MINT TEA : A NATURAL HERBAL REFRESHER

Herbal teas have been used for centuries as natural remedies for a wide range of ailments and to support overall health and wellness. Of all the healthy herbal teas in the world, MINT TEA is one of the most widely used and the most respected.

Typically, mint tea is made from peppermint leaves. Peppermint is a hybrid, or a blend, of the spearmint plant and the water mint plant. Peppermint has been an integral part of our lives, right from freshening our breath just before a date to leaving a cool sensation in our tummies and mouth when we want a change of taste. Peppermint is used as a flavoring in breath mints, candies and other foods. Additionally, many people consume peppermint as a refreshing, caffeine-free tea.

Peppermint tea has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Mint tea is a delightful and refreshing way to stay healthy and can help us boost our immune system, improve digestion and reduce aches and pains.

USES & BENEFITS OF MINT TEA

Here are science-backed benefits of mint tea and extracts :--

Help Relieve Tension, Headache and Migraine :   A long and tiring day can lead to an uncontrolled and unmanagable headache. To counteract this, we tend to indulge in a strong dose of caffeine, which has even more adverse effects. The next time having a killer headache, try reaching for some fresh or dried peppermint leaves instead of aspirin or other painkillers.

One 2016 study suggested that topical peppermint oil can help alleviate pain and relax muscles. Menthol has a cooling sensation that may help ease tension or migraine headache pain when a person applies peppermint oil to the forehead or temples.

May Ease Digestive Upsets :   Peppermint tea is sometimes referred to as "the stomach healer" because it is known to soothe many gastrointestinal ailments, including stomach aches, stomach pains, stomach cramps, heartburn, gas/flatulence, indigestion and diarrhea, and to promote healthy digestion. Menthol relaxes the stomach muscles that can contract and cause cramping. The cooling effect of menthol can improve circulation and relieve inflammation that causes stomach pains.

The menthol in peppermint stimulates the secretion of gastric juices that can break down food and speed up digestion. Peppermint tea reduces the feeling of being full and can reduce inflammation that causes bloating.

Treats Bad Breath :   There’s a reason why peppermint is a common flavoring for toothpastes, mouthwashes and chewing gums. The aromatic scent of peppermint tea helps to camouflage bad breath while peppermint has antibacterial properties that help kill germs that cause dental plaque — which may improve our breath.

May Relieve Clogged Sinuses :   Peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, peppermint tea may fight clogged sinuses due to infections, the common cold and allergies.

Reduces Menstrual Cramps :   For many females, the menstrual cycle brings about a really painful experience with excessive cramps and abdominal pain. Having medicines is also not advisable during this phase, so going the herbal way is mostly recommended. Sipping a cup of warm peppermint tea can help  in reducing the cramps and pain because peppermint acts as a muscle relaxant.

Fight Bacterial Infections :   Some research has suggested that essential oils from peppermint may help kill harmful bacteria. One 2018 study found that peppermint oil was found to kill and prevent the growth of common food-borne bacteria including Escherichia coli, Listeria, and Salmonella in pineapple and mango juices.

Peppermint oil also kills several types of bacteria that lead to illnesses in humans, including Staphylococcus and pneumonia-linked bacteria. One 2015 reviewTrusted Source found evidence to suggest that peppermint oil can help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, while one 2013 review Trusted Source concluded that menthol has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Improves Mental Awareness and Focus :   In a study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, researchers found that peppermint enhanced memory and increased alertness. Peppermint tea has been shown to improve brain function by making us more mentally alert, improving memory retrieval, and reducing stress. Studies have shown the scent of menthol stimulates the hippocampus area that controls mental clarity and focus. The result when drinking peppermint tea is increased feelings of rejuvenation and a refreshed focus that can help us tackle the day.

Treats Motion Sickness And Nausea :   Be it traveling issues or pregnancy sickness, nausea is one element that irks the normal functioning of our body. The urge to throw up makes us irritable and moody. Peppermint tea has antispasmodic properties that can treat the feelings of nausea and prevent vomiting.

The scent of peppermint can inhibit feelings of nausea while organic compounds in the mint help to soothe stomach muscles that contract and lead to vomiting. Drinking peppermint tea before boarding a plane, boat or while onboard a boat can help to cure the feelings of motion sickness or sea sickness.

Reduces Fever :   This might be a bit surprising, but peppermint tea may also be beneficial for fever. One of the main ingredients in mint tea is menthol, which has been shown to help break a fever. Menthol has a body-cooling effect that lowers the temperature of our body, both internally and externally. This may lead to reducing the fever and the related inflammation and discomfort.

Helps You Sleep Better :   For a good night’s sleep, we all need to get rid of all the pressures and the tiredness of the day. Having caffeine increases our anxiety level. Peppermint tea is an ideal choice before bed, as it’s naturally caffeine-free. It calms our senses and helps us feel relaxed, facilitating sleep.

