**What are the Benefits of Winter Tea?**
Winter tea not only warms the body but can also contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system. Winter tea, said to be good for fatigue and forgetfulness, has varying effects depending on the herbal blend it contains. Therefore, not every winter tea is the same and may not provide the same effects. The benefits of winter tea, based on the herbs it contains, can be listed as follows:
- **Wild Thyme Benefits:** The flowering parts of the wild thyme plant are used in medicine. Wild thyme has been traditionally used for years for respiratory problems such as cough and bronchitis. It is used to aid in the treatment of kidney and bladder disorders, improve blood circulation, lower bad cholesterol, and treat intestinal gas and colic. It is also preferred for improving sleep quality, supporting the immune system, killing germs, and supporting the treatment of many health problems such as arthritis.
- **Ginger Benefits:** Ginger, a flowering plant originating from Southeast Asia, is among the healthiest and, for some, most delicious spices on Earth. Ginger has a long history of use in traditional medicine. For centuries, ginger has been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and colds. Ginger is rich in gingerol, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A limited study has found ginger to be highly effective against nausea and even helps with chemotherapy-induced nausea. Ginger can aid in weight loss and may help fight obesity. It can significantly lower blood sugar and may help improve heart disease risk factors. It may also help treat chronic indigestion.
- **Cinnamon Benefits:** The leaves, flowers, berries, and roots of the cinnamon tree, as well as extracts from its bark, have been used in traditional medicine around the world for thousands of years. Some limited research suggests that cinnamon may be beneficial for people with diabetes. One study concluded that cinnamon may aid in weight loss.
- **Chamomile Benefits:** Wild chamomile contains chemicals called saponins. These chemicals may help skin cells produce more collagen. It is often used to relieve skin problems and support respiratory health.
- **Linden Benefits:** Linden tea, when consumed as tea, may offer some benefits due to its vitamins, antioxidants, and essential oils. Linden tea has several sedative properties that can help with sleep and reduce anxiety and restlessness. It is known to reduce inflammation and pain, and lower blood pressure.
- **Galangal Benefits:** Galangal is often used to refer to galangal root. Galangal root is a spice native to South Asia and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Galangal root is used because it is believed to help treat infections, reduce inflammation, increase male fertility, and even fight different types of cancer. It is a rich source of antioxidants, which are beneficial plant compounds. It is particularly rich in polyphenols, which have been linked to health benefits such as improved memory, lower blood sugar, and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. It is thought that the active compound in galangal root may kill cancer cells or prevent them from spreading. Limited research suggests that it may fight breast, bile duct, skin, and liver cancer cells.
- **Cloves:** Cloves are the dried flowers of the clove tree and are native to the Spice Islands near China. Cloves are an excellent source of beta-carotene. Carotene pigments can be converted into vitamin A, an important nutrient for healthy eyes. There is some evidence that cloves may help protect the stomach from ulcers. They may also promote better liver function.
