Besides being seasonally beneficial to your body, herbal teas can have a massive impact on our health. Here are some of my favorite immune-boosting teas that provide flavor and health.
Grab a few and try them out for yourself.
1. Chaga Tea
Why It’s Powerful: Chaga is the king of mushrooms. It has the capacity to stimulate the immune response reducing inflammation through beta-glucans. Chaga is considered one of the most potent adaptogens for the body, containing anti-inflammatory properties, relieving pain, and purifies the blood.
How to Prepare: Chaga comes in two main varieties; powered in tea bags and in chunks. Chaga pieces tend to be the most potent; however, the Chaga tea bags sipping this immune enhancer easy. Place tea bags in boiling hot water and allow to steep for 4-6 minutes. Chaga pieces need to let steep for at least one hour in warm water.
Flavor: Chaga has a relatively mild flavor, even when it has been brewed for a long time. The hot tea brews well with a variety of flavors, especially cinnamon and maple syrup.
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2. Peppermint
Why It’s Powerful: Peppermint tea has been used medicinally for centuries and is commonly recommended by alternative medicine as a treatment for various symptoms such as headaches, sinus problems, or stomach problems. Interestingly though, peppermint has also been found to hold a host of mental benefits, treat menstrual cramps, work as an antibacterial, and even help boost your metabolism.
How to Prepare: Peppermint tea is easy to make at home. You can make it with fresh peppermint leaves or dried peppermint leaves {which can be purchased in tea bags or the bulk section of many grocery stores}. You will need roughly one tablespoon of crushed fresh leaves or one teaspoon dried. If you’re using tea bags, you can use 1-2 per 8 ounces depending on the flavor. Bring water to a boil, add the peppermint, and steep for 5-12 minutes.
Flavor: Peppermint tea ranges from mild to intense, depending on the brewing length. It can also be mixed with dark cocoa powder and nut milk to make a peppermint hot chocolate. You can also add a little honey to help soothe a sore throat.
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3. Echinacea
Why It’s Powerful: Echinacea is an herb known to encourage the immune system reducing many of the common symptoms of colds and flues such as nasal congestion. It contains antibacterial properties, increasing levels of properdin, a chemical that activates the part of the immune system responsible for increasing defense mechanisms against viral and bacterial attacks. It is a powerful preventative during cold and flu season.
How to Prepare: Echinacea, like most teas, can be purchased in a tea bag or as loose leaf tea. In either case, pour boiling water over a tea bag or loose leaf tea and let steep for 5-15 minutes {the longer you steep the more benefits you’ll receive}. Strain, if using loose leaf tea, and add a teaspoon or two of honey {optional}.
Flavor: The taste of echinacea has been described as tongue-tingling – which is how you know it’s having a powerful effect. You can combine echinacea with mint or with other ingredients such as lemongrass to make a more pleasant-tasting tea.
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4. Dandelion
Why It’s Powerful: Dandelion root is natural and gentle liver and blood cleansers. It works to help the kidney and liver remove impurities from the blood. Plus, dandelion root is high in potassium, helping to improve appetite and digestion. Plus, the active phytonutrient in dandelion can also help to promote weight loss and detox the body from the accumulation of toxins and free radicals. In this recipe, we’ll be using the roots, which help balance hormones and detoxification. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in minerals (iron, manganese, calcium, potassium) and nutritive compounds such as carotenes. (source)
How to Prepare: Like every tea, there are multiple forms, tea bags – brew as you would any tea – or the actual root of the plant. If you are opting for the traditional root – which contains more of the medicinal properties – place dandelion root in the bottom of a pot over medium heat. Toast the root until it becomes fragrant and golden brown. Then add water and additional flavorings and bring to a boil.
When the water boils, reduce heat and allow to simmer for 30-45 minutes, strain and serve.
Flavor: Dandelion root is considered a close alternative to coffee, but it’s less acidic and bitter. Some great additions after boiling would be a pat of butter, dairy-alternative creamer, a bit of vanilla extract and maybe a cinnamon stick.
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5. Nettles
Why It’s Powerful: Nettle tea, made from dried nettle leaves, is best known for its high mineral content. The leaves contain a high amount of magnesium and calcium, as well as phytonutrients like chlorophyll and carotenoids. Nettles has a number of health benefits, including reducing oxidative stress {which is the most significant factor in aging}, relieve pain, fight infections, decrease inflammation, lower blood sugar, blood press, cholesterol, and fight cancer. Nettles are highly potent and a great addition to your daily routine.
How to Prepare: Pour 2 cups boiling water over 1/4 cup dried nettle leaf. Let steep 15 minutes – 2 hours {or even overnight}. Strain and enjoy warm or cold.
Flavor: Nettles tea has a mild flavor. It tastes much like a green tea and can often be paired with fresh mint or peppermint.
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6. matcha
Why It’s Powerful: Matcha boosts the immune system because of its high antioxidant content, particularly a compound called EGCG, epigallocatechin gallate, which helps your body produce T-cells helping to reduce inflammation and fight foreign pathogens. Not to mention, it helps detoxify the body of excess toxins that can build-up causing more stress and illness on the body.
How to Prepare: Get the recipe for my favorite matcha tea, served hot or cold.
Flavor: Matcha is a rich earthy tea with grassy notes, a hint of nuttiness. I love to add the vanilla and touch of honey to help ease the underlying bitterness.
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