5 Herbal teas to relax aches and pains
By Erin Young, founder of boutique Australian tea company Zen Green Tea that specialises in premium matcha green tea powder.
During the course of our daily tasks we can experience many aching muscles and pains, whether it be from existing conditions such as arthritis or simply from straining ourselves physically. These aches and pains can cause stress and fatigue and can often aggravate more conditions, so treating them immediately is paramount. There are some wonderful herbs and plants which can aid in relieving some of these symptoms. Here’s my edit below of the top five herbal teas to aid in relaxing aches and pains.
1. Common sage
Sage is a wonderful herb for treating muscle soreness. Sage is an antispasmodic, which means that it helps to relax muscle fibres It’s a great natural cough medicine too, helping to relax the lungs and throat. It works well as a hot tea to drink and also applied to the skin by steeping a strong hot tea (for 10-15 minutes), waiting it for it to become lukewarm, and then applying it with a tower as a compress on the area experiencing soreness. This herb can be bought at your local supermarket.
2. Matcha green tea
Matcha is a form of green tea where it is the tea leaf stone ground into a fine powder so it actually dissolves in water to form a highly concentrated tea. Studies have shown green tea can help reduce inflammation and arthritis pain because of its active ingredient EGCG which is a powerful antioxidant that works to stop the production of certain inflammatory chemicals in the body. Matcha contains a much higher level of EGCG compared to standard green tea bags making it the perfect anti-inflammatory drink. Additionally, matcha contains an incredibly high level of antioxidants so when you drink matcha your body is flooded with antioxidants that help to stop cell damage that can be the cause of other conditions and inflammation. To make matcha, you simply mix ¼ teaspoon of the powder into a cup of hot water and enjoy. This tea can be bought online at Australian boutique business Zen Green Tea: www.zengreentea.com.au
3. Lavender tea
Lavender is known for its soothing, sleep inducing properties. The tea can assist with flatulence, colic, or an upset stomach. It can be also applied as a wash to the chest to reduce any respiratory conditions like coughs or colds. Drinking a lavender tea and soaking in a bath with lavender oil with some relaxing music is the perfect way to relieve any stress which can often be the cause of muscle spasms. You can steep lavender flowers (bought at your local florist) to form the tea or purchase the dried flowers at your local health food store.
4. Cardamom tea
Cardamom tea, like lavender tea is great for treating stomach conditions i.e. indigestion and nausea. Interestingly, cardamom also works as a caffeine detoxifier if you have consumed too many cups of coffee it helps to remove the caffeine from your system. Cardamom can be bought at your local supermarket and it is a tea often enjoyed with milk. It’s featured in many chai tea mixes (ensure you buy chai leaves though not the powdered sugar laden varieties).
5. Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is a fantastic overall herb which contains both menthol and camphor- two substances which help relieve muscle tension. Additionally, peppermint aids in indigestion, and helps in relieving headaches and anxiety which can cause stress related muscle spasms. This tea can be bought at your local supermarket.
HOT TIP: Relaxing bath
Soaking in a bath is a great way to relax and adding muscle-relaxing herbs both feels great and helps you relieve your stress and aches faster
Instructions: In a muslin bag mix a handful of lavender flowers, a tea bag quantity worth of peppermint tea, sage, a teaspoon of matcha and a few drops of lavender oil. Steep the bag in your bath and enjoy the relaxing effects, the light green colour and the beautiful smell!
Related links:
Inside a tea factory from the 1950s