The Camellia Sinensis plant was traditionally the plant whose leaves were used to make tea. In recent times, tea has grown to include beverages made from herbs and flowers. Herbal teas and flower teas have numerous health benefits.
Flower teas make a great beverage for people looking for a tea that is caffeine-free. Popular flower teas such as chamomile tea have been used for generations for their health benefits and refreshing taste.
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What are Flower Teas?
Flower teas are made from flowers. Flowers from plants such as chamomile rose or lavender are usually dried and then used to brew tea. Flower teas can also be made by blending flowers with green tea leaves as is the case in blooming teas.
Blooming tea is a type of flower tea where dried flower leaves are covered with green tea leaves to make a spherical tea ball that is then infused in hot water to make tea.
Flower Tea Flavor
Flower teas have an earthy herbal flavor. Many flower teas will vary in flavor from mild to strong depending on the particular flower used to make the flower tea. Some are sweet and mild while others are strong flavored and bitter. Flower teas tend to be fragrant and their scent will mimic the scent of the natural flower.
For example, Rose tea which is made from dried rose petals will smell like roses. Flower teas usually blend well with other types of tea such as green tea and these blends are readily available in grocery stores and online.
Health Benefits of Flower Teas
Flower teas are packed with healthy antioxidants which make them not only refreshing but also good for your health. Since they are caffeine-free, flower teas are ideal for soothing and relaxing the body.
Flower teas such as chamomile tea have been used as a natural sleep aid for many generations. Depending on the flower used, flower teas will have unique health benefits that make them potent remedies and tonics for various elements.
10 Popular Flower Teas
1.Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is brewed using dried chamomile flowers. Unlike many herbal teas, chamomile tea is derived from the flowers and not the leaves of the chamomile herb. The dried flowers of the chamomile herb are usually harvested and dried to make chamomile tea. These flowers contain flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids which make Chamomile tea a potent herbal tea with many health benefits.
Chamomile tea is a fragrant herbal tea with a crisp apple flavor. It has a sweet earthy taste and a mild flavor that can blend well with other spices and herbs. Chamomile tea emits a sweet scent that is light and airy. The tea feels silky in the mouth and goes down smoothly due to its natural sweetness.
Chamomile tea is made by steeping chamomile tea leaves or tea bags in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes. Sweeteners such as honey or stevia can be added to the brew.
Health benefits of chamomile tea
- Chamomile tea is perhaps one of the most effective natural sleeping aids available.
- Chamomile tea is good for your skin. It is rich in antioxidants that act as an anti-aging tonic.
- Chamomile tea aids in digestion by soothing muscle spasms in the stomach.
- The potent anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile tea make it effective in managing such inflammatory conditions such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Chamomile tea promotes weight loss. Chamomile tea has flavonoids such as apigenin which are effective in promoting the breakdown of carbohydrates into energy.
2. Jasmine Tea
Fragrant and refreshing, jasmine tea is one of the most popular flower teas. With origins in China, Jasmine tea boasts a strong flavor and this coupled with its numerous health benefits has made it a popular beverage among flower tea lovers. Jasmine tea is made from jasmine blossoms harvested from a particular type of jasmine plant referred to as Jasminum officinale.
Jasmine green tea has a subtle and understated taste profile. It has a sweet floral aroma. This, however, is not the only reason you should have a cup of jasmine tea regularly.
Jasmine Tea health benefits
- Jasmine tea is a great stress reliever as it has a relaxing and soothing effect
- Jasmine tea has antioxidants which make it heart-friendly. Drinking jasmine tea regularly boosts cardiovascular health.
- Jasmine tea promotes weight loss by boosting metabolism in the body.
3. Rose Tea
Rose tea is made by steeping either dry or fresh rose petals in hot water. Rose tea is characterized by a delicate flavor and a floral aroma, Rose tea can be blended with other types of herbal teas to infuse the rose scent and flavor into the tea.
Roses have been used for their benefits as beauty treatments and food flavors for ages. These health benefits of the rose are infused into rose tea when dried rose petals are used to brew this popular beverage.
Brewing rose tea is a simple process. Rose teas are widely available and you can simply steep the dried petals in hot water. Alternatively, you can boil fresh rose petals in hot water to get your rose tea. You may also purchase dried rose petals and add them to your favorite tea powder.
