Hello October!!
7 health benefits of herbal teas…
Here is an alternative to your regular cup of Joe… even if you’re addicted to your caffeine, you may want to check out the numerous health benefits of caffeine-free herbal teas!
But first, why am I talking about the health benefits of herbal teas?
In cultures around the world people have been brewing leaves, fruits, flowers, roots, bark and berries for centuries. Here’s why….
- Research suggests the antioxidants in tea help protect against cancer
- Tea is high in oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), which means it helps destroy free radicals that can damage DNA
- Tea is primarily water and therefore naturally hydrating
Herbal teas can be soothing when you’re suffering from minor symptoms, but they are primarily formulated for taste enjoyment and general health enhancement.
So, what are the 7 different types of herbal teas and will they improve my health?
- Immune stimulating blend teas:
These contain tonic herbs known as Adaptogens that help strengthen or enhance the immune system, nervous system and/or glandular system while they help the body cope with stress.
Look for: Siberian ginseng, Panax ginseng, Astragalus, Schisandra, Echinacea, Ashwagandha, Reishi mushrooms and licorice.
- Digestive aid blend teas:
Many herbs have digestion-stimulating properties. They can help relieve gas and heartburn, stimulate the flow of gastric juices, relax spasms and cramps and dispel nausea or queasiness.
Look for: Ginger, anise seeds, thyme, chamomile, hyssop, peppermint, spearmint, lemon balm, fennel, coriander, chicory, catnip and cardamom.
- Calming and sedative blend teas:
After a tough day filled with stress (and usually caffeine), Americans have a tough time settling down enough to fall asleep. Sedative teas are mild in action, due to dose.
Look for: Chamomile, hops, linden flowers, lavender, passionflower, skullcap, valerian, tilia buds and white sapote.
- Stress-relief blend teas:
These teas differ from sedative teas because they are designed to help you cope with stress but not become sleepy. Two herbs stand out in this arena but have completely different actions:
Siberian ginseng helps the body cope with stress. Kava, a muscle relaxant with a long tradition of use in the South Pacific, can actually help relieve tensed-up muscles.
You may drink Siberian ginseng tea frequently but kava should be saved for those times when you really need help relaxing and letting go.
Look for: Siberian Ginseng or Kava
- Stimulating spice blend teas:
Spicy teas will warm you internally and stimulate your digestion and elimination. They need a longer brewing time and are best simmered for ten minutes to bring out their spicy flavor.
Look for: Cinnamon, cardamom, chai spice
- Cold-fighting Vitamin C Fruit blend teas:
These teas can contribute significant amounts of Vitamin C to your diet and are delicious iced. Because they have a strong citrus accent, they are refreshing and thirst quenching and can keep you hydrated just as well as water.
Look for: Orange, lemon, berry
- Antioxidant-rich Rooibos teas:
This caffeine-free tea is unique in the herbal tea world. Rooibos (which means “red bush” and is pronounced “roy-boss”) is grown only in the tip of South Africa in Cape Town.
It is the only herbal tea that is fermented like black tea, producing a deep red color and body similar to black tea but without black tea’s astringency.
Rooibos is rich in vitamin C, minerals, Quercetin, Luteolin, Rutin and numerous other flavonoids that contribute to its antispasmodic, hypoallergenic and antioxidant properties.
STUDIO UPDATES
Our studio is still under construction but we are still holding classes!
October 2021 Yoga Studio Schedule
Must pre-register by emailing infinitywinonayoga@gmail.com and pre-pay with punch card or call 507-453-7941
Monday
8:15am Forrest Inspired Vinyasa- Elle- via ZOOM
Tuesday
5:45pm Fall Flow: Embracing Transition with Sarah @ Sinclair Park
Wednesday
9:30am Qi Gong & T’ai Chi with Lynn @ Windom park
Friday
7:45am Forrest Inspired Vinyasa- All Levels with Elle – via zoom
9:30am Qi Gong & T’ai Chi-Lynn @ Windom park
**all classes in-person unless indicated**
To your health!
Yoga Studio Staff