Are you struggling with inflammation? While you can’t just do one thing and no longer have any inflammation, we’ve gathered a list of the best herbal tea for inflammation. And we’re showing you how to choose quality tea to make the most of it.
Inflammation is a normal process that occurs in the body. When inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to other health conditions. To prevent chronic low-grade inflammation, you can follow a diet that may have anti-inflammatory effects. Along with a good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, some herbal teas may help decrease inflammation. Keep reading to learn more about the best herbal teas for inflammation.
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What is inflammation?
Inflammation occurs when the immune system is activated in response to illness, injury, or disease. The body would not be able to heal itself without this response. The body ramps up the production of white blood cells, immune cells, and cytokines, all of which that help to fight infection.
There are some conditions in which the immune system acts inappropriately and attacks the body’s healthy cells.
There are two classifications of inflammation:
Acute inflammation occurs for a short period of time as an immune response to illness or injury. Symptoms come on quickly. This type of inflammation clears up within two weeks or less. Symptoms of acute inflammation include redness, pain, heat, and swelling.
Chronic inflammation is less severe than acute inflammation and has a longer duration. It can last anywhere from weeks to years. Chronic inflammation has been associated with autoimmune diseases, prolonged periods of stress, and chronic diseases.
Chronic inflammation can have serious health consequences if not addressed. Over time, the body’s inflammatory response can cause damage to healthy cells, tissues, and organs, leading to DNA degradation and tissue death. This can promote the development of several diseases including cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline.
Oxidative stress is the result of an excess of free radicals in the body and can occur in both acute and chronic states of inflammation. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development of chronic conditions over time.
Common causes of inflammation
There are many potential causes of inflammation. Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation due to the immune system’s attack on the body’s healthy tissues. Infection or injury can cause acute inflammation.
Some lifestyle factors can increase inflammation. You may be more likely to have chronic inflammation if you excessively consume alcohol, have chronically high levels of stress, have a body mass index (BMI) that falls outside the normal range, exercise too intensely too often, or are mostly sedentary.
There are several health problems that are associated with inflammation. Some conditions cause inflammation, while other conditions may be caused by inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue, including joints. Symptoms of this inflammatory disease include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Over time, the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone and joint deformities.
Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, refers to a variety of heart-related health problems including high blood pressure, cardiac arrest (or heart attack), atherosclerosis, and stroke. There is no concrete proof that inflammation causes heart disease, however, inflammation is believed to be atherogenic, meaning it promotes the formation of plaque buildup in the arteries.
Joint pain without arthritis can also be associated with inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the joints can cause harm to cartilage, bones, tendons, or ligaments. It can also aggravate nerves and cause a long list of symptoms, including pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Recent evidence shows that chronic low-grade inflammation may play a role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This inflammation may occur directly in the gut, or it may take place in the brain. Growing evidence suggests that gut health is closely related to brain health, and vice versa, due to the gut-brain barrier.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a name for a group of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders characterized by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two main inflammatory bowel diseases. There is no cure for these inflammatory diseases, however, diet and medication may have a positive effect on the symptoms.
Type II diabetes, a disease in which the body either becomes insulin resistant or does not make enough insulin, is also associated with inflammation. Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes have elevated cytokine levels in their fat tissue. Researchers have concluded that excess body fat, especially visceral fat, causes chronic low-grade levels of inflammation that alter the body’s response to insulin and contributes to the progression of the disease.
What is the difference between tea and herbal tea?
Herbal teas have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, however, they aren’t teas at all. True teas, like black tea, white tea, green tea, and oolong tea are made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Herbal teas are made from dried fruit, flowers, and spices.
There’s good news: While herbal teas are better known for their potential medicinal properties than true teas, black and green tea may still have anti-inflammatory benefits.
What is the best herbal tea for inflammation?
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a flavorful tea that has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger tea is believed to help fight inflammation and modulate the immune system. Additionally, two clinical trials suggest that ginger tea may be as effective as ibuprofen (or other NSAIDs) in treating pain related to menstruation.
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric tea and turmeric root have been used for thousands of years in ayurvedic medicine. It is used in cooking, for health benefits, and in spiritual practices. Clinical trials have shown turmeric tea to have anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant properties. Studies also show it may have a positive effect on type 2 diabetes. Adding black pepper to turmeric tea can increase the effectiveness of the tea. Black pepper contains a compound called piperine that helps the body absorb the antioxidants found in turmeric.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is known best for its calming effects and is often recommended to help with sleep. In addition to its use as a sleep aid, chamomile tea may also have anti-inflammatory effects along with other health benefits including easing the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and improvements in blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea, or red bush tea, is an herbal tea that is made in South Africa. It is made with leaves harvested from the red bush plant. Historically, it has been used in herbal medicine by the people of South African, but there isn’t much research to support its effectiveness. There have been some studies, however, suggesting that rooibos tea lowers markers of inflammation and cell toxicity. The same study found that red bush tea may also promote increased bone density. Another study showed that drinking rooibos tea can inhibit an enzyme that causes the blood vessels to constrict. This functions in a similar way to some blood pressure medications.
