Drinking both leaf and herbal tea have manifold benefits. Studies have found that drinking certain teas can aid in blood cleansing, weight loss and help to lower blood pressure. Many kinds of both herbal and leaf tea can assist the body when oxidative stress is taking place. Oxidative stress is when free radicals, which damage cells, and our body cannot balance out through neutralization. But with many teas that provide antioxidants, this process can be brought back into balance by assisting in defending the body against free radicals. But that isn’t all tea can do. Here are some really great teas with tons of health-boosting effects.

• Ginger tea: herbal root tea known as Zingiber officinale. Ginger originates in Southeast Asia and is often used as an ingredient in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. Ginger can aid in digestion, help prevent heartburn and also aid in bowel movements. Ginger has a sharp and spicy taste with some sweet notes. Some studies have shown that ginger may also reduce the loss of brain cells as a result of Alzheimer’s.

• Chamomile tea: herbal tea known as Matricia recutita. Chamomile has been used in tea throughout Europe and Asia before coming to the Americas where it is now a household name. Chamomile makes a charming garden plant and can also grow wild in fields, too. Chamomile is a mild sedative that can help calm the nerves and aid in getting a good night’s sleep. It also helps to facilitate digestion and can boost the immune system. The taste of chamomile is often described as bittersweet and honey-like.

• Lemon tea: Fruit tea, or citrus limon This tea aids in helping the body get a good detox, can boost the immune system and can even aid in blood cleansing. Lemon tea also makes for a great digestion aid. 

• Lemon balm tea: Herbal tea known as Melissa officinalis. This plant is native to Europe where it has been used in folk remedies for centuries. This incredible mint herb can help relax and calm the nerves and provides antioxidants to the body. As a member of the mint family, it has a pleasantly brisk, well, minty taste!

• Green Tea: Leaf tea known as camellia sinensis. The one and only! What good tea list would omit green tea? The green tea plant originated in southwestern China and the bordering countries. Tea has been used recreationally, medicinally and ritualistically for thousands of years and for some very good reasons. Green tea’s antioxidants help to subdue free radicals and balance out oxidation stress the body may be under. Some studies have shown green tea can also help in weight management, protecting the heart from heart disease and possibly reduces the risk of cancer. Green tea is packed with catechins, flavonoids, polyphenols and tannin which all have health-boosting properties. As for taste, this can be a bit hard to pin down, as green tea is so diverse. But green tea flavours can range from sweet to nutty, to smoky, to floral, to earthy to deeply bitter.

• Hibiscus tea: Floral herbal tea known as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis or Hibiscus syriacus depending on which type of hibiscus. Hibiscus blossoms are beautiful, delicious and healthy. Enjoyed as a floral tea hibiscus has blood pressure reducing qualities and can also supposedly help to fight cancer. Hibiscus also can help you calm down and relax by soothing the nervous system. It also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can even aid in weight loss. Hibiscus has a cranberry-like flavour, a mix of sweet and a little tart.

• Rooibos tea: herbal tea called Aspalathus linearis. Indigenous to South Africa where it was used as a stand-in for black tea, Rooibos is now popular worldwide. Rooibos contains lots of vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants. Rooibos is beneficial to weight loss and is caffeine free.

• Peppermint tea: Herbal tea, Mentha x Piperita. Native to Europe, this plant has also featured in many folk remedies before going global where it is used in cuisine and medicinal recipes. Peppermint helps refresh the body and can ease gastrointestinal problems like gas and bloating. It can also aid your stomach in other ways by alleviating nausea. Peppermint isn’t just for candy cane! It has, of course, a minty and cooling flavour.

• Rosehip tea: Herbal tea known as Rosa rugosa. Rosehip tea boasts a whole host of health-enhancing potential. It can help protect our hearts, could potentially aid in weight loss, functions as a digestion aid and can also strengthen our immune system. Rosehip also has anti-inflammatories and antioxidants that can balance out oxidative stress and battle free radicals.