The Role of Herbal Teas in Our Lives
Plants have been used for various purposes throughout history and continue to be utilized today. They have been frequently used in the fields of food, medicine, and cosmetics. Through trial and error, people have learned over the ages which plants are used for which purposes and have distinguished between those that are poisonous and those that are healing (medicinal).
In recent years, functional foods have been on the rise, and nutraceutical beverages are included in this category. Nutraceutical beverages can be defined as drinks with medicinal and healing effects. Therefore, herbal teas are also considered nutraceutical beverages. Herbal teas are particularly important in daily diets for their ability to strengthen the immune system. The health effects of these teas are associated with the antioxidant properties of the vitamins A, C, and E and phenolic compounds they contain. It is reported that the antioxidant content in herbal teas may help reduce the risk of developing both acute and chronic diseases. According to a study on antioxidant levels in herbal teas, the highest levels were observed in lemon balm and green tea. Other teas are ranked from highest to lowest as follows: linden, sage, white tea, echinacea, black tea, chamomile, and ginger.
Tea is a popular beverage that finds a place at every meal, especially on Anatolian tables. It is often the main guest during long conversations, family gatherings, or meetings with friends. There are many varieties of tea that are frequently chosen. Generally known as herbal teas, they have many benefits. Herbal teas, consumed to calm down, boost immunity, and more, are gaining increasing importance.
Preparation of Herbal Teas:
Herbal teas can be prepared using fresh or dried fruits, leaves, flowers, roots, stems, and sometimes seeds. Different brewing methods are used to obtain herbal teas. These methods are briefly described as follows:
- The infusion method involves pouring boiling water over herbal materials and letting them steep for 5-15 minutes.
- The decoction method involves pouring cold water over herbal materials and boiling them for 15-30 minutes.
- The maceration method involves leaving herbal materials at room temperature for 30 minutes to make them ready for use.
The variety of methods for preparing herbal teas is related to traditions and medical purposes.
Herbal Teas and Health:
Herbal teas have various effects on health. They are known to strengthen immunity, facilitate digestion, and provide psychological relaxation. Different herbal varieties can serve various purposes. Due to their pleasant taste and aroma, and their healing effects, the consumption of herbal teas is increasing. Today, many herbs are used for these purposes. In our country, the most commonly consumed teas are obtained from the following herbs:
- Sage
- Raspberry
- Anise
- Rosemary
- Mountain tea
- Echinacea
- Apple
- Basil
- Linden
- Nettle
- Thyme
- Rosehip
- Lemon balm
- Mint
- Chamomile
- Fennel
- Senna
- Tarragon
The health benefits of herbal teas are well-known. These include:
- Anti-aging effect: (Removes aging effects)
- Anti-atherogenic effect: (Cleans blood vessels)
- Anti-inflammatory effect: (Reduces inflammation)
- Anti-cancer effect: (Prevents cancer formation and kills cancerous cells)
- Antimicrobial effect: (Prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms)
- Antioxidant effect: (Cleans free oxygen radicals and protects cells)
- Heart-protective effect
Studies have found that herbal teas have high antioxidant effects, which are attributed to the high phenolic compounds in the plants.
Herbal teas with functional properties can be used to address the following issues:
- Psychosomatic disorders
- Colds
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Urinary system diseases
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Menstrual complaints
- Physical and mental fatigue
- Taste and odor correction (as mouthwash or gargle)
Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Certain Diseases:
- Kidney diseases: St. John's Wort, horsetail, couch grass
- Indigestion: Anise, dill, galangal, cardamom, cumin, chamomile, fennel, allspice, ginger
- Nausea and pain: Licorice root, mint, ginger
- Colds, chills, and coughs: Juniper, mallow, echinacea, linden, clove, licorice root, mint, eucalyptus, chamomile, ginger
- Stress, depression, and anxiety: Anise, St. John's Wort, lavender, lemon balm, chamomile, fennel, hops
- Memory loss and cognitive weakness: Sage, rosemary, cardamom, green tea, ginger
- Sleep disorders: Anise, evening primrose, valerian, lemon balm, chamomile, fennel, hops
- Fatigue: Sage, rosemary, licorice root, cardamom, thyme, rosehip, ginger
- High cholesterol: Rosemary, thyme, rosehip, grape seed, green tea, ginger
- High blood sugar: Bitter melon, mahlep, cinnamon, myrtle
- Weight loss tea: Rosemary, cherry stalk, corn silk, fennel, senna, ginger, turmeric, green tea
Contribution of Herbal Teas to Breast Milk:
Breast milk is the most fundamental food that provides all the necessary nutrients for the normal development of a baby born at term and is sufficient alone for the first 6 months. Mothers who think their milk supply is insufficient and want to breastfeed their babies often resort to various methods to increase their milk supply, traditionally paying attention to the consumption of certain foods, and commonly use herbal teas. Mothers have commonly reported that herbal teas such as fennel, linden, anise, galactagogue herbal mixtures, and quince leaf increase milk supply. Herbs that are known to increase milk supply include fenugreek, goat's rue, milk thistle, anise, basil, and fennel seeds, as well as sweets similar to Turkish delight. Malted beverages are commonly used in some countries. Although malted beverages are noted to be effective galactagogues, there is no supporting evidence. Despite numerous studies on milk-boosting teas, research on their effect on the composition of breast milk is quite insufficient.
