35 Best Teas For Excellent Health and Wellness

Tea For Two And Two For Tea

There is some fantastic news for tea lovers, it is pretty awesome for your health! However, before you dive head first into a pot, you’ll want to make sure that your tea is truly tea.

Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, and has four varieties:

• Black
• White
• Green
• Oolong

What Is Tea?

Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. The buds and leaves that the plant produces are known as tea, and after water, it is the most commonly consumed drink across the world. While America might still be a nation of coffee, the British, Indians, Chinese, and Japanese are still big consumers of tea. You might be too, after you read about the many health benefits.

Camellia sinensis grows in subtropical and tropical climates, and it is a flowering evergreen shrub. It produces little white flowers, and the buds and leaves are ready for harvest three years after the Camellia sinensis was planted. While the plant can live for over a hundred years, it is much easier to harvest the buds and leaves of small, young plants. Once the buds and leaves have been harvested, they are dried and rolled for distribution.

The countries we consider as being the traditional tea makers are India, China, Sri Lanka, and Japan. However, new tea countries have emerged in recent years, perhaps most notably Kenya, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. The flavor characteristics of tea are impacted by soil type, the age of the plant, altitude, and the type of plant.

Each country of origin can produce any type of tea, however, there are certain regions known for their specific types. For instance, China is well known for their white tea, and Pu-erh, while Sri Lanka is all about black tea and Japan is famous for green tea.

Whether you prefer to drink black tea, green tea, or white tea, you should take the time to learn where the tea is grown, how it was harvested, and how it is distributed to ensure that your tea is produced to a high standard- taste, quality, and ethics wise. If you want to reap the benefits of your chosen tea then you want to ensure it is of a high quality.

Herbal teas aren’t technically tea, but they are teas made from an infusion of plants.

The Health Benefits Of Tea

There are serious health benefits to tea mainly due to the high presence of the antioxidants, polyphenols, and phytochemicals. The majority of studies tend to focus on black and green teas, but don’t worry, if you prefer oolong or white teas, they also offer plenty of health benefits to your table.

Tea can increase your endurance for exercise, with scientists discovering that the antioxidants from green tea can increase your ability to burn fat for fuel, improving endurance (Kao Corporation’s Biological Science Laboratories). Additionally, the Science in Society Archive suggests that drinking tea can protect against degenerative diseases, as well as cardiovascular disease.

What The Science Shows

The results of 16 different studies (nine different prospective studies, three retrospective studies, and four cross-section studies) that included almost one million participants looked at liver disease and tea. Tea drinkers were far less likely to suffer from chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver steatosis (International Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2015; 8(6): 8339–8346.PMCID: PMC4538013).

Additionally, a meta-analysis of a variety of studies in 2015 reviews the results of 23,000 participants. Those who drank at least 3 cups of tea every day were 37% less likely to suffer from depression (Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China).

Tea has also been associated with a decreased risk of stroke; drinking 3 cups, a day can reduce the risk of stroke by 21%. A recent meta-analysis studied the results from 22 trials with over 800,000 participants. Drinking 3 cups of tea every day was associated with an 18% reduction in the risk of stroke, as well as 16% cerebral infarction, 26% cardiac death, 27% heart disease, and 24% mortality (The European Journal of Epidemiology).

Additionally, tea drinkers (like coffee drinkers) reduce their risk of Type II diabetes. 51 studies with almost 2 million participants have been carried out looking at the risk of cancer and green tea. While green tea can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, black tea does not. Green tea can also reduce the risk of prostate cancer, while black tea does not. Additionally, green tea can improve weight loss.

11 trials of 821 patients did find that both black tea and green tea could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. They also reduce high blood pressure.

Studies from Oregon State University show that the antioxidants found in tea can help protect against a variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, as well as cancer of the liver, small intestine, esophagus, stomach, and the pancreas.

The USDA completed a study in conjunction with the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center.

The study found that tea could help to fight free radicals, which cause DNA damage throughout the body. Our bodies were designed to naturally fight free radicals; however, this isn’t 100% effective. Free radicals have been linked with neurological degeneration, cancer, and heart disease.

