TRIED & TESTED

Warm, comforting and the perfect bedtime ritual, herbal teas are a natural way to reboot your health this summer, says LIZ CONNOR

BUILDERS’ brew may remain our favourite tipple, but herbal teas have been enjoying something of a revival in recent years, thanks to a growing interest in health and wellbeing.

There are plenty of health benefits too – whether you need help getting a good night’s rest or you’re looking to boost your energy, there’s a blend out there for you.

Here are three of our punch-packing favourites...

GREEN TEA

Helps: Those low on energy

LOADED with antioxidant and flavonoids, a warming cup of green tea can help to ward off free radicals – unstable molecules in the body that damage healthy cells. Studies have also found that it can protect against heart disease, clear up acne and act as a powerful antiinflammatory. It’s worth remembering that it naturally contains caffeine – so if you’re a restless sleeper, it’s better to get your hit first thing in the morning rather than last thing at night.

CHAMOMILE TEA

Helps: Those who can’t sleep GENTLE and calming, experts have claimed that the flavonoids in this tea act as a mild tranquilliser and sleep-inducer, binding to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain – just the tonic to help you switch off next time you are tossing and turning into the early hours. Several studies have also linked chamomile to reducing menstrual pain, targeting inflammation and reducing migraines.

PEPPERMINT TEA

Helps: calm an irritated stomach OFTEN referred to as ‘the stomach healer’, this will be your best friend during your next hangover. Why? Because studies have found that menthol has anti-spasmodic effects, which can help soothe stomach ailments, including cramps and even flatulence.

Drinking a cup of peppermint tea in the days leading up to menstruation may also help to treat any stomach upsets.