Rose Tea health benefits
- Rose tea has anti-inflammatory properties attributed to the antioxidants in the rose petals
- Rose tea is great for boosting weight loss. It is caffeine-free and also acts as an appetite suppressant by curbing hunger pangs.
- Rose tea boosts the growth of good bacteria in the gut and is commonly used as a herbal remedy for constipation and diarrhea
- Rose tea has diuretic properties and can act in the prevention of urinary tract infections.
4. Lavender Tea
The lavender fragrance is common in different kinds of products and this vibrant flower is also used to brew lavender tea. Lavender is made from fresh or dried blooms of the lavender plant. Lavender flowers have a distinct aroma that infuses into lavender tea making it a relaxing beverage that is often used as a bedtime tonic to induce sleep.
For some, the flavor of lavender can be too strong and they may opt to blend it with other teas such as black tea.
Lavender Tea health benefits
- Lavender tea is a natural sleep aid that has a soothing and relaxing effect on the body.
- Lavender tea has anti-inflammatory properties that make it a natural remedy for alleviating pain and reducing swelling caused by inflammation.
- The antioxidants and antibacterial compounds in lavender tea are great for boosting the immune system and can help in warding off common infections such as common colds and flu.
- Lavender tea is great for settling the stomach and soothing digestive such as nausea and diarrhea.
5. Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum tea is made using dried chrysanthemum flowers. This tea is suitable for caffeine-sensitive people since it is naturally caffeine-free. It is easy to brew and the preparation process involves adding hot water to dried chrysanthemum flowers and letting the mixture steep for at least five minutes.
Chrysanthemum Tea Health benefits
- Chrysanthemum tea is an effective remedy for fever, headache and heat rashes due to its cooling effect on the body.
- Spending prolonged periods of time in front of the computer or using our handheld devices takes a toll on our eyes. Chrysanthemum tea is effective in reducing eye dryness, eye strain, red eyes, and even blurry vision.
- Chrysanthemum tea is good for your skin. It contains beta-carotene which is essential for healthy skin.
6. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus flower tea is a refreshing beverage and one of the most common flower teas. It is naturally sweet, with a mild flavor, Hibiscus tea is typically a vibrant red. Hibiscus tea can be enjoyed either hot or as a refreshing iced tea. Hibiscus flower tea is rich in flavonoids and also contains vitamin C. Hibiscus tea can help to lower blood pressure, keep your liver healthy, relieve menstrual cramps and promote digestion.
7. Mint Flower Tea
Mint tea is made from mint flowers which usually are dried and then steeped in hot water tea. Mint tea has a distinct minty flavor. This healthy beverage is also packed with natural goodness and boasts a host of health benefits including boosting dental health, boosting metabolism and promoting digestion. Mint floral tea is also a great weight loss tea and is effective in preventing upper respiratory infections.
8. Camellia Sinensis Flower Tea
Green tea is made using the leaves of the tea plant which is referred to as Camellia Sinensis. However, this tea plant also has flowers and it is these flowers that are dried and steeped in water to make Camellia Sinensis flower tea.
Camellia Sinensis flower tea is a smooth and mildly flavored sweet beverage that is appealing to most palates. This tea is a nutritional powerhouse packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that makes Camellia Sinensis flower tea a refreshing and healthy beverage.
9. Honeysuckle Tea
Honeysuckle tea as the name suggests has a sweet taste and aroma derived from the honeysuckle flowers that are packed with delicious sweet nectar. Coupled with its refreshing taste, this beverage has potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that make it a natural remedy for several ailments. Honeysuckle tea is good for digestion, warding off colds and flu and is also a great natural pain reliever.
10. Mullein Tea
The rich and aromatic Mullein tea has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for colds, flu, and other ailments. Mullein tea is made from the flowers of the mullein plant. The leaves of this plant are also used in brewing tea. With antiviral and antibacterial properties, mullein tea is effective in resolving and managing respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Conclusion
No matter what your taste is, there is a flower tea available for you. Flower teas are rich in flavor, delicious and easy to make. These healthy beverages expand the notion of tea to cover more than the traditional green or black teas that we are used to. Used for natural healing purposes and for their refreshing and delicious taste, flower teas are a perfect beverage for those looking beyond ordinary teas and coffee.
Explore any of the flower teas mentioned and delight your senses with something new and exciting.
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