We all know that Water – good, clean water – is the best thing we can drink.  Oh, I can remember drinking from a creek that came off a glacier run in Alaska when I was a kid – and I was so refreshed.  Not only was it clear & sparkling – it was SO cold!!!

But water can be hard to choke down some days.  I have a difficult time drinking all my water when its cold outside.  It’s a mental thing, but I really have to work hard to drink my water.  So I often resort to hot tea.  One of the great things about drinking tea is that it actually has some positive benefits for both the body and spirit.

Herbal teas – which aren’t really “tea” since they don’t contain tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves – can be so nutritious and beneficial.  Whether you purchase from a grocery store, whole foods store, or an online site – herbal teas can provide benefits for your body that are worth considering.  Tips to remember:  Look for organically grown products and vendors who use a sustainable harvest.

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis).  This is a pretty “common” tea as you can find it just about anywhere.    Chamomile is used often in tea blends and is common in children’s teas.  It is primarily used as a nerve tonic – its flowers provide an anti-inflmmatory agent.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum).  Ahhhh – one of my favorite ingredients!  It produces a lovely, spicy tea which offers aid in digestive issues.  Whether you drink a simple cinnamon tea or combined with other herbs and flavors, it is a really great tea to drink around bedtime.  Cinnamon bark has so many health benefits because it contains antiviral and antiseptic qualities.  (When I had my cough a few weeks ago, I began taking about 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon mixed with about 1Tbsp of honey daily.  My throat – and cough – were soothed – and I had no worries about overdosing…)

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).  Now you may have a bit of trouble locating organic dandelion parts (and I don’t recommend picking them from your back yard if it has been chemically treated), but dandelions are so nutritious you should look for them the next time you visit your favorite whole food or herb store.  It is purported to cleanse your system, including your liver, and is terrific for detox.  It’s a natural diuretic and contains calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins A & C.  The roots, leaves and flowers can be eaten, but the leaves are best for tea.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, and E. pallida).  Often used in immune boosting supplements, echinacea is a flower that can be grown in your garden.  Echinacea does not have any known side-effects and is a great addition to your immune defense.

Elder (Sambucus nigra).  While the berries are sweet to eat and used in syrups for cold, flu and upper respiratory infections, the flowers can be used for a medicinal tea (especially for fever).  When combined with echinacea, its effects are more magnified.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale).  Oh how yummy ginger tea is.  It can be sweet or spicy, and is a really great tummy settler – great for nausea in my own personal use.  It is used in traditional Chinese medicine, and offers benefits for the reproductive, respiratory and digestive systems.   My girls even eat candied ginger, but we especially love a good cup of ginger tea sweetened with honey.  Mmmmm.

Lavender (Lavandula spp).  Another garden flower, lavendar offers multipurpose usage.  While just a few flowers are needed for tea, it is another nerve tonic and is good for headaches.  It is really helpful for the relief of stress and tension, including PMS. Yay!  You can even use the tea applied to mosquito or other insect bites.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis).  Often used in supplements and teas as a nerve tonic, lemon balm provides a pleasant flavor and scent.  It is great for nervous exhaustion and even stomach upset.  Fresh lemon balm is most effective, but dried lemon balm makes a delicious tea, too, as it offers a calming cup.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita).  Peppermint grows like a weed and makes a refreshing cup of tea.    It is often used in conjunction with other herbs that might have a bitter or sour taste, and is a good addition to your afternoon snack, as it might just wake you up!

Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus).  I’ve been drinking red raspberry tea since my first pregnancy.  A kind friend recommended that I begin drinking several cups of tea (although sometimes I only drank one) as it offers iron-supplementation and seems to has a long history of having a beneficial effect in the childbirth process.  Red raspberry also tastes divine and is a really great tea in general for women.

If you enjoy drinking tea, herbal teas can offer a change of pace.  They are an excellent bedtime treat because they contain little to no caffeine. Taking time to slow down – ponder the day’s events – maybe journal or read while you drink a cup of hot herbal tea – can contribute to your overall sense of well-being, supporting healthy living and good habits.

I highly recommend Teaporia’s herbal teas (which are still on special through the end of January).

If you’re looking to make your own blend, Mountain Rose Herbs offers a tremendous selection of fresh, dried, and powdered forms of herbs, as well as essential oils, for your needs.

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Please note:  If you are on any medication or under the care of a physician for any health condition, it is crucial that you discuss using any herbs as they can have an adverse effect on medications.  While herbs, in general, provide good health benefits, you need to discuss the addition of any herbal supplements – even tea – with your physician before consuming them.