Herbal teas to the rescue for a plethora of issues
A Tea Advisory Panel (TAP) research review – Herbal Infusions and Women’s Health – presents emerging evidence that herbal teas such as German Chamomile, Rosehip and Spearmint could help manage several key issues for women from poor quality sleep to memory loss and debilitating PMS.
Over the past two years the many lockdowns, repetitive routines and quarantines mean that our memory function has not had to work to take in new experiences, hence for many a state of brain fog. Moreover, medical experts say that contracting Covid-19 can have a negative impact on memory for up to nine months afterwards.
GP Dr Gill Jenkins, co-author of the study, explains: “Most of us have suffered from a lack of social connection over the past couple of years, and because of the dearth of new experiences, events and dates our memories may have become more muddled.
“There has also been a sharp increase in levels of anxiety among women, another factor detrimental to concentration and memory retention. This study examines several women’s health issues and finds compelling evidence that drinking herbal teas can boost sleep quality and in turn help memory function and low mood.”
Neuroscientists have shown poor sleep can be linked to fatal diseases. At the very least a lack of sleep impairs our ability to function properly and commonly co-exists alongside other serious medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Chamomile tea also boasts several other health benefits for women including helping to reduce menstrual pain, PMS, and stress. The new study also shows that it can significantly reduce cholesterol and help to improve glucose, insulin and blood lipid levels.
Meanwhile, spearmint has traditionally been used in herbal medicine for a plethora of digestive disorders including indigestion, IBS and diarrhoea. The evidence highlights that natural compounds such as these have anti-inflammatory and blood vessel dilating properties.
TAP’s research review also showed that rose hip extract can help osteoarthritis sufferers, with data showing that those taking it on a regular basis experienced significantly less pain and increased mobility. It is also thought to help those with rheumatoid arthritis but more research is needed.
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