Nature offers many herbs that are powerful for health, healing, and longevity. In fact, these gifts from nature are abundant and have been used throughout history. Looking to nature first for healing can help prevent unwanted side effects and stressors on the body.
Teas are a gentle and delicious way to consume herbs, spices, and flowers to reap their benefits. The hibiscus tea recipe below offers anti-inflammatory benefits and may help with:
- Abdominal bloating
- Aiding in poor digestion
- Reducing water retention
- Supporting healthy glowing skin
- Improving brain function
- Fighting free radicals
- Possibly creating an analgesic effect
View my Instagram Reel showing how I put this tea together, and then keep reading for all the details!
Here at TRU Training, we always focus on whole foods nutrition first, while we limit processed, inflammatory foods. Consuming a whole foods diet also aids in managing stress levels from environmental stressors and our own natural cell damage.
So, let’s explore the benefits of each herb in this simple, yet powerful tea.
Hibiscus Flowers
Hibiscus flowers, also known as rosemallow flowers, are very popular in Caribbean and Latin American countries as an herbal tea that adds a tart, floral flavor. The flowering plant actually shares the same family as cocoa and cotton. The color of this caffeine-free herbal tea is a beautiful dark red and smells amazing!
Hibiscus flowers carry anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and are rich in flavonoids. Uses of hibiscus include helping to possibly lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as helping to promote healing in the body for autoimmune disorders. Other uses include aiding in digestion, helping with menstrual cramps, benefitting mental health, and promoting good function in the liver and kidneys.
*Please note: Since hibiscus flower reduces blood pressure, this isn’t recommended for individuals with LBP. Not recommended for kids or breastfeeding mamas. If you are taking prescription medications, always consult with your healthcare provider and do your own research to determine if any of these herbs will negatively interact with your medicine. Herbs are powerful with oftentimes amazing benefits, but should be approached with knowledgeable precautions, as each individual’s biochemistry is different.
Star Anise
Star Anise is a versatile, aromatic spice that can often be found in Vietnamese cooking and is actually included in the popular Chinese five spice powder. Interestingly, this Chinese medicinal herb is high in the antiviral compound Shikimic Acid, which is a key ingredient in a popular influenza pharmaceutical known as Tamiflu®. In nature, star anise is an evergreen, medium-sized tree.
Beyond antiviral properties, star anise also contains numerous other properties:
- Antioxidant
- Antimicrobial
- Antifungal
- Anthelmintic (i.e. antiparasitic)
- Insecticidal
- Secretolytic (i.e. breaks up phlegm)
- Antinociceptive (i.e. pain reliever)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Gastroprotective
- Sedative properties
- Expectorant
- Spasmolytic (helps with muscle spasms)
- Estrogenic
Cinnamon
Native to Asia and the Middle East, cinnamon is another anti-inflammatory ingredient that is well-loved for its delicious flavor. It can play a big role in helping to regulate blood sugar by promoting an insulin response, as well as improving circulation and encouraging healthy cholesterol levels.
Ginger
While commonly referred to as “ginger root,” ginger is technically a rhizome, meaning that it’s a storehouse of nutrients until the plant requires them for the growth of new shoots or to survive the winter. This makes it a powerful plant to consume with many benefits, including:
- Easing gas and bloating
- Stimulating beneficial digestive juices
- Joint flexibility
- Warming the circulatory system
Lemon
Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to not only support the immune system but also overall health. Lemons may also have a positive effect on blood pressure, digestion, and weight loss efforts.
Other Teas and Recipes
Take a look at my other blogs to learn more about wellness and nutrition. You can also visit TRU Supplements to find a wide array of recipes and supplements to help you along your fitness journey!
At TRU Training, we offer a comprehensive system to help you get on track to being your most optimized self by provided a combination of training programs and nutrition programs. The nutrition portion of the programs focus on an anti-inflammatory, high protein and whole-foods based approach to eating. Healthy nutrition alongside the workouts is what helps our warriors to transform their lives, allowing them to get their desired body-recomposition results and keep them. Get started today to learn which program is the right fit for you and your goals!
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