Since ancient times, teas have been revered for their healing properties. And modern studies have shown that tea is an excellent way to keep the doctor away. Here’s our top five list of elixir teas for a stronger immune system, for healthy organ function, and overall health and wellness.
1. Green Tea
Green tea has long been a staple in Indian and Chinese diets – and for good reason. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, which helps to slow down aging and prevent your cells and DNA from fee radical-induced damage. It also helps to lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk for heart disease, protect against cancer, reduce inflammatory bowel disease symptoms, control blood sugar levels in diabetics, and reduce the risk for liver disease. As if all that weren’t enough, green tea also helps you lose weight by boosting your metabolism and increasing your body’s fat burning capabilities.
2. Dandelion Tea
Most of our diets do not include a steady intake of dandelion, which is a shame because dandelions are excellent for our health. Drinking dandelion tea is an easy way to get all of the health benefits that dandelion confers without having to actually eat the bitter tasting weed. Dandelion tea helps purify the blood, heal acne, relieve stomach upset, lower high blood pressure and improve bowel function. Dandelion tea also works as a mild detoxifier by helping to cleanse your liver and kidneys, and preliminary studies suggest that it may also help boost your immune system.
3. Ginseng Tea
Chinese healers have used ginseng for the promotion of good health for over 5,000 years. Today, ginseng is often prescribed by alternative practitioners as a general health tonic, to enhance longevity, to combat weakness, to boost the immune system and to balance hormones. In North America, it is well known for its ability to boost both mental and physical energy, and athletes often use it for added stamina. Despite its plethora of health benefits, you should be cautious of drinking it if you have high blood pressure, because a high consumption of ginseng can increase blood pressure.
4. Nettle Tea
Nettle tea is a natural diuretic, helping to reduce water retention. It helps to promote good health by reducing inflammation in the body, and it has been used for hundreds of years to treat eczema, acne, insect bites, gout, anemia and painful muscles and joints. Its ability to reduce inflammation also makes it useful for relieving painful symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), arthritis, and osteoporosis. Nettle tea is also used for kidney and bladder problems and it may help prevent and treat urinary tract infections.
5. Ginger Tea
Ginger has amazing health properties, but due to its strong and unique flavor some people find it hard to incorporate into their daily diets. Ginger contains numerous antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are plant-based nutrients that have disease fighting properties. Ginger helps to reduce inflammation, promote digestion and cleanse the colon, making it excellent for all types of bowel disorders. It also helps to boost the immune system and is excellent for fighting off cold and flu. And the health benefits don’t stop there — ginger has also been found to protect against colon and ovarian cancer, reduce arthritis pain, and relieve nausea, dizziness and vomiting.
~ Dr. Allen
