| In recent years, much research has been done on | | | | a significant portion of the beverages consumed in |
| ways to prevent breast cancer and other disease. | | | | the Western world. |
| Much of the research has focused on green tea, | | | | Most people who drink herbal teas buy commercially |
| which has been shown in many studies to have | | | | produced loose teas or tea bags. And, this is |
| cancer preventing qualities. | | | | considered the safest way to consume herbal teas. |
| So much research has been done, in fact, that | | | | Making your own brew from plants you've picked in |
| Japan's medical community now calls green tea a | | | | the wild is risky, at best. |
| known cancer preventative, and other medical | | | | If you're taking prescription medication, be sure to |
| communities are expected to follow suit. | | | | consult with your doctor before making herbal teas |
| One recent study, however, suggests that herbal | | | | part of your regular routine. Some herbs have been |
| teas may be effective in preventing breast cancer, | | | | known to have interactions with medications. But, as |
| too. The UK Tea Council reported on a study | | | | long as your doctor approves, there's no reason to |
| conducted on over 4000 French women with no | | | | avoid herbal teas, whether for health protection or |
| history of cancer. The women were studied over a 6 | | | | just for pleasure. |
| year period, and received a mammogram and other | | | | There are dozens of different types of herbal teas |
| cancer screening tests every two years during the | | | | available. In fact, one of the pieces of information not |
| period. | | | | noted in the study mentioned above was what kind |
| In addition, the women were evaluated based on the | | | | of herbal teas the study participants drank. But, if |
| particular beverages they consumed, including herbal | | | | you're interested in trying them, here are some of |
| tea, regular tea, coffee, fruit juices and wine. | | | | the most popular varieties. |
| By the end of the six year period, 95 of the | | | | Rooibos - This is an herbal tea whose base is the |
| participants had developed breast cancer. However, | | | | South African Rooibos herb -it's often referred to as |
| the study could not find any link between any of the | | | | red tea. You'll find this tea delicious and sweet on its |
| beverages consumed and an increased risk of breast | | | | own, but it can also be found flavored with other |
| cancer. | | | | fruits. |
| Surprisingly, however, they did find that the women | | | | Yerba Mate Herbal Tea - This tea is made from the |
| that consumed herbal teas had a slightly lower risk of | | | | South American herb Yerba Mate. It is very healthy; |
| developing breast cancer than those women who | | | | full of anti-oxidants and vitamins and is said to give |
| consumed other beverages. | | | | energy. |
| Herbal tea, of course, is not really tea at all. Rather | | | | Chamomile - This is a traditional herbal tea made from |
| herbal teas, also known as tisanes, are really infusions | | | | the chamomile plant. Chamomile has been used for |
| of one or more herbs. They are made with hot | | | | centuries to induce sleep and relieve upset stomachs. |
| water and taken like tea, hence the name; but true | | | | Ginger Tea - Spicy ginger has been used for |
| herbal teas contain no leaves from the Camilla | | | | centuries to make tea. It's delicious and also highly |
| sinensis plant, the tea tree. | | | | regarded as a treatment for nausea. Ginger tea is an |
| However, herbal teas can have many useful | | | | especially good natural treatment for morning |
| purposes, and are used to treat many discomforts | | | | sickness. |
| naturally. | | | | Lavender Tea - Tea made from the lavender plant |
| Just as they are thought to have discovered | | | | has been used for many years to help calm the soul |
| traditional tea, it is believed that the Chinese | | | | and induce sleep. A weak brew of lavender can be |
| discovered herbal teas, too. Herbs were widely used | | | | used to calm a colicky baby, too. |
| in ancient medicines, and the Chinese, were the first | | | | Herbal teas can be a wonderful addition to your diet. |
| to combine the healing properties of herbs with the | | | | They can be used to treat minor ailments and |
| enjoyment of tea. | | | | provide a feeling of calm. And, now that there's |
| Brewing a tea from the correct combination of herbs | | | | evidence that herbal teas may help prevent breast |
| may simply have been the easiest way to administer | | | | cancer, they can become part of your regular health |
| the medicine. | | | | protecting routine. |
| Herbal teas were not widely used in the Western | | | | Protecting yourself from cancer includes living an |
| world until the last 20 years, though Asian cultures | | | | overall healthy lifestyle. This includes getting regular |
| have continued to use them in conjunction with | | | | exercise, eating a diet that is low in saturated fat and |
| modern medicine. However, in the last few years, | | | | rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and not smoking. |
| herbs have become popular in the rest of the world | | | | Be sure to include the most potent anti-oxidants in |
| for relaxation and as alternative medical treatments. | | | | your diet too, like those found in blueberries, |
| Statistics show that today consumers spend about | | | | artichokes, pomegranates and green tea. Following |
| $120 million on herbal teas at major supermarkets, | | | | these guidelines and adding a cup or two of herbal |
| and that figure is growing at a rate of about 10% | | | | tea, as well, can help you protect your health for |
| per year. So, you can see that herbal teas make up | | | | years to come. |