The Best Herbal Teas For Every Ailment, From Anxiety To Bloating To Inflammation

A relative to turmeric, ginger lends a satisfying zing and bright note to all kinds of sweet and savory dishes. It's also been used medicinally for centuries to treat conditions like nausea, diarrhea, and arthritis and to energize the mind and body. Purchase it in capsules or add fresh and ground ginger to an array of foods and drinks. Try it in baked goods, juices, soups, sauces, and even smoothies—add a ½ teaspoon for a little flavor kick and stomach soother.

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years to treat inflammation and conditions that stem from it such as breathing issues, arthritis, digestive problems, cancer, and more. It’s antioxidant properties have also been shown to neutralize free radicals and promote inner and outer health and glow. Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, has been extensively studied for its benefits. Known as the “golden goddess,” turmeric has been used for centuries by India’s yogis to improve mobility and flexