According to the findings of a new study, those people who drink 2-3 cups of high quality back tea every day have lower blood pressure for 2-3 points on average. Though this does not sound as something miraculous and impressive, the scientists assure us that even such minor changes in relation to lowering blood pressure can have quite considerable effects and even work for prevention of serious cardiovascular problems like heart disease and so on. Those are the conclusions of an expert group of the School of Medicine and Pharmacology at the University of Western Australia in Perth, Australia, published recently in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

The study involved monitoring blood pressure levels of 95 participants, both male and female, who have been consuming black tea on a day-to-day basis. In the beginning of the experiment, their systolic pressure levels varied between 115 and 150. Then, the participants were divided into two groups (absolutely similar in such important factors as age, gender, weight category, and so on), one of which was offered to drink 3 cups of high quality black tea, and the control group was offered a placebo drink with a tea-like flavor and caffeine content.

After six months, it turned out that the members of the group which was consuming real black tea displayed a steady reduction in their systolic blood pressure for 2-3 points, as well as 2 point reduction of their diastolic pressure. Experts see a great deal of potential in the findings of Australian scientists, because some other researches have shown effectiveness of a regular black tea consumption is linked to improved function of endothelial cells. Those are the cells covering the interior of our blood vessels, and all endothelial dysfunctions are considered the first signs of hypertension (or increased blood pressure) in people.

It is green tea. Well, do not hope for a miracle and do not think that by only drinking 10 cups of green tea a day (without supporting this with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise) you will manage to lower your BMI. However, according to the findings of specialists at Penn State University in the US, it is possible to slow down weight gain by drinking several cups of high quality green tea a day, and this works good for those who are already overweight. These properties and benefits of green tea are attributed to a special compound, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which can slow down weight gain even in case of using a high-fat diet.

During the experiments, a group of experts led by Dr Joshua Lambert worked with obese mice. The rodents were kept on a high-fat diet, and  the group which was given EGCG compound demonstrated about 45 per cent slower weight gain compared to the other control group fed on the same type of diet. Later on, the scientists found out that the group fed with EGCG supplement absorbed about 30 per cent smaller amounts of fat than the control group. At the same time, there was no evidence found that green tea components can suppress appetite.

The scientists say that in order to receive an equivalent amount of EGCG, one should consume about 10 cups of green tea  a day. However, 10 cups of green tea a day is way too dangerous amount, which can seriously harm a person’s health. Therefore, to enjoy the benefits of green tea, it is enough to drink just several cups a day. ‘Human data – and there’s not a lot at this point – shows that tea drinkers who only consume one or more cups a day will see effects on body weight compared to non-consumers,’ Dr Lambert says. Read more about the findings of this research in the latest issue of the online journal Obesity.

We know that drinking 3-4 cups of tea a day allows us to reap the most of its therapeutic properties. Simon Gibbons, Professor of Phytochemistry at the University of London School of Pharmacy, says that the best way of enjoying health benefits of black tea is to consume a cup of it in the morning, a cup in the noontime and one in the evening. The specialist says that recent studies have shown very clearly: those people who drink 3-4 cups of tea a day can fully enjoy the benefits of antioxidants in tea and have lower chances for having a stroke, developing brain tumors, severe infections and so on.

According to the findings of a research carried out by the specialists from the Netherlands, there are strong links between and a regular consumption of black tea (without milk) and reduced risks of a stroke. It is a known fact that black tea is rich in flavonoids, natural nutrients with very strong antioxidant powers, which can lower the production of “bad” LDL cholesterol in our body this way lowering risks of clogging or narrowing the arteries and decreasing risks of a heart attack or stroke. The results of this study were supported by new evidence from the specialists in the US: 5 cups of black tea a day can help lowering LDL cholesterol level by 11%.

Other health benefits of black tea include helping us to focus and stimulate our brain function. Scientists at the University of Northumbria suggest that such substances as L-theanine and caffeine which can be found in abundance in black tea leaves, can effectively improve our thinking abilities and cognitive skills. In addition, according to the findings of a study in Imperial College, drinking about 100 ml of black tea a day is linked to up to 34% reduced chances to develop such brain tumor as a glioma, which is among very common and incurable types of tumors.

Feverfew

Feverfew extracts and fewerfew tea are being used today as most effective herbal remedies for headaches and migraines, and these properties of feverfew are supported by numerous studies: in particular, the ones by the specialists at the Harvard Medical School and the experts from the British Medical Journal. Nowadays, as an alternative to preparing feverfew tea, it is possible to find many supplements with this herb. However, they should be used very carefully due to high toxicity of this medicinal herb. Side effects of using feverfew include skin allergies like sores or irritations, indigestion, constipation, weight gain and so on.

