike some of the other herbal teas on this list, rooibos tea has historically been used for medicinal purposes specifically.

One of the most significant of its benefits is how the blend can improve bone health. Research has found that rooibos tea may stop the formation of osteoclasts – cells which break down old bones. This is essential preserving, repairing and even reshaping your skeleton.

Because of this, rooibos tea may also improve the condition of those living with bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis.

As well as this, one study has found rooibos tea to have anti-allergy effects, while older research suggests the tea could reduce blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol levels, thereby also reducing the risk of heart disease, although more research is needed into both areas.

Rooibos tea benefits:

Improves bone health
Reduces risk of osteoporosis
Anti-allergy effects
May reduce the risk of heart disease

ROSE HIP TEA

Ideal for: reducing pain and inflammation

Does rose hip tea have caffeine? No

Rose hip tea is high in vitamin C and other beneficial compounds, meaning it’s a godsend for maintaining a healthy immune system, looking after your skin and improving blood and bone health.

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, studies have found rose hip tea may help reduce inflammation and improve the symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, including pain.

If you’re looking for help managing your weight, studies have found rose hip tea may be beneficial for helping to decrease your BMI and reducing the fat we store on our stomachs.

Rose hip tea benefits:

High source of vitamin C
Reduces pain
Reduces inflammation
Improves arthritis symptoms
Helps weight management
Decrease BMI and “belly fat”

SAGE TEA

Ideal for: improving brain health

Does sage tea have caffeine? No

If you’re recognising that your memory isn’t what it used to be, or that working out your share of the bill over dinner is becoming harder and harder, then a cup or two of sage tea a day could work wonders.

Several studies have found sage tea to be beneficial in improving overall brain health, with various strands of research showing the tea to improve the cognitive function of those with Alzheimer’s disease.

A number of other studies, meanwhile, have also found sage tea to improve the mental function and memory in healthy adults.

More than this, some studies have found sage tea may also help lower levels of “bad” cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease, while others find the tea may reduce blood sugar levels in diabetes patients– although more research is needed in both areas.

Sage tea benefits:

Improves brain health
Improves condition of those with Alzheimer’s disease
Improves memory
May help reduce cholesterol
May reduce blood sugar levels in diabetes patients

DISCLAIMER

All herbal teas should be treated with caution if you have a history of severe allergies, especially to pollens.

Similarly, some herbal teas may react with certain medication. It is always wise to consult your GP first before introducing any new supplements into your diet.