Rose Hips Tea
Rose hips tea is one of the best teas for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is high in vitamin C and beneficial plant compounds that have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Clinical trials have provided sufficient evidence to support that rose hips may be used as an alternative medicine to treat the symptoms associated with arthritis. Another study showed that rose hips may support weight loss.
Holy Basil
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is an adaptogen that is known as the “Queen of Herbs.” Many studies suggest that there are many health benefits associated with consuming holy basil tea. Additionally, the plant is highly nutritious, containing vitamins A and C, calcium, zinc, iron, and chlorophyll. This adaptogen has both antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is popularly used to ease gastrointestinal symptoms, but it also has antioxidant properties. There is significant evidence that peppermint tea and peppermint essential oil are effective at reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is made from the flowers of the hibiscus plant. It has been shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure, as well as antioxidant properties. Its antioxidant properties help to prevent unnecessary inflammatory responses.
Echinacea Tea
Echinacea tea is a tea that is often used to treat the common cold and to boost immunity. Echinacea also has anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies show that drinking this tea can help decrease excessive inflammation. One study showed that adults with osteoarthritis who were poor responders to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) responded better to echinacea supplementation. Participants had reduced pain, swelling, and inflammation.
How to choose quality teas
There’s no question that there are numerous health benefits to drinking herbal teas, but before you run out to the store to stock up for your next cup of tea, there are some things you should be aware of when it comes to choosing quality teas.
Loose leaf tea is preferred over tea bags due to many microplastics that are found in traditional tea bags. These particles are released into tea and have been shown to cause behavioral and developmental effects when consumed in toxic amounts.
Additionally, pesticides, molds, and heavy metals have been found in non-organic, conventional teas. To avoid consuming these things that are likely harmful to your health, look for certified organic teas and use certified organic loose leaf teas when possible.
Another alternative to loose leaf tea is tea crystals. Pique tea offers a variety of herbal teas that that are backed by science. All teas are USDA certified organic and screened for heavy metals, molds, and pesticides, so you know you’re getting the purest form of the herbs to maximize the health benefits. Use code TRICKLE5 for 5% off.
What is the best way to brew herbal tea?
The best way to brew a cup of tea starts with quality ingredients and fresh, cold, and filtered water. Tap water treated minerals and chlorine can affect the taste of your cup of tea. Dried tea leaves have a long shelf life but can lose its flavor and health-promoting antioxidants over time.
The easiest way to brew tea is to use tea crystals like those offered by Pique Tea. The crystals are cold extracted for maximum potency and absorption. All you have to do is add the powder to cold or hot water, which makes cold brew tea super easy!
Steeping your tea with hot water is the fastest way to brew your tea, but hotter water or longer time steeping isn’t necessarily better. Steeping extracts antioxidants, caffeine, flavors, and aromas from tea. Hot steeping can take up to 5 minutes to brew a good cup of tea, but using cold water to steep your tea takes up to 12 hours. Cold steeping gives you a smoother tasting tea with more antioxidants.
According to a research study that assessed the antioxidant capacity of various teas brewed in different conditions, the average steeping time for hot tea is 5 minutes. There is no evidence that suggests steeping for longer will increase the antioxidants in the tea.
There are lots of fancy tools and gizmos out there, but you can also keep it simple and still steep an amazing cup of tea. All you need is a teacup, tea bag, and kettle.
Place the tea bag in your teacup. Fill the kettle with fresh, cold, and filtered water and bring it to a boil. Pour the hot water over your tea bag in the teacup. Covering the teacup with a saucer will help retain more of the aromatic compounds, but this step is optional. Let the tea bag steep for about 5 minutes, or until it suits your taste.
If you want to use loose leaf tea, you’ll need to purchase a metal tea ball or infuser to hold the leaves. Measure out 1 teaspoon of dried tea leaves for 6–8-ounces of water. Put the leaves in the tea ball or infuser and submerge it in a cup of hot water. Different teas require different steeping times, so prepare according to the package recommendations.
Although loose leaf tea requires more tools and steps, you can choose from a wider variety of herbal teas and get creative with your blends. You will also avoid the risk of contamination from tea bags.
Conclusion
Inflammation is a natural process that occurs in the body. It’s chronic inflammation that remains present long-term that can cause health conditions. Drinking herbal teas and following a healthy lifestyle can help reduce inflammation and the risk for disease. Herbal teas are different than black, green, or white teas, as they are made from dried flowers and spices.
Take Action
To start enjoying the health benefits of herbal teas today, decide which tea suits your flavor preferences and health needs best. The best herbal tea for inflammation will be the one you enjoy drinking regularly.
If you want to keep things simple, purchase USDA organic herbal tea bags and a tea kettle. If you don’t mind a little more work, buy loose leaf tea and an infuser or tea ball as well.
If you’re really short on time and still want to enjoy the health benefits of herbal tea, try Pique Tea crystals. Use code TRICKLE5 for 5% off.
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