Herbal teas are beverages made from herbs other than the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). There are a variety of herbal teas, many of which are marketed to treat specific ailments or provide health benefits. Understanding the effects of individual herbs can help you choose the herbal tea best suited to your needs.
Calming/Sedating Teas
Herbal teas with relaxing effects are very popular. They generally contain herbs that calm the mind and relax the body, resulting in decreased stress and tension. They may be marketed as remedies for anxiety, insomnia or other conditions involving overstimulation.
Popular ingredients in relaxing teas include passionflower, valerian, chamomile and hops. According to the National Institutes of Health, passionflower may be as effective as oxazepam for treating generalized anxiety and is less likely to cause impairment on the job. Relaxing herbs like passionflower generally work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter GABA---which controls muscle tone and nerve impulses in the body.
Calming and sedating teas may cause drowsiness and impair your ability to perform tasks like driving. Drinking these teas shortly before bedtime may provide the most benefit while reducing unwanted side effects.
Stimulating Blends
Stimulating teas are used to increase energy, vitality and alertness. Yerba mate, a South American herb containing caffeine, is a popular ingredient in many stimulating teas. In addition to caffeine, yerba mate contains theophylline and theobromine--compounds from the xanthine family with caffeine-like effects. Other herbs commonly included in stimulating teas include guarana, Korean ginseng and Sida cordifolia (country mallow).
Side effects of stimulant teas include nervousness, nausea and insomnia. Some herbal stimulants can raise heart rate and blood pressure and should not be taken by those with heart disease or other chronic health conditions.
Teas for Immune Support
A variety of herbal teas are marketed as immune boosters or general health tonics. Herbs like echinacea, goldenseal and pau d'Arco are often added to teas for their effects on immune health. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, pau d'Arco exhibits strong antifungal, antibacterial and immune-stimulating effects that may be useful for a variety of health conditions. Echinacea has been used for centuries as a remedy for infections like the cold and flu and is among the most well-known immune stimulating herbs on the market today.
Some ingredients in immune-boosting teas can be dangerous in people with certain health conditions. Avoid teas containing echinacea if you have an autoimmune disorder or ragweed allergy, as it can cause a worsening of these conditions.
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