Despite the caffeine, Nutrition Communications has shown that tea is an excellent source of hydration.

Additionally, tea has been linked with reducing the risk of Parkinson’s. According to the Department of Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention, tea is beneficial for both women and men.

Drinking green tea provides excellent back-up if your sunscreen fails you, because according to Department of Dermatology at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio it can help protect from UV rays.

According to the University of Arizona, Tucson, drinking tea regularly can also offset some of the effects of smoking, possibly reducing the risk of lung cancer. While that is good news, it is in no way a justification for smoking.

Tea can also assist you with keeping your waistline in check. Participants in a study, completed by the Department of Nutritional
Sciences at the Pennsylvania State University, who consumed hot tea regularly, had a lower body mass index, and a smaller waist. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases speculate that tea drinking can reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, which contributes to the risk of stroke, diabetes, and artery disease.

Green tea is excellent for improving bone strength and density (Department of Pathology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX).

It can be effective in preventing neurological diseases, dementia in particular. The polyphenol content in green tea can assist in maintaining areas of the brain that regulate memory and learning (Department of Medical Genetics, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China).

While the research is positive, make sure you keep the following tips in mind before you enjoy that tea:

• Give it time to cool off before drinking, according to King’s College in London drinking your beverages hot can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
• Not all teas all created equally. It depends on how it is brewed, as well as the variety of tea, the processing, and storage. For example, there is a big difference between brewing tea leaves fresh at home, versus buying a bottle tea beverage at a convenience store.
• Remember, tea isn’t the only way to keep your body healthy, it isn’t a miracle cure, however, when you drink tea in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise, you are taking the best possible steps to fight disease and maintain your health.

30 Top Best Teas For Health

There are literally hundreds of types of teas on the market, but we are going to focus on the 30 best teas for your health and wellness.

Black Tea

Black tea processing requires fermentation. Once the leaves are plucked, they’re laid out for up to 24 hours to wither. This allows the moisture to evaporate; the leaves will then be rolled to crack their surface, allowing the oxidation process to begin. The leaves are left to oxidize, which causes the leaves to darken in color. Once that oxidation process is complete, the final drying occurs. It has a strong flavor, and will maintain it for years.

Drinking black tea can benefit heart ailments, high cholesterol, diarrhea, digestive problems, asthma, and breast cancer.

Heart ailments – Regularly consuming black tea can assist in the repair of heart ailments. Thus, drinking black tea reduces your risk of heart diseases.

High cholesterol – The American Heart Association conducted a study showing that black tea drinkers can reduce cholesterol. High cholesterol can result in strokes and heart attacks.

Diarrhea – Drinking black tea can have a healing effect on intestinal issues; this is because of the tannin content. If you’re suffering from diarrhea, you should sip plain black tea slowly for the greatest benefit.

Digestive problems – As mentioned above, black tea is rich in tannins, and additional chemicals, which have a relaxing and positive effect on the human body’s digestive system. Black tea is anti-inflammatory.

Asthma – Hot liquids that have been brewed are excellent to relieve symptoms of asthma. Therefore, it shouldn’t be any surprise that black tea is beneficial for asthmatics. It expands the airways, allowing for easy breathing.

Breast cancer – Tea drinking can prevent cancerous breast growths, especially for women who are in the pre-menopausal phase. It works to increase globulin hormones, and theaflavins destroy abnormal cells before they can cause damage or turn cancerous. The majority of people drink black tea, it’s readily available, and comes in a variety of flavors. No matter where you travel to you will likely find black tea in the restaurants, cafes, and on the shelves of the local supermarkets. Medical research shows that the arubigens and the aflavisin found in black tea are packed with health benefits. Make sure that you don’t drink black tea after lunch or dinner, as this may result in poor digestion. However, drinking it at other times of the can actually aid the digestion process.

White Tea

White tea starts its life as the plants firmly rolled buds. It doesn’t go through any oxidation process, and to prevent it from occurring white tea is immediately steamed or fired after air drying. There’s no breaking or bruising of the leaves. White tea undergoes the least amount of processing. It’s not as widely available as black teas, thus costs more. It should be made with water just off the boil, or barely boiled.