Controls Anxiety And Stress :   Stress is one of the most common problems prevalent in today’s time and affects youth and elderly alike. Rushed lifestyles, pressure, competition – there are a lot of reasons why people fall prey to stress. Herbal teas have been proven to be the best in such circumstances. Peppermint tea is common in aromatherapy and Ayurveda as a way to reduce stress and increase overall wellbeing and peace. That's because peppermint tea contains natural sedative qualities that help us unwind after a long day.

Controls Diabetes & High Blood Pressure :   Stretched work hours and no time for personal leisure have made us all susceptible to high blood pressure. It isn’t even surprising nowadays to stumble across a few teenage high BP patients as well! Opting for medicines all the time is not preferred, especially with such young cases.

The relaxing properties of menthol in peppermint tea help in making our body tension-free, hence helping control high blood pressure. It has been proven that the oral administration of menthol can reduce the 24-hour mean arterial systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Warm peppermint tea has been found to be effective in helping to control diabetes too. The phenolic compounds found in the mint plant and their antioxidant properties may assist in controlling type 2 diabetes. They even contribute to sustaining the plasmatic antioxidant levels and helping to prevent vascular diseases that accompany type 2 diabetes.

HOW TO MAKE MINT TEA 
Mint tea bags are widely available in many health and grocery stores. However mint tea can quickly be made at home using only mint leaves and hot water.

To make mint tea at home:

- Add 2 cups of water to a pot.

- Bring the water to the boil, turn off the heat.

- Add around four or five torn mint leaves to the water.

- Cover the pot and let the leaves steep for 5 minutes, or according to taste.

- Strain the tea into a mug.

HOW MUCH TO DRINK 
A person can drink peppermint tea throughout the day.

Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free, which means that it will not keep us awake at night.

Peppermint tea also contains zero calories, which can make it a great alternative to soda, fruit juices, and other sugary drinks.

However, flavoring the tea with sugar, honey, or cream will add calories to the drink.

CONCLUSION

Peppermint tea and the natural compounds found in peppermint leaves may benefit our health in several ways. Peppermint tea is a popular herbal tea that is naturally calorie- and caffeine-free. Some research has suggested that the oils in peppermint may have a number of other health benefits, such as fresher breath, better digestion, and reduced pain from headaches. Peppermint tea also has antibacterial properties.

So we must practice of consuming peppermint tea daily in our life to be healthy naturally instead of taking any other caffeine contained tea.

12 MEDICAL BENEFITS OF CONSUMING ASHWAGANDHA

INTRODUCTION of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Its roots and orange-red fruit have been used for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes. The herb is also called Indian ginseng or winter cherry. The name Ashwagandha describes the smell of its root (like a horse). By definition, Ashwa means horse.
It is an incredibly healthy medicinal herb. And it is no wonder, with all the benefits this beloved root has to offer. It’s classified as an "adaptogen," meaning that it can help your body manage stress. Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years as a rasayana (rejuvenative) and it is renowned as an adaptogenic herb, which means it is used to help the body resist physiological and psychological stress by adapting to the needs of the body.

USES & SCIENCE OF ASHWAGANDHA

Historically, the roots of Ashwagandha have been used to treat:
arthritis, constipation, insomnia, skin conditions, stress, gastrointestinal issues, diabetes, nervous breakdowns, fevers, snake bites, memory loss
It is used in Ayurveda to balance vata and kapha - in excess, and because of its heating, unctuous, building nature, it can imbalance pitta, and also worsen ama (toxic build-up). Ayurveda recognizes Ashwagandha particularly for its building, strengthening, and nourishing nature.
Ashwagandha has become of interest to a number of researchers, particularly as it grows in popularity. It has been the subject of studies looking at the benefit on the immune system, including possible support of the immune system during radiation and chemotherapy.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CONSUMING ASHWAGANDHA

