Tea in a teapot, glass teapot, Cup, close-up (Photo by 123RF)
A hot cup of tea is often just the thing to de-stress, open the sinuses with a little steam, and get a bit of flavor into your break. Many herbal teas are loaded with antioxidants, which help keep the lid on inflammation. This is beneficial for all your organs and tissues, including your joints, muscles, brain, heart, stomach… you name it.
Teas and other herbal remedies have become increasingly popular, not only in the civilian world, but in the military as well. A 2013 study found that active-duty personnel use as much if not more alternative health care than civilians, including just under 9% making use of herbal remedies.
There is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for any of the herbs in this article, so try a cup. If a particular herb agrees with you, one or two cups per day should be fine. If one herb does not agree with you, try another. If you don’t like the flavor, but want the health benefits, all of these are available as supplements. If using a supplement, don’t overdo it; stay within the dosage recommended by the distributor (what we sometimes call the “bottle dosage”), unless advised to do otherwise by your health care professional.
While the herbs discussed here are safe for most people, some of them have anti-coagulant properties. This is generally beneficial, but you should check with your doctor if you are on prescription medication, especially anti-coagulants (clot busters) or if you are scheduled to undergo major surgery. Depending on your individual situation, your health care provider may ask you to avoid certain herbs or reduce your intake during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
These four herbs tend to be gentle and gradual in their benefits. It may take a few weeks to notice any health improvements.
Green tea: These days, green tea is readily available in conventional supermarkets and grocery stores, as well as specialty shops. It is available caffeinated and de-caffeinated. Research suggests green tea may reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and dementia.
Ginger: In addition to tea, ginger is commonly used as a culinary spice. Traditionally, ginger has been used as a digestive aid. Recent research confirms this use, and suggests that ginger can be especially beneficial for morning sickness as well as nausea related to cancer treatment.
Hibiscus: Hibiscus is a plant native to West Africa and has long been part of that region’s folk medicine. Hibiscus flower tea is tangy to the point of being a bit sour, so some people like to dilute it or add a little fruit juice. Recent research indicates hibiscus tea can play a role in controlling high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol.
Turmeric: Like ginger, turmeric is commonly used as a spice, especially in curry. It has been grown and used in food and folk medicine in India for at least 2,500 years. Recent research suggests turmeric can reduce arthritic pain and help control elevated blood glucose levels.
Anti-inflammatory herbal tea is not a replacement for medicine, chiropractic, or any other professional health care service. It is in the same category as exercise, adequate rest, good diet, and positive mental attitude – part of a healthy lifestyle.
About the Author
While serving as a medical specialist (MOS 91-B) in the U.S. Army Reserve, Dr. Masarsky earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from New York Chiropractic College in 1981. He is in the private practice of chiropractic in the Virginia suburbs of Washington DC with his wife and partner, Dr. Marion Todres-Masarsky. Visit his practice’s website: www.viennachiropractic.com.