The health benefits of white tea include:

• Antiaging properties – Free radicals result in damage to a variety of organs, including your skin. They contribute to accelerating the
  aging process. White tea has polyphenols, which help to neutralize free radicals.
• Oral Health – Tannins,flavonoids,and polyphenols can also prevent the growth of bacteria which results in the formation of plaque. White tea also contains fluoride, which is effective in the reduction of cavities, and tooth decay.
• Youthful skin – White tea can help to maintain youthful skin. Its antioxidant properties can assist in the quick recovery and repair of damaged skin, and is beneficial to protect skin against UV rays.
• Cancer prevention – White tea can be beneficial in preventing various cancers, such as lung cancer, as it contains a chemo preventative agents which result in cell death, thus preventing the new growth of lung cancer cells.
• Diabetes – White tea can reduce the symptoms of diabetes, including excessive thirst, as well as increasing the secretion of insulin and decreasing the levels of plasma glucose.
• Cardiovascular disorders – White tea contains flavonoids and has been associated with the decrease of cardiovascular diseases. It can also assist in reducing high blood pressure.
• Antibacterial properties – The majority of medical conditions and diseases are caused by pathogens. These pathogens attack your immune system. White tea contains antibacterial properties, which can protect you from germs and bacteria. You may have noticed that products like hand soap use white as a main ingredient. Drinking white tea will protect your body from infections and bacteria, and can also offer relief from symptoms of the common cold, and the flu.
• Weight loss – A busy schedule, the wrong choice of food, a lack of exercise- all of these things result in gaining weight. Shedding that excess weight can be difficult, especially if you struggle to find time for exercise. Drinking white tea is an excellent addition for your weight loss plan, as it can help prevent fat cells from forming.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are an excellent way to remain hydrated, while supporting cell health, and the health of organs and tissues. There are thousands of herbs available on the market, which can be confusing to know the right herbs to use, those that are safe and effective, and for what complaints they can remedy.

While the following is not a comprehensive list, they are easily available options. They’re packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals, fluoride to improve your oral health, vitamin D for bone strength, as well as Epigallocatechin gallate, which helps in the recovery following stroke or heart attack.

Green Tea

The wonder herb is incredibly beneficial, because it has a variety of health benefits. It contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants, which work to reduce the presence of free radicals. This reduces the risk of cancer, and also prevents tumors from forming. It can also lower the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. It boosts the immune system, fights tooth decay, viruses, and lowers blood pressure.

Lemongrass Tea

While lemongrass is often used in cooking, the plant can also be used in making tea. It’s helpful for digesting food, and is often served once a meal has been completed. It is excellent for purifying.

Ginger Tea

Ginger boosts energy. It assists in the process of digestion and can reduce nausea. Ginger tea also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it’s incredibly helpful for patients with arthritis. Ginger has long been used as an addition in the culinary world, but many people overlook the medicinal qualities. In addition to calming nausea, it also relieves colic, gas, and poor digestion.

It can also be used to reduce fevers, and luckily, it’s sufficiently gentle for use by the elderly and children. It’s useful for influenza, colds, and other feverish illnesses. The Journal of Medicinal Food published researching showing that ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that rival over the counter medications.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has been known to assist in the digestion of food, as well as reducing stress, and inducing sleep. It’s perhaps one of the most popular herbal teas across the world.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is soothing and reduces nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. It also boosts the immune system and can protect against congestion, chronic pain, mild asthma, mild aches, and coughs. For anyone who struggles with heart problems, peppermint tea should be avoided.

Rose Hip Tea

Rose hip is rich in vitamin C, and comes from the fruit of a rose plant. You know, those bright red berries? When they are dried, they are packed full of vitamin C. This makes it beneficial to adrenal function, tissue health, your skin, as well as boosts the immune system.

Lavender Tea

The white, purple, and pink flowers are dried and then used to prepare lavender tea. This tea is a medicinal herbal tea, and it has long been used as a scent across the world. It is effective in reducing coughs, respiratory issues, bronchitis, asthma, as well in lowering body temperatures, making it extremely effective in treating fevers. It can also be used to heal wounds, sores, cuts, and ulcers.