Here are benefits of Ashwagandha that are supported by science.
  I)  Is an Ancient Medicinal Herb : Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing. It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration. "Ashwagandha" is Sanskrit for "smell of the horse," which refers to both its unique smell and ability to increase strength.
  II)  Helps Reduce Stress and Anxiety : Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress. A study published in the journal Phytomedicine showed that the herb had the ability to reduce anxiety levels. Several controlled human studies have shown that it can effectively reduce symptoms in people with stress and anxiety disorders as well.
In a 60-day study in 64 people with chronic stress, those in the supplemental group reported a 69% average reduction in anxiety and insomnia.
  III)  Helps Treating Forms of Arthritis : Ashwagandha is considered a pain reliever that acts on the nervous system to prevent pain signals from being sent. It's also thought to have some anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, some research has shown it to be effective in treating forms of arthritis.
  IV)  Can Reduce Blood Sugar Levels : In several studies, Ashwagandha has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. Several human studies have confirmed its ability to reduce blood sugar levels in both healthy people and those with diabetes. In a small study in six people with type 2 diabetes, supplementing with it for 30 days lowered fasting blood sugar levels as effectively as an oral diabetes medication.
  V)  Has Anti-Cancer Properties : Ashwagandha helps induce apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cancer cells. It also impedes the growth of new cancer cells in several ways. It is believed to promote the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cancer cells, disrupting their function. It may cause cancer cells to become less resistant to apoptosis.
  VI)  Helps Alzheimer's Treatment : According to the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, several studies have examined Ashwagandha's ability to slow or prevent loss of brain function in people with diseases like Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's. As these diseases progress, parts of the brain and its connective paths become damaged, which leads to loss of memory and function. Research suggests that Ashwagandha, when given during the early disease stages, may be able to offer protection.
  VII)  Can Boost Testosterone and Increase Fertility in Men : Ashwagandha supplements may have powerful effects on testosterone levels and reproductive health. In one study in 75 infertile men, the group treated with it showed increased sperm count and motility. The treatment led to a significant increase in testosterone levels. The researchers also reported that the group who took the herb had increased antioxidant levels in their blood.
  VIII)  May Increase Muscle Mass and Strength : Research has shown that Ashwagandha may improve body composition and increase strength. In a study, those who took Ashwagandha had significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size.
  IX)  May Reduce Inflammation : Several studies have shown that Ashwagandha helps decrease inflammation. Studies have found that it increases the activity of natural killer cells, which are immune cells that fight infection and help you stay healthy. It has also been shown to decrease markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). This marker is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. In one controlled study, the group who took 250 mg of standardized Ashwagandha extract daily had a 36% decrease in CRP, on average.
  X)  May Reduce Symptoms of Depression : Few studies suggest Ashwagandha may help alleviate depression. In one controlled 60-day study in 64 stressed adults, those who took 600 mg of high-concentration Ashwagandha extract per day reported a 79% reduction in severe depression.
  XI)  May Improve Brain Function, Including Memory : Ashwagandha may reduce memory and brain function problems caused by injury or disease. Research has shown that it promotes antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals. Ashwagandha has traditionally been used to boost memory in Ayurvedic practice. In one controlled study, healthy men who took 500 mg of standardized extract daily reported significant improvements in their reaction time and task performance.
  XII)  May Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides : In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, Ashwagandha may help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In a 60-day study in chronically stressed adults, the group taking the highest dosage of standardized Ashwagandha extract experienced a 17% decrease in “bad” LDL cholesterol and an 11% decrease in triglycerides, on average.

10 Surprising HERBS to BOOST Your IMMUNE

ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is packed full of immune-boosting polysaccharides which help the immune system to behave properly. Too much inflammation in the body can cause problems within the immune system and can cause conditions like asthma, eczema and Crohn’s disease. Soothing herbs like aloe vera juice can slow the inflammatory cascade and help reorder the immune response to prevent these conditions. Aloe vera contains a substance called acemannan, which has been shown to have antiviral, antitumor, and immune-stimulating effects.

Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, and E: three key vitamins with antioxidant powers. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, which are molecules that can cause damage to cells and tissues. Some of these compounds can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, has long been known as a treatment for sores, particularly burns, including sunburns, is packed with vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and folic acid. It’s also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium and potassium.’
ANDROGRAPHIS

Andrographis is a plant that is native to South Asian countries such as India and Sri Lanka. The leaf and underground stem are used to make medicine.

Andrographis is frequently used for preventing and treating the common cold and flu (influenza). Some people claim andrographis stopped the 1919 flu epidemic in India.

Andrographis is also used for a wide assortment of other conditions. It is used for digestive complaints including diarrhea, constipation, intestinal gas, colic, and stomach pain; for liver conditions including an enlarged liver, jaundice, and liver damage due to medications; for infections including leprosy, pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, syphilis, malaria, cholera, leptospirosis, rabies, sinusitis, and HIV/AIDS; and for skin conditions including wounds, ulcers and itchiness.

ASTRAGALUS

Astragalus is an herb. The root is used to make medicine.

Astragalus is used for many conditions, the most common use of astragalus root in herbal medicine is to stimulate the immune system. Astragalus often is recommended for the prevention of the common cold.

Astragalus is taken by mouth for hay fever, diabetes, kidney disease, and to strengthen and regulate the immune system. Some people use astragalus as a general tonic, to protect the liver, and to fight bacteria and viruses. It is also used to prevent and reduce side effects associated with cancer treatment.

