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It is time to go back to school, stop resisting the urge to run away from something you have never tried before and learn a few things most folks do not know.
Plants, herbs, and spices have been used medicinally as well as medically for centuries. They contain powerful plant compounds or phytochemicals that can prevent oxidative damage to your cells, reduce inflammation, promote new cell growth, minimize pain, and eliminate most pain. Yes, due to their anti-inflammatory properties, certain plants may relieve pain that’s caused by inflammation. They may also help manage certain diseases that are triggered by it. Drinking tea made from these plants, herbs, and spices is an easy way to enjoy those benefits. Here are the powerful teas that helps us daily. We include products we use and think are useful for you, our reader.
Below we have included our not-so-secret-recipe for faster weight loss that we have named 'Pain Tea'. We know that mixing equal portions of all of the following ingredients (except clove and black pepper which should only be pinch each), you will enjoy the flavor of 'X-mas in a cup'. Sprinkle this in any beverage and on all your food. We start with a prepackaged tea bag of hibiscus or a cup of instant coffee from Dollar Tree. To either of those we add the Pain tea. Mike loves the energy he gets from his coffee this way. I prefer hibiscus because hibiscus tea is an herbal tea that’s made by steeping parts of the hibiscus plant in boiling water. It has a tart flavor similar to that of cranberries and can be enjoyed both hot and cold.
There are several hundred species of hibiscus varying by the location and climate they grow in, but Hibiscus sabdariffa is most commonly used to make hibiscus tea.
Research has uncovered a range of health benefits linked to drinking hibiscus tea, showing that it may lower blood pressure, fight bacteria and even 'aid weight loss'.
We love the intoxicating flavor that 'Pain Tea' adds, any time, every time, when we eat or drink anything.
1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Turmeric is a flowering plant with an edible root or rhizome that’s often dried and made into a spice. The root can likewise be peeled and minced. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, a yellow compound known for its many health benefits. It reduces inflammation and pain by interrupting some of the pathways that lead to this condition. Turmeric and curcumin have been studied for their effects on chronic inflammatory illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, and heart disease, of which I have all three. They may also relieve arthritic joint pain, which I also have, and muscle soreness after exercise or riding in a car, having energetic sex, or, again like me.... simply standing too long in one place with spinal stenosis, — all of which are causes for inflammation. In a 6-day study in people with pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis, taking 1,500 mg of curcumin in divided doses 3 times daily significantly reduced pain and improved physical function, compared with a placebo . Another study in 20 active men showed that taking 400 mg of curcumin reduced muscle soreness and muscle damage after exercise, compared with a placebo. However, these studies used large doses of concentrated curcumin, so it’s unclear whether drinking turmeric tea would have the same effect. If you want to try turmeric tea, simmer 1/2 teaspoon of either powdered turmeric or peeled, grated turmeric root in a pot with 1 cup (475 ml) of water for about 10 minutes. Then strain the solids and add lemon and/or a calorie free sweetener. Curcumin is only absorbed with some black pepper, so add a pinch to your tea.
SUMMARY Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may relieve inflammation and pain when taken in large doses. Yet, it’s unclear whether the amount in turmeric tea would have the same effect. 2. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Over 50 different antioxidant compounds have been identified in ginger. Many of them minimize the production of cytokines, which are pro-inflammatory substances in your body. In a 12-week study in people with diabetes, taking 1,600 mg of ginger each day reduced fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammatory blood markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), compared with a placebo. Similarly, taking 1,000 mg of ginger daily for 3 months significantly lowered inflammatory markers in people with osteoarthritis. Still, these studies used high doses of ginger — not ginger tea. Therefore, it’s unclear whether drinking ginger tea would have the same effects. Due to its slightly sweet and spicy flavor, ginger makes a delicious tea. Simmer 1 tablespoon of fresh, peeled ginger or 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger with 2 cups (475 ml) of water. Strain it after 10 minutes, and enjoy it with lemon and/or a calorie free sweetener.
SUMMARY Ginger contains compounds that limit the production of pro-inflammatory substances in your body. It has benefits for blood sugar and cholesterol levels and can reduce arthritis-related pain and inflammation.
