Do you have plans to be healthier in 2024? If so, I can let you know of one easy step to take you in the right direction. Drink herbal tisanes. Yes, it is as simple as that! For a start, these natural ‘tea’ blends are caffeine-free. What’s more, they contain low or no calories. There are many other health benefits when you drink herbal tisanes, so let me tell you more.
What is a Herbal Tisane?
More commonly referred to as herbal tea, a tisane contains no tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves. Instead, these drinks are created from natural herbs, spices and edible flowers. Tisanes can be as simple as freshly picked mint leaves infused in water. More often, they are a blend of multiple plants for a complex balance of flavours.
Plants have long been used as medicines. They are known to have beneficial properties for treating the body and mind. This is because they contain a wide range of natural minerals, vitamins and nutrients. So, by infusing plants in water, you gain essential hydration for the body and an extra health boost.
Health Benefits of Herbal Tisanes
Herbal tisanes of all varieties contain antioxidants. These protect the body from potentially damaging environmental factors. Tisanes also aid the detoxification of the body’s defence systems and, being caffeine-free, they can help to calm the mind. In addition, certain ingredients are known to have specific health benefits.
Let’s give you some examples:
Chamomile
Chamomile is soothing, helping to relax the body, calm skin complaints and promote sleep. This makes it an ideal ingredient in bedtime drinks. In a Harvard Health study*, the benefits of consuming this humble plant included a reduced risk of heart disease, anxiety and premenstrual cramps.
Our Chamomile & Rose tisane is a smooth drink that reminds me of the aromas of summer in an English garden. Drink it to lower stress and aid relaxation at the end of another busy day.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is good for digestion and is known as an anti-viral, immunity cleanser. It is ideal for this time of year, helping you to stave off colds and other winter ills. The study also suggests that Hibiscus can lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol. However, it recommends not to drink herbal tisanes containing hibiscus within 4 hours of taking aspirin.
Our Fruit Bouquet tisane blends hibiscus with sweet apple, rosehip and jasmine blossom for a tangy and revitalising drink. I find it is a great boost when you hit that mid-afternoon slump.
Rosehip
Rosehip is extremely rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy skin, blood and bones. It also aids the body’s healing process.
In addition to the Fruit Bouquet tisane, we include rosehip in Something Sweet. Here, it is blended with cocoa nibs, strawberry pieces, hibiscus and rooibos leaves to tantalise the palette. Drinking rooibos, also known as red bush, is an effective way to balance blood sugar levels and reduce blood pressure. So, this tisane packs a health punch!
Mint
Mint is easy to grow in British gardens, however, this plant spreads, so it’s advisable to grow it in a pot. Simply pick the fresh leaves and immerse them in boiling water for a refreshing drink. Mint aids digestion and opens up the nasal cavity to increase airflow into the body. In addition, you are left with fresh breath.
Our Moroccan Mint tea is a top seller. We’ve blended mint with Chinese gunpowder green tea, red peppercorns and sunflower petals. It’s a tea, not a tisane but it’s still packed with beneficial ingredients!
Switch to Herbal Tisanes
If you’ve made resolutions to boost your health in 2024, the gym isn’t the only option. What we put into our bodies makes a big difference to how we feel. Regular hydration is vital for health and herbal tisanes offer so much more.
So, will you ditch at least one coffee or fizzy drink a day and switch to herbal tisanes?
* https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/the-health-benefits-of-3-herbal-teas