A small study showed improvements in glucose metabolism in diabetes, and a Chinese trial demonstrated positive effect in chronic kidney disease.

BLACK PEPPER

Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices worldwide. Black pepper is more than just a kitchen staple. It has been deemed the “king of spices” and used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years due to its high concentration of potent, beneficial plant compounds.

The pungent spice has been a part of many Ayurvedic kadhas that are known to alleviate cold, cough and rev up your immunity naturally. Black pepper is replete with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help keep infections at bay and also provide relief from the discomfort. Black pepper is also enriched with vitamin C, which naturally boosts the immunity and works as an excellent antibiotic.

Black pepper is rich in a potent antioxidant called piperine, which may help prevent free radical damage to your cells, contains an active compound that has been shown to decrease inflammation, extract may improve blood sugar control, contains an active compound that has slowed the replication of cancer cells and induced cancer cell death.

BLACK TEA

The healthiest tea that one will want to drink every day. Black tea is unique, and it is known to be especially beneficial for certain health purposes.

The major health benefits of black tea include its nutritional value, anti-cancer benefits, digestive benefits, beneficial effects on skin and hair health, and much more.

The tannins in black tea don't just give it its characteristic taste. Several studies have shown that tannins help fight viruses such as influenza ("the flu"), dysentery, and hepatitis. Black tea also contains alkylamine antigens, which help boost immune response.

Black tea is abundant in antioxidants, such as flavonoids. These antioxidants have been demonstrated to lower the risk of heart disease. Perhaps the most-studied tea health benefit is its anti-cancer benefit. There is a growing body of evidence that black tea also plays a role in cancer prevention, the tannins in tea in general offer digestive benefits, drinking black tea benefits the skin, the caffeine in black tea has been shown to improve mental focus and concentration by promoting blood flow in the brain.

CLOVE

Clove is a plant grown in parts of Asia and South America. People use the oils, dried flower buds, leaves, and stems to make medicine.

Ayurveda describes certain plants to be effective in developing and protecting the immune system. One such plant is clove. The dried flower bud of clove contains compounds that help in improving the immune system by increasing the white blood cell count, thereby, improving delayed-type hypersensitivity.

Clove is most commonly applied directly to the gums for toothache, pain control during dental work, and other dental-related issues. Cloves may improve digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes, touted by many for their antibacterial properties against a number of human pathogens, contain high amounts of antioxidants, which are ideal for protecting the organs from the effects of free radicals, especially the liver, possess anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties, also reduces headache.

ECHINACEA

Echinacea is a very popular herb, and people commonly take it to help combat flu and colds. Echinacea is widely used to fight infections, especially the common cold, and the flu. Some people take echinacea at the first sign of a cold, hoping they will be able to keep the cold from developing. Other people take echinacea after cold of flu-like symptoms have started, hoping they can make symptoms less severe or resolve quicker.

Echinacea is also used against other types of infections including urinary tract, ear and throat infections. Sometimes people apply echinacea to their skin to treat boils, skin wounds, or burns.

ELDERBERRY

Elderberry is most often taken as a supplement to treat cold and flu symptoms. Elderberry contains antioxidants which can relieve colds, fight the flu, and boost the immune system.

A systematic review from 2010 concluded that elderberries have antioxidant and antiviral effects. It also have have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have positive effects on some markers of heart and blood vessel health.

 GARLIC

Eating garlic can boost the number of virus-fighting T-cells in your bloodstream -- important because colds and the flu are caused by viruses. Its cloves are said to help treat the common cold, keep the plague at bay. The scientists speculated that the garlic extract worked by boosting participants' immune cell function.

Garlic's high sulfur content explains the bulb's benefit as a cold and flu fighter. The sulfur in garlic helps your body absorb the trace element zinc, which is an immunity booster. Garlic also contains anti- cancer properties, effective in destroying the cells in glioblastomas, a type of deadly brain tumor, potentially a powerful antibiotic, helps protect the heart during cardiac surgery and after a heart attack.

GILOY (GURCH)

Giloy is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used and advocated in Indian medicine for ages. In Sanskrit, Giloy is known as ‘Amrita’, which literally translates to ‘the root of immortality’, because of its abundant medicinal properties.

Giloy is a universal herb that helps boost immunity. It is a powerhouse of antioxidants which fight free-radicals, keep your cells healthy and get rid of diseases.

Giloy helps remove toxins, purifies blood, fights bacteria that causes diseases and also combats liver diseases and urinary tract infections, is used by experts in treating heart related conditions and is also found useful in treating infertility, helps get rid of recurrent fevers, is very beneficial in improving digestion and treating bowel related issues, helps reduce mental stress as well as anxiety, helps get rid of toxins, boosts the memory, calms you down and makes for an excellent health tonic if combined with other herbs.