3. Cayenne (Capsaicin)
Cayenne pepper is a natural herb that may help you lose weight. This red pepper may curb your appetite, speed up your metabolism, and help you burn calories.
What the research says The main active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin. Capsaicin is also found in other types of peppers. Researchers believe that capsaicin is a thermogenic chemical that may help speed up your metabolism which speeds the breakdown of fat and decreases your appetite.
Fewer cravings A 2014 study showed that people who consumed red pepper with every meal felt increased feelings of fullness and had fewer cravings. The study results suggest that adding capsaicin to your diet can suppress your appetite. This can lead to a decrease in caloric intake and an increase in weight loss. The study was limited to only 15 subjects. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
Increased metabolism An older study from 2003 found that women who ate fresh chili pepper raised their metabolic rate for up to 30 minutes after consuming it. Your metabolic rate affects the speed at which your body converts food and beverages into energy. When your metabolism is faster, your body is more likely to convert nutrients into energy instead of stored fat.
A 2010 study demonstrated the potential of dihydrocapsiate to increase metabolic rates. Dihydrocapsiate is a capsinoid found in chili peppers. It’s similar to capsaicin. People who took a dihydrocapsiate supplement for one month raised their metabolic rates by about 50 calories.
More calories burned In addition to increasing your metabolism, cayenne pepper is thought to help you burn calories because it’s spicy. When you eat a spicy pepper, it causes your body’s temperature to rise. When your body’s temperature rises, your body goes into a cool down mode. This causes your body to burn calories. A 2011 study found that people who don’t like spicy food had better weight loss results when they started taking cayenne capsules. It’s thought that you can build up a tolerance to the effects of red pepper. As a result, your weight loss may decrease the longer you take supplements or eat spicy peppers.
How cayenne peppers are beneficial to overall health Cayenne peppers may improve your overall health. A 2015 study found that cayenne pepper helped inhibit the growth of ulcers in rats. Another study found that capsaicin has anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties. The researchers gave supplements to 198 healthy participants and 178 participants with gastrointestinal conditions. Both groups experienced gastrointestinal benefits from the supplements. Studies in rats suggest that capsaicin may have positive vascular effects. As a result, it may be beneficial to people with diabetes or people who are obese. It may also help reduce risk for stroke and high blood pressure.
Who shouldn’t take cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper in supplement form may not be safe for everyone. Don’t take cayenne pepper supplements if you:
are on medication that slows blood clotting
have a scheduled surgery
are pregnant or breastfeeding
take theophylline (Theochron, Uniphyl)
take medication for high blood pressure
You should also avoid taking cayenne pepper in large doses or for extended periods of time. It also shouldn’t be given to children. Cayenne pepper can cause irritation if it comes in contact with your skin. It may cause heartburn or stomach irritation, so start with a low dose to see how your body reacts.
4. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum) Cinnamon is a highly delicious spice. It has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Modern science has now confirmed what people have known for ages. Cinnamon is a spice that is made from the inner bark of trees scientifically known as Cinnamomum.
It has been used as an ingredient throughout history, dating back as far as Ancient Egypt. It used to be rare and valuable and was regarded as a gift fit for kings.
These days, cinnamon is cheap, available in every supermarket and found as an ingredient in various foods and recipes.
There are two main types of cinnamon:
Ceylon cinnamon: Also known as “true” cinnamon.
Cassia cinnamon: The more common variety today and what people generally refer to as “cinnamon.”
Cinnamon is made by cutting the stems of cinnamon trees. The inner bark is then extracted and the woody parts removed.
When it dries, it forms strips that curl into rolls, called cinnamon sticks. These sticks can be ground to form cinnamon powder.
The distinct smell and flavor of cinnamon are due to the oily part, which is very high in the compound cinnamaldehyde.
Scientists believe that this compound is responsible for most of cinnamon’s powerful effects on health and metabolism.
SUMMARY Cinnamon is a popular spice. It’s high in cinnamaldehyde, which is thought to be responsible for most of cinnamon’s health benefits.
5. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Cloves are the flower buds of the evergreen clove tree.
Found in both whole and ground forms, this versatile spice can be used to season pot roasts, add flavor to hot beverages, and bring spicy warmth to cookies and cakes.
You may know cloves as one of the main ingredients in gingerbread baked goods or a staple spice in Indian cuisine. Cloves are best known as a sweet and aromatic spice, but they have also been used in traditional medicine.
In fact, animal studies have found that the compounds in cloves may have several health benefits, including supporting liver health and helping stabilize blood sugar levels. Cloves contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so using whole or ground cloves to add flavor to your food can provide some important nutrients.
One-half teaspoon (1 grams) of ground cloves contains:
Calories: 3
Carbs: 1/5 gram
Fiber: 1/5 gram
Manganese: 28% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin K: 1% of the DV
Manganese is an essential mineral for maintaining brain function and building strong bones.
Apart from being a rich source of manganese, cloves are only used in small amounts and do not provide significant amounts of nutrients.
In addition to containing several important vitamins and minerals, cloves are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of chronic disease. Cloves also contain a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to act as a natural antioxidant. In fact, a test-tube study found that eugenol stopped oxidative damage caused by free radicals five times more effectively than vitamin E, another potent antioxidant. Including cloves in your diet along with other antioxidant-rich foods can help improve your overall health.
May help protect against cancer Some research su ggests that the compounds found in cloves might help protect against cancer. One test-tube study found that clove extract helped stop the growth of tumors and promoted cell death in cancer cells. Another test-tube study observed similar results, showing that concentrated amounts of clove oil caused cell death in 80% of esophageal cancer cells. The eugenol found in cloves has also been shown to have anticancer properties. A test-tube study found that eugenol promoted cell death in cervical cancer cells. However, keep in mind that these test-tube studies used very concentrated amounts of clove extract, clove oil, and eugenol. Eugenol is toxic in high amounts and overdosing on clove oil may cause liver damage, especially in children. Further research is needed to determine how lower amounts may affect humans. WIN A FREE 15 MINUTE COACHING SESSION Tell 5 Bite Granny why you need the help Your answers will help determine the monthly winner.
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Can kill bacteria
Cloves have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, meaning they can help stop the growth of microorganisms like bacteria.
One test-tube study showed that clove essential oil killed three common types of bacteria, including E. coli, which is a strain of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. What’s more, the antibacterial properties of cloves could even help promote oral health.
In one test-tube study, the compounds extracted from cloves were found to stop the growth of two types of bacteria that contribute to gum disease. Another study in 40 people tested the effects of an herbal mouthwash consisting of tea tree oil, cloves, and basil. After using the herbal mouthwash for 21 days, they showed improvements in gum health, as well as the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. In combination with regular brushing and proper oral hygiene, the antibacterial effects of cloves may benefit your oral health.
May improve liver health
Studies show that the beneficial compounds in cloves could help promote liver health.
The compound eugenol may be especially beneficial for the liver. One animal study fed rats with fatty liver disease mixtures containing either clove oil or eugenol. Both mixtures improved liver function, reduced inflammation, and decreased oxidative stress.
Another animal study showed that the eugenol found in cloves helped reverse signs of liver cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver. Unfortunately, research on the liver-protecting effects of cloves and eugenol in humans is limited.
However, one small study found that taking eugenol supplements for 1 week decreased levels of glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), a family of enzymes involved in detoxification that’s often a marker of liver disease. Cloves are also high in antioxidants, which may help prevent liver disease due to their ability to help decrease oxidative stress. Nevertheless, eugenol is toxic in high amounts. One case study in a 2-year-old boy showed that 5–10 mL of clove oil caused serious liver damage.
May help regulate blood sugar
Research shows that the compounds found in cloves may help keep blood sugar under control. An animal study found that clove extract helped moderate blood sugar increases in mice with diabetes.
Another test-tube and animal study looked at the effects of clove extract and nigericin, a compound found in cloves, both on human muscle cells and in mice with diabetes.
