Bush teas from Asia feature prominently in traditional medicine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the use of some herbal teas go back over four thousand years.
Let’s take a brief look at five popular herbal teas from Asia to see how their traditional uses connect with modern research.
1. Moringa Tea
Moringa tea is one of the most widely recognized teas from Asia is Moringa. The Moringa plant is well known for it use in traditional medicine in locations across the globe including South Asia.
All sections of the moringa plant are edible which makes it a great source of remarkable benefits for both humans and animals.
Traditional Uses
Traditional medicinal uses: Moringa tea is an easy way to harness the benefits of tmoringa. The tea has to provide essential nutrient, relieve upset stomach, alleviate constipation and soothe aches and pain,
Moringa tea is also used as a hatural remedy for high blood pressures, managing blood sugar level, and promoting healthy skin and hair.
What does moringa do for the body?
According to a number of studies, Moringa contains many phytochemicals including flavonoids, carbamates, and phenols. They offer benefits like anti-tumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Here’s why these bioactive compounds may provide health benefits for your body.
Bioactive compounds such as quercetin and kaempferol are proven to display blood pressure lowering and anti-tumor behavior.
Zeatin which is present in moringa leaves has proven anti-aging and youth preserving effects. This makes moringa a great option for helping maintain healthy skin and hair.
Several other naturally occurring compounds in moninga are proven to possess pain relieving, fever reducing, and bacteria fighting benefits.
Read more about Moringa tea here
2. Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemums, native to China making it one of the most unique teas from Asia. The plant holds a special place in Chinese culture as one of the country’s “virtuous” plants. Chrysanthemum tea is known for its cooling effect.
For thousands of years, people have brewed and enjoyed chrysanthemum tea, due to its light, fragrant aroma and calming properties.
Traditional Uses: Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the tea is consumed for body aches and pains, to aid digestion and help eye pain and discomforts.
The tea is also taken to reduce fevers, soothe respiratory ailments, boost the immune system, and build strong muscles.
Potential Benefits
Chrysanthemum tea may help improve the flexibility of blood vessels and increase oxygen supply to the brain, providing both heart and brain health benefits.
These chrysanthemum tea benefits are the result of natural products such as amino acids, vitamins and minerals in the flowers.
Essential Amino Acids such as Leucine and Valine are important for muscle growth, regenerating tissue and producing energy. They also help your body make protein, heal wounds and regulate blood glucose levels.
Minerals like calcium and magnesium are naturally found in chrysanthemum tea. These minerals play an important role in maintaining strong and healthy bones. So consumption chrysanthemum tea help lower the risk of bone-related disorders.
Explore more benefits of Chrysanthemum Tea
3. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is brewed from the chamomile plant (belonging to the Asteraceae family). The tea is generally made from two species of Chamomile-German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis).
Chamomile tea is not one of the most popular teas from Asia, however, many people on the continent drink chamomile tea for its soothing properties and potential health benefits.
Traditional Benefits
So what is chamomile tea good for? The tea offers a variety of benefits.
German chamomile: Matricaria chamomilla is commonly known as German chamomile.This tea has calming properties and mild, apple-like scent. It is commonly used for soothing digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Due to its mild sedative effects, German chamomile tea also helps alleviate insomnia, anxiety, and promotes relaxation.
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) has similar properties to German chamomile but has a slightly different aroma. It is often described as sweet and fruity. Like its German relative, Roman chamomile is known for its calming effects, aiding in digestion and promoting relaxation.
It’s also valued for its anti-inflammatory properties which makes it useful for soothing irritations and mild wounds when applied to the skin.
Read more about the benefits of Chamomile tea
4. Green Tea
Whether enjoyed for its health benefits, its role in cultural traditions, or simply its pleasant taste, it is possibly the most widely consumed of all teas from Asia. And it continues to be a beloved and timeless drink worldwide.
Records show that Green tea was first consumed in ancient China over 4000 years ago. As the story goes, Green tea was discovered by Emperor Shen Nong when leaves from a nearby tree blew into his pot of boiling water. The resulting infusion was found to be both refreshing and invigorating.
Over time, the cultivation and consumption of green tea spread throughout China and later to Japan, where it became an integral part of Japanese culture and the traditional tea ceremony.
Folk Medicinal Uses
Traditionally, green tea has been used in various ways in Chinese and Japanese cultures. Because of its moderate caffeine content, Green tea is often consumed to improve mental alertness and concentration.
The presence of the amino acid L-theanine, which promotes relaxation without drowsiness, adds to the teas ability to support brain health.
In addition to its health benefits, green tea holds a significant place in social and cultural rituals. The Japanese tea ceremony, known as “chanoyu” or “sado,” highlights the deep appreciation and ceremonial reverence for green tea.
This is shows that Green tea is more than just a beverage in Asian cultures.
Learn more about the most popular of all teas from Asia
5. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is another of the well-recognized teas frm Asia. The history of ginger tea dates back over 5,000 years to ancient China and India, where it was first used both as a culinary spice and a medicinal remedy. Traditional Chinese medicine has long revered ginger tea for its warming properties.
In various cultures, ginger tea is also consumed as a preventive measure to boost the immune system. Whether sipped to soothe an upset stomach or enjoyed as a warming beverage on a chilly day, ginger tea continues to be a beloved natural remedy around the world.
Traditional Uses
Ginger tea is used to treat a variety of ailments including digestive issues, colds, and flu. Ginger teas ability to stimulate circulation and relieve congestion makes it a staple during the colder months.
In Ayurvedic medicine, practiced in India, ginger tea is celebrated for its ability to balance the body’s doshas (energies) and is commonly used to treat digestive problems, enhance immunity, and promote overall good health.
Explore more benefits of Ginger tea here
Conclusion
The enduring legacy of these five herbal teas from Asia—Moringa, Chrysanthemum, Chamomile, Green, and Ginger—highlights their profound impact on both traditional practices and modern health regimens.
Each of these herbal teas, as well as many other teas from Asia, with its unique blend of bioactive compounds, offers a range of benefits, from anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects to digestive aid and relaxation.
As modern research continues to uncover the mechanisms behind these traditional remedies, the fusion of ancient wisdom and contemporary science ensures that these herbal teas such as popular asian teas will remain treasured natural allies in promoting health and well-being worldwide.
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated here should be viewed as medical advice. See our full medical disclosure here