In a historical perspective, feverfew tea has its place among those natural remedies which could regulate hormonal balance in women and assist in treating menstrual pains, PMS symptoms and other related problems. Feverfew can be effectively used to treat arthritis as it has excellent anti-inflammatory properties which were thoroughly studied by the specialists from Yale University. Feverfew tea benefits include positive effects of this herb on the digestive system: you can try using feverfew tea of feverfew extracts to combat such problems as heartburn, gas, nausea, indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea and so on. It is also very good for

Feverfew can be recommended to those who have asthma, liver problems or anemia. Feverfew infusion can be used externally to treat many skin problems including psoriasis. Finally, new studies by the specialists at Clemson University found scientific evidence of the fact that feverfew extracts have a great potential for being an excellent natural anti-cancer agent, especially for breast cancer. Numerous feverfew tea benefits can work great for everyone, but it is necessary to be cautious when using this natural remedy due to possible side effects of this medicinal herb. Do not forget to talk to your doctor or a medical specialist prior to taking any medication or starting any therapy involving feverfew.

Lungwort

Lungwort tea is rich in flavonoids, tannins, saponines, vitamin C and other useful compounds and nutrients. Health benefits of lungwort tea embrace anti-inflammatory, expectorant, demulcent, slightly diuretic, astringent and other properties of this medicinal herb. It is very easy to prepare lungwort tea: take 1 teaspoon of dried lungwort leaves, add 150 ml of boiling water and steep for 10-15 minutes. Then, strain, add some honey or lemon juice and enjoy your herbal tea!

Lungwort tea benefits primarily include its therapeutic effects on respiratory system. It is one of the best herbal remedies to relieve the most common symptoms of flu and colds, including whooping coughs, sore throat, chest pains and many more. It is recommended to everyone who suffers from asthma, bronchitis, lung bleeding and swellings, pneumonia, tuberculosis, catarrhal problems and other health conditions. To maximize the effects when trying to combat the symptoms of common cold or lung problems, you can use lungwort tea in conjunction with lobelia, licorice, coltsfoot or white horehound.

Health benefits of lungwort tea also include excellent anti-inflammatory properties of this herbal remedy, therefore, this infusion can be used to treat a great number of skin infections, as well as wounds, cuts, swellings, eczema, burns and many other types of skin damage. It is an old natural remedy to treat various kidney problems, along with haemorrhoid, diarrhea and other common gastrointestinal problems.

Astringent and other lungwort tea benefits are very soft and gentle, and using this natural remedy is not linked to unwanted side effects or allergic reactions. Therefore, this infusion can be safely given to children. Drinking lungwort tea 2-3 times a day or using other herbal remedies consisting this medicinal herb can help prevent and treat the above mentioned symptoms of common cold and influenza in children. To combat infections in adults, lungwort can be used in the form of lungwort tincture. It is especially effective for various respiratory and urinary infections.

Fennel

Fennel herb has a variety of medicinal properties and therapeutic actions, which are most commonly used by consuming fennel tea made from fennel seeds. Fennel tea is highly valued as a great natural diuretic, stimulant, detoxifying and anti-inflammatory agent, natural aphrodisiac and so on. Health benefits of fennel tea are derived from rich content of fennel plant: it can be a great source of antioxidants, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins (including B group), as well as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, folate, molybdenum and many other useful elements and nutrients.

Fennel tea is known as one of the best and most effective natural aids for digestion. It can assist in avoiding upset stomach, getting rid of colic, bloating, abdominal and stomach cramps, relieving constipation and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and so on. Fennel tea is an excellent herbal remedy which stimulates detoxification and prevents water retention. Aphrodisiac properties of this natural product can help boost sexual desire, as well as treat the symptoms of PMS by regulating estrogen effects. Fennel tea benefits include also soothing sort throat, reducing fever and managing other symptoms of respiratory diseases like flu or common cold.

For centuries, fennel tea has been known and used as an effective weight loss aid since, in addition to its excellent detoxifying effects, this natural product can also assist in lowering bad cholesterol levels in blood and stimulating metabolic processes. Rich in vitamins C, fennel tea is very beneficial to our immune system. Other health benefits of fennel tea embrace banishing bad breath, reducing appetite, relieving the symptoms of asthma, acting as an antimicrobial agent and so on.

Finally, fennel infusion or fennel tea benefits can be used externally: in particular, for treating eye infection (conjunctivitis). To prepare a good fennel tea, take one teaspoon of fresh or dried fennel seeds (crushed), add a cup of boiling water, steep for 5-10 minutes, and then strain. Remember that it is necessary to avoid boiling fennel seeds when preparing fennel tea, because boiling kills most of  nutrients and beneficial natural properties of fennel tea. Also, keep in mind that using fennel is linked to increased toxicity, so talk to your doctor before taking any type of fennel tea or other product involving fennel seeds.