It’s also extremely effective for relaxation, and can relieve stress, anxiety, helping people sleep comfortably. It’s also an incredibly popular herb for aromatherapy. The tea may just replace your sleep aids altogether.

Lemon Balm Tea

It is extremely beneficial for your health and effective in reducing stress, as well as calming nerves. It can also be useful to control thyroid issues, anxiety, and reducing insomnia. It increases memory
capacity, refreshing your mood. It can also relieve flatulence, improve your digestion, and ease stomach issues. It’s also effective in treating headaches, anxiety, stress, and heart palpitations. Phytomedicine states that a combination of lemon balm and valerian reduces restlessness for people with chronic sleep issues.

Hibiscus Flower Tea

This tea is made from the dried flowers of the hibiscus plant and can reduce hypertension, blood pressure, and cholesterol. It also contains
antioxidants that protect the immune system from free radicals, which damage the cells. It’s also used in Sorrel and Zinger Tea.

Milk Thistle Tea

Milk thistle is effective in detoxifying the liver as well as its components to improve the function of the liver. It improves the digestive system, assisting in the production of bile.

Echinacea Tea

Echinacea tea is packed with antioxidants, boosting the immune system. It can help prevent cold and flu, as well as shorten the cycle of the common cold when actively drinking the tea. It can also reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. It has long been used as a cold treatment, but its anti-inflammatory affects are not as widely known.

Blackberry Leaves Tea

Blackberry leaves tea doesn’t just contain antioxidants; it also packs a flavorful punch. The leaves are picked and then dried in the sun, before being infused with boiling water.

In fact, the majority of berry-flavored teas get their essence from blackberry leaves. They are popular for their flavonoids, and the strong flavor.

Dandelion Tea

Dandelion tea is made using the leaves and flowers of the plant. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, working to reduce fluid retention, and providing relief from the swelling and pain caused by arthritis. It is also efficient for improving liver function and the digestive system.

It’s a natural digestive aid and diuretic. Dandelion tea is rich in lecithin and potassium, providing the liver with protection. It’s also a great source of vitamin A, and protects against anemia.

Hawthorn Tea

The majority of berry and peach flavored teas make use of Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers. It improves circulation, and cardiovascular health. It is stress relieving, and improves the process the body uses to drain excess salt. The Hawthorn plant contains flavonoid complexes, which not only relax blood vessels, but also help to improve the overall health of the cardiovascular system. It also improves circulation.

Cinnamon Tea

There is a variety of benefits to cinnamon tea, not the least of which is the fact that it is incredibly simple to prepare. It’s excellent for weight loss, but it also improves the immune system’s ability to fight viruses. It can control blood sugar, and when blended with honey is even more effective. It calms the stomach when dealing with diarrhea or gas, and is also efficient are clearing the brain and focusing the thought process.

Cardamom Tea

Cardamom Tea is a product of the white cardamom flowers from the plant, as well as the aromatic seeds. These plants generally grow throughout India and Guatemala, and the components of the plant are dried before being made into a tea. It has an aromatic and sweet flavor. It relieves stomach pain and indigestion, as well as reducing flatulence, and nausea. It also aids in the battle against coughs and other pulmonary disorders. It can also purge caffeine from the system. For menstruating women, it is ideal for refreshing the mind, and relieving symptoms of pain.

Red Clover Tea

Red Clover Tea is made from the plants dried blossoms. It assists in relieving pain and bloating related to menopause. It’s also an effective stress reliever, and improves sleep. It can improve the memory, and strengthen the bones. It’s excellent for inflammation of the skin, and for relaxing the body.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos is one of the most popular teas in the world. It is packed with minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. It has a distinct flavor, and helps reduce stress and insomnia.

Nettle Tea

Nettle tea is made using the leaves from a stinging nettle plant. It is effective in treating anemia, as well as reducing high blood pressure, relieving the pain related to arthritis. It boosts the immune system, helping to fight coughs and colds. Moreover, it reduces issues like congestion, kidney issues, bladder problems, and urinary tract infections.

