What Is Herbal Tea? Know Its Benefits, Side Effects And Who should Not Consume It

Herbal teas are not just refreshments; they are holistic elixirs sourced from the bountiful offerings of nature. These are consumed for their therapeutic properties, as well as their relaxing aromas.

All about herbal teas

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Herbal teas, often known as tisanes, are beverages crafted by infusing various parts of plants, such as leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, or stems, in hot water. These teas offer a delightful spectrum of flavours and an array of health benefits. They are not just refreshments; they are holistic elixirs sourced from the bountiful offerings of nature. These are consumed for their therapeutic properties, as well as their relaxing and rejuvenating aromas. Served either hot or cold, they are a delicious alternative to caffeinated beverages.

In this regard, Amrita Sabharwal Daru who is the COO of TGL Co. said, "Contrary to popular belief, not all hot herbal beverages can be categorized as tea. Tisanes are often wrongly referred to as "herbal teas," but as they are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant they are not tea in the strict sense. Instead, tisanes use all parts of various other plants—bark, stems, roots, flowers, seeds, fruit, and leaves—to make an infusion. With the exception of yerba mate, tisanes do not contain caffeine."

But before knowing about the benefots of herbal tea, let's know the benefits of tea:

5 Benefits Of Tea For Enhancing Immunity And Metabolism

Shalini Sinha, who is the Founder, of The Infused Kettle said, "The ability of tea to promote metabolism and immunity, which have long been acknowledged as two of its many health benefits, are its most significant advantages."

Here are the top five advantages of tea in this regard:

•  Antioxidant Powerhouse: Tea, whether green, black, or herbal, is a powerhouse of antioxidants, primarily catechins and polyphenols. By battling dangerous free radicals in the body, these substances lessen oxidative stress and inflammation. Tea strengthens the immune system and delays the emergence of chronic diseases.
• Improved Immune Response: The body's immune defenses are significantly strengthened by the antioxidants in tea, especially EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) which is present in green tea. They increase immune cell activity and synthesis, strengthening the body's ability to fight off illnesses.

• Enhanced Metabolism: Tea includes bioactive substances like caffeine that can speed your metabolism. By helping the body burn calories more efficiently, this increase in metabolism helps with weight management. Additionally, increased metabolism supports increased vigor and overall energy levels.
• Gut Health: Tea includes advantageous polyphenols that support a balanced gut microbiota, especially types like oolong and black tea. Being able to produce immune cells and control inflammation depends on a healthy gut microbiota, which is also necessary for a strong immune system.
• Stress Reduction: Teas with calming characteristics, such as chamomile and lavender, can reduce stress and encourage relaxation. Nowadays, our immune system and metabolism get easily weakened by ongoing/prolonged stress levels. Chamomile or lavender tea can help to boost immunity and metabolism inadvertently by reducing stress.

Know The Benefits Of Herbal Teas:

Rajeev Baid, who is the Founder of Chai Chun said, "The benefits of herbal teas are as diverse as the herbs themselves. From soothing chamomile to invigorating ginger, each herbal infusion carries a unique set of advantages. Herbal teas can promote relaxation, help with digestion, boost immunity, and even provide relief from common ailments like colds or insomnia. Their natural properties make them an ideal choice for those seeking a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional teas."

Additionally, Amrita Sabharwal said, "The inner layers of the bark are a tree’s powerhouse, nourishing and sustaining it. They are soothing Pain relieving, and have antioxidant properties. For eg. Wild cherry, or choke cherry bark has a soothing effect on coughs and is therefore used in many commercial cough medicines. It also contains prunasin, which helps to reduce inflammation caused by infection. Cinnamon bark’s antioxidant properties are used to treat cold and flu symptoms, while its antibacterial properties aid digestion by reducing gas and stimulating appetite."

"Fresh or dried flowers and petals are often used in tisanes because they add colour and flavour to the mix. Many also have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, so contribute much more than just visual appeal to the drink. Such as Chamomile used to help with insomnia and anxiety, chamomile is immune booster as well as a relaxant helps in good night sleep," she added.

Who Should Not Consume Herbal Tea?

Herbal teas are generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, there are some individuals who should exercise caution or avoid certain herbal teas altogether. Here are some groups of people who should be careful with herbal teas or avoid them as listed by Dr. Vivek Srivastava, who is a Senior Vice President: Innovation -Business Strategy and Scientific Affairs, at Zeon Life Sciences:

• Pregnant and Nursing Women: Some herbs can have adverse effects on pregnancy or breastfeeding. It's important for pregnant and nursing women to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming herbal teas.
• People with Allergies: Those who have allergies should be cautious when trying new herbal teas, as they may be sensitive to certain herbs. They should check the ingredients and avoid teas that contain allergens which known to be sensitive to them.
• Individuals Taking Medications: Herbal teas can interact with medications. If someone is taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, they should consult with their healthcare provider to ensure there are no potential interactions.
• People with Medical Conditions: Individuals with certain medical conditions should exercise caution with herbal teas. For example, those who have kidney problems should be careful with teas that contain high levels of oxalates, like black tea or some herbal teas.
• People with Sensitivity to Caffeine: Some herbal teas, such as yerba mate or guayusa, contain caffeine-like compounds. Those who are sensitive to caffeine, be mindful of these teas.
• Individuals with Gastrointestinal Issues: Some herbal teas can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. If someone has acid reflux, ulcers, or other digestive issues, certain herbal teas may exacerbate the symptoms.
• Individuals with Heart Conditions and blood pressure concerns: Some herbs can affect heart rate and blood pressure, so those with heart conditions should be cautious with herbal teas and seek medical advice if unsure. 

Incorporating tea in your daily routine can be a tasty and healthy way to experience its immune/metabolism-boosting effects. For overall health gains, it's crucial to maintain a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. A healthcare practitioner should be consulted for specific advice on adding tea into your wellness routine because individual responses to tea can vary.