Herbal teas like chamomile and red raspberry offer natural remedies for everything from fertility to digestion. Discover the fat-burning potential of green tea and why hospitals caution against its use with certain medications.
Acne -- a skin condition characterized by the presence of comedones, or pimples, often with pustules and cysts -- is caused by overproduction of oil, or sebum, in your skin. Bacteria and shedding of skin cells also play a role. Acne can sometimes leave scars on your skin.
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Hair loss is commonly associated with aging, but it can also happen because of other reasons. Pregnancy, stress, infection, chemotherapy, severe illness with fever, syphilis and excess vitamin A may all contribute to the loss of hair.
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Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a perennial woody-stemmed herb which remains evergreen in milder climates and regrows each spring in areas with harsher winters. Sage has long oval-shaped pebbly-textured leaves which give off a heady aroma, which arises from sage's essential oils.
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While constipation is rarely dangerous, it can cause discomfort and concern when it occurs. Bowel movements vary from person to person, but the University of Maryland Medical Center describes constipation as when you have fewer than three bowel movements weekly.
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Coffee and tea are both very low in calories. Although they both contain caffeine, both also offer health benefits when consumed in moderation. When consumed in moderation, coffee does not generally have adverse health effects, and might actually promote cardiovascular heath, notes the Harvard School of Public Health.
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High levels of cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Optimal total cholesterol levels should be lower than 200 mg/dL, and bad cholesterol levels should not exceed 100 mg/dL, according to the American Heart Association. Statins and other prescription medications help lower cholesterol.
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Also called red or redbush tea, rooibos tea has been traditionally used as a beverage and a medicinal remedy to help treat infantile colic, anxiety, insomnia and certain skin conditions. Rooibos tea originated from South Africa, and became a popular herbal treatment in other parts of the world in the 1960s.
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When you’re counting calories, the phrase “one lump or two?” takes on new meaning. The number of calories in a cup of tea depends on the amount of sugar and milk that you add. The tea itself adds a mere 2 calories, and does not vary significantly between varieties.
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Reishi mushroom, or Ganoderma lucidum, is a staple of Eastern medicine. It's Chinese name, ling chih, means "mushroom of immortality." Those drinking the tea continuously for two months report significant improvements in their well-being. One of reishi's active ingredients, polysaccharides, is water-soluble.
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When it comes to a healthy beverage that will satisfy your thirst, look no further than unsweetened iced tea. The Harvard School of Public Health rates tea as one of the healthiest beverages. There are different teas you can consume for health benefits.
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Tulsi is the Sanskrit name for the holy basil plant. It is a member of the mint family and grows wild in India (ref 1). The traditional medicinal uses for tulsi are many, particularly in the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, but it is primarily known today as an adaptogen -- meaning it helps the body cope with stress.
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Originating in Southern China’s Fujian province, oolong is a traditional Chinese tea whose oxidation level lies somewhere between green and black tea. When processed, these teas are either rolled into long, curly leaves or pressed into a ball-like form.
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Chinese herbal teas have been used for centuries to provide healthy refreshment. Each tea can have one ingredient or many. Typical ingredients are dried flowers, dried fruit, roots, leaves or seeds. Each one is prized for its unique value in Chinese medicine.
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The seasonal scent of cinnamon originates from the bark of trees found off the southeastern coast of India on the island of Sri Lanka. As cinnamon was a rare commodity in West Asia, Europe and Africa, the spice was sold at prices that helped create many prosperous nations.
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Honeybush tea is a beverage derived from plants in the Cyclopia family, and is regarded for its potential impact on health. The beverage is sweet tasting and has a history of use as a folk remedy, with recent scientific evidence supporting some the tea's purported effects.
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Garlic is world-renowned for its place in sauces, soups and other dishes. It has also gained a great deal of attention for its potential to fight infection, reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, and otherwise protect the body when taken in moderation. Garlic tea is a perfect vehicle for garlic's benefits.
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Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an herb cultivated primarily as fodder for cows and other animals, but it also has traditional uses as a medicinal. Unlike many other herbs, all of the plant is used as medicine, but the tea is typically only made with seeds or dried leaves.
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Lavender -- Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis -- is a shrub known for its pleasant aroma and bright purple flowers. It is native to the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean, but is now cultivated throughout the world, particularly in the United States, Australia and southern Europe.
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Whether or not you take your coffee with cream and sugar, milk and honey or with nothing at all, cinnamon tea is a simple, healthful beverage that many enjoy. Cinnamon tea has a sweet, spicy flavor as well as significant health benefits.
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Green tea is widely associated with a number of health benefits. Produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea, unlike black or oolong tea, is not fermented during the production process.
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