Cloves and nigericin were found to increase the uptake of sugar from the blood into cells, increase the secretion of insulin, and improve the function of cells that produce insulin.
Insulin is a hormone responsible for transporting sugar from your blood into your cells. The proper functioning of insulin is essential for maintaining steady blood sugar levels. In combination with a balanced diet, cloves could help keep your blood sugar levels in check.
May promote bone health Low bone mass is a condition that affects an estimated 43 million older adults in the United States alone. It can lead to the development of osteoporosis, which may increase the risk of breaks and fractures. Some of the compounds in cloves have been shown to help preserve bone mass in animal studies. For example, an animal study found that clove extract high in eugenol improved several markers of osteoporosis and increased bone density and strength. Cloves are also rich in manganese, providing an impressive 30% of the DV in just 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of ground cloves. Manganese is a mineral that’s involved in the formation of bone and incredibly important to bone health. Your excess weight can weigh heavily on your bones and joints, causing permanent damage. An animal study found that taking manganese supplements for 12 weeks increased bone mineral density and bone growth. However, current research on the effects of cloves on bone mass is mostly limited to animal and test-tube studies. More research is needed to determine how it may affect bone formation in humans. Some research indicates that the compounds found in cloves could help treat stomach ulcers. Also known as peptic ulcers, stomach ulcers are painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. They’re most commonly caused by reductions in the protective lining of the stomach, which are due to factors like stress, infection, and genetics. In one animal study, essential oil from cloves was shown to increase the production of gastric mucus. Gastric mucus functions as a barrier and helps prevent erosion of the stomach lining from digestive acids. Another animal study found that clove extract helped treat stomach ulcers and exhibited effects similar to those of several anti-ulcer medications. Though the anti-ulcer effects of cloves and their compounds may be promising, further studies are needed on their effects in humans.
The bottom line
Cloves have many potential health benefits, including keeping blood sugar in check and helping block the growth of bacteria.
As with many healthy foods, they’re most effective when included as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Try integrating a few servings of cloves per week into your meals.
You can easily incorporate ground cloves into many dishes. They’ll bring a warm, distinctive flavor to desserts, curries, or chutneys.
You can also simmer whole cloves in boiling water for 5–10 minutes to make a soothing cup of clove tea. Cloves are delicious and may provide many important health benefits.
Brew a better cup When brewing a fresh cup of tea, use loose leaves with a tea infuser rather than a tea bag if possible. A study on antioxidants in tea found that loose-leaf teas tend to contain more anti-inflammatory antioxidants than tea bags. The same study noted that when steeping tea, 5 minutes is long enough to extract 80–90% of its antioxidant content. A longer steeping time doesn’t extract much more. Be creative and combine different teas and other anti-inflammatory herbs, spices like cinnamon and cardamom, or even fruits like lemon or orange slices. Many of these ingredients work together to provide even more health benefits. Don’t forget that teas are made from plants, which can spoil or lose their potency over time. Always use fresh ingredients when brewing your tea.
Be careful about your tea’s quality and quantity
While teas can help fight inflammation and provide various other health benefits, there are some concerns to consider.
Some tea plants are treated with pesticides and herbicides, so try to choose high-quality, organic or pesticide-free varieties.
A study on pesticides in tea imported from China found residues in 198 of 223 samples. In fact, 39 had residues that were over the European Union’s maximum limits.
In addition, teas should be stored in an airtight container in a dark, dry place. If not stored properly, they can harbor mycotoxins, a harmful byproduct from a fungus that can grow on some foods and has been found in tea.
Finally, some teas may interact with medications, supplements, or herbs if you drink a lot of it. Consult your healthcare practitioner if you have concerns about possible interactions).
The bottom line Drinking tea is an easy and delicious way to enjoy the anti-inflammatory and other health benefits of plants, herbs, and spices. Try sipping on some of the teas listed above, including green, rose-hip, ginger, and turmeric tea, to reap their inflammation-fighting and health-promoting benefits. With so many varieties and flavors to choose from, it’s no wonder tea is one of the most popular beverages worldwide.
If you want more info on the case studies mentioned go to healtline.com.
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