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric is another one of the world’s cure-alls. It goes far beyond its reputation as a key ingredient for curries.

In fact, it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 4,000 years. Turmeric can help regulate the menstrual cycle, as well as relieve cramps, aid in digestion, dissolve gallstones, as well as support the function of a healthy liver.

Rosemary Tea

Rosemary isn’t just a helpful herb for cooking, it’s also an extremely healthy and beneficial tea. Rosemary can serve as a muscle relaxant, and an effective aid in digestion. For anyone with liver or gall bladder complaints, consuming rosemary tea frequently can relieve symptoms, as well as reliving the symptoms of mild asthma and cough.

Star Anise Tea

Star Anise is effective at expelling gas, as well as promoting digestion, relieving abdominal pain and nausea. It also soothes colds and coughs, and can clear up any congestion issues. For nursing mothers struggling with milk production, Star Anise Tea can assist in milk production. It can also relieve the symptoms of menopause.

Licorice Tea

There is a variety of benefits to Licorice tea. It can reduce the symptoms of menopause, as well as reducing ulcer pain, break up congestion that is caused by colds, as well as soothing sore throats. It reduces the stiffness and pain from arthritis, as well as being used to treat Hepatitis B.

Mugwort Tea

Mugwort Tea is the perfect solution for female complaints, especially when it is mixed with black hawk, marigold, and cramp bark. It’s excellent for relieving inflammation, as well as for handling gout, kidney stones, and gallbladder stones.

Marshmallow Root Tea

Marshmallow Root Tea has an incredibly calming effect on the body. It soothes chest irritations and coughs during colds, stimulating phlegm to clear it up. It can also relieve the pain related to colitis, ulcers, and enteritis.

Oregano Tea

Oregano is not just for Italian cooking anymore. In fact, Oregano is the winter marjoram. Oregano has been used as a form of medicine for hundreds of years. It serves as an antimicrobial and as a natural
disinfectant. It can help beat the common cold, and the flue, and it also promotes the healing of wounds. Oregano oil has long been used to disinfect the rooms of the sick, and oregano drops under the tongue have proved popular throughout winter.

Red Clover Blossom Tea

Red Clover blossoms relax the body, and are incredibly efficient at treating symptoms of menopause, and skin inflammation.

St John’s Wort Tea

St John’s Worst has long been used to treat depression due to its calming effect. The tea can prove just as effective. It can also relieve the symptoms of uterine cramping, as well as promoting healing of wounds, and boosting the body’s ability to fight viral infections. There are studies into whether St John’s Wort can be used to suppress the appetite, thus help in weight loss.

Some of these teas will taste better than others, though you can add honey or sugars to your tea to improve the taste. If you do, remember to use an effective, low calorie option. Otherwise, your tea full of health benefits will be increasing your consumption of sugars and pushing your calorie count higher than necessary. Ideally, drink it without adding anything to sweeten it.

Final Thoughts

While coffee has suffered from some undue negative perception, tea has never been a victim of the same type of slander. However, while it might not have had a negative reputation, the majority of people have overlooked just how beneficial tea can be to good health.

There have been several studies on the associations of health and tea, and the evidence above just goes to show how valuable tea can be for your overall health and wellbeing.

At the end of it all, there is plenty to show how beneficial tea is to your health. Obviously, if you were to compare it to the health benefits of coffee the results are difficult to compare. There are only two types of coffee, and they provide the same health benefits- the different between them is related to quality and taste. However, in the tea world there are so many different teas to explore that one cannot simply say tea heals all. Every tea provides its own healing benefits, and no matter what ailment you are afflicted by- you are guaranteed to find one that will help alleviate your symptoms.

If you are on medication or have certain diagnosed illnesses, you may want to speak to your doctor about certain herbal teas before you embark on a new and wonderful relationship with them. Particularly herbal teas like St John’s Wort, while it has proven effective, it should not serve as a replacement for anti-depressants or therapy.

Tea is most certainly beneficial to your health, whether your preferred poison is an herbal brew, a white tea, or a black one.