They say a cup of tea has the power to remedy almost anything, and there is some truth to that belief. With its historical origins rooted in East Asia, people across diverse cultures worldwide have indulged in drinking tea for millennia. Scientific findings seem to validate this age-old tradition.
So, what precisely is tea? In essence, tea is the world’s second most consumed beverage, following water. The process involves steeping the tender leaves and leaf buds of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis in boiling water. The commonly used types are from the small-leaved Chinese tea plant (C. sinensis var. sinensis) and the large-leaved Assamese tea plant (C. sinensis var. assamica).
Herbal teas, however, have long been cherished for their unique flavors and soothing properties. Beyond their delightful taste, these caffeine-free beverages have been traditionally associated with promoting relaxation, digestion and overall well-being.
In this blog, we will explore the world of herbal teas, highlighting how certain herbal infusions have been evaluated in clinical studies for their potential supportive roles in health.
Understanding Herbal Teas
Herbal tea, often misconceived as a product of the usual tea plants, is a blend of leaves, seeds, roots, flowers, or other parts and are known as tisanes. These herbal mixtures encompass a range of options, each traditionally valued for their distinctive qualities.
Unlike teas derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and offer unique flavors and sensory experiences. They are commonly available as single-herb or blended combinations, each prepared to support a particular aspect of wellness.
Herbal Teas Highlighted in Scientific Studies
Here is a look at several popular herbal teas and the health areas clinical studies have explored them for:
Ginger Tea: Assessed for its ability to reduce the severity of chemotherapy-related nausea1,2 and support healthy cholesterol levels.3
Hibiscus Tea: Studied for its effects on blood pressure4, kidney stone risk5, satiety and energy expenditure6, and support healthy cholesterol levels.7
Chamomile Tea: Investigated for its supportive role in blood glucose management8, mood9, and sleep quality.9
Yerba mate Tea: Researched for potential benefits in cholesterol management10 and blood glucose balance10, and microcirculation.11
Marjoram Tea: Examined for effects on insulin sensitivity in PCOS12 and supportive roles in managing symptoms associated with neurological health.13
Saffron Tea: Explored for cholesterol balance3 and mood support.14
Spearmint Tea: Studied for its role in managing hirsutism associated with PCOS.15,16
Lavender Tea: Researched for its calming effects and potential benefits in postpartum17 and mood balance in elderly populations.18
Cinnamon Tea: Investigated for cholesterol management support.3
Cardamom Tea: Assessed for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.3
Potential Safety and Regulatory Considerations
While herbal teas are generally considered as safe when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, it is important to remember that certain botanicals may interact with medications or be unsuitable for specific health conditions. Consumers are encouraged to consult a qualified healthcare professional before adding herbal teas to their routine, especially during pregnancy, nursing, or while managing chronic health issues.
In the United States, herbal teas marketed for health support fall under the category of conventional foods or dietary supplements. According to U.S. FDA regulations, such products should not claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases. Health-related statements should be phrased responsibly, focusing on supporting normal structure and function of the body rather than disease outcomes.
Final Thoughts
In essence, herbal teas are more than just beverages; they are an intersection of tradition, culture, and wellness practices supported by emerging science. By thoughtfully incorporating these herbal teas into your lifestyle, you can enhance your daily rituals with flavors and experiences drawn from nature’s pharmacy. However, before going for any herbal tea, it is important to choose herbal tea from a quality-conscious manufacturer and be sure to use it as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
At Mythreya Herbal Research Institute, we believe in a clear distinction between foods, dietary supplements, and medicines; each with its rightful place in preserving and restoring health. Stay tuned for our upcoming article where we talk about these categories, explain their unique roles, and clarify how regulatory frameworks guide their appropriate uses for health maintenance and care.
References
1. Gala D, Wright HH, Zigori B, Marshall S, Crichton M. Dietary strategies for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A systematic review. Clin Nutr. 2022 Oct;41(10):2147-2155.
2. Wazqar DY, Thabet HA, Safwat AM. A quasi-experimental study of the effect of ginger tea on preventing nausea and vomiting in patients with gynecological cancers receiving cisplatin-based regimens. Cancer Nurs. 2021 Nov-Dec 01;44(6):E513-E519.
3. Azimi P, Ghiasvand R, Feizi A, Hariri M, Abbasi B. Effects of cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, and ginger consumption on markers of glycemic control, lipid profile, oxidative stress, and inflammation in type 2 diabetes patients. Rev Diabet Stud. 2014 Fall-Winter;11(3-4):258-66.
4. McKay DL, Chen CY, Saltzman E, Blumberg JB. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. tea (tisane) lowers blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. J Nutr. 2010 Feb;140(2):298-303.
5. Prasongwatana V, Woottisin S, Sriboonlue P, Kukongviriyapan V. Uricosuric effect of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in normal and renal-stone former subjects. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 May 22;117(3):491-5.
6. Faria NC, Soares APDC, Graciano GF, Correia MITD, Pires MC, Valenzuela VDCT, Anastácio LR. Hibiscus sabdariffa tea affects diet-induced thermogenesis and subjective satiety responses in healthy men but not in women: a randomized crossover trial. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2022 Apr;47(4):429-438.
7. Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Jalali-Khanabadi BA, Afkhami-Ardekani M, Fatehi F. Effects of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on lipid profile and lipoproteins in patients with type II diabetes. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug;15(8):899-903.
8. Zemestani M, Rafraf M, Asghari-Jafarabadi M. Chamomile tea improves glycemic indices and antioxidants status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nutrition. 2016 Jan;32(1):66-72.
9. Chang SM, Chen CH. Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trial. J Adv Nurs. 2016 Feb;72(2):306-15.
10. Klein GA, Stefanuto A, Boaventura BC, de Morais EC, Cavalcante Lda S, de Andrade F, Wazlawik E, Di Pietro PF, Maraschin M, da Silva EL. Mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) improves glycemic and lipid profiles of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes individuals: a pilot study. J Am Coll Nutr. 2011 Oct;30(5):320-32.
11. Yu S, Yue Sw, Liu Z, Zhang T, Xiang N, Fu H. Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) improves microcirculation of volunteers with high blood viscosity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Exp Gerontol. 2015 Feb;62:14-22.
12. Haj-Husein I, Tukan S, Alkazaleh F. The effect of marjoram (Origanum majorana) tea on the hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised controlled pilot study. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2016 Feb;29(1):105-11.
13. Chahra C, Anis H, Bissene D, Mejda S, Jihène M, Salma N, Manel N, Sana BA, Hedi K, Maha BF. The effect of Origanum majorana tea on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease: A randomized controlled pilot study. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2021 Oct;91:23-27.
14. Delam H, Keshtkaran Z, Shokrpour N, Eidi A, Bazrafshan MR. The effect of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) herbal tea on happiness in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2023 Jun 1;23(1):176.
15. Grant P. Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. A randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2010 Feb;24(2):186-8.
16. Akdoğan M, Tamer MN, Cüre E, Cüre MC, Köroğlu BK, Delibaş N. Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism. Phytother Res. 2007 May;21(5):444-7.
17. Chen SL, Chen CH. Effects of lavender tea on fatigue, depression, and maternal-infant attachment in sleep-disturbed postnatal women. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2015 Dec;12(6):370-9.
18. Bazrafshan MR, Jokar M, Shokrpour N, Delam H. The effect of lavender herbal tea on the anxiety and depression of the elderly: A randomized clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2020 May;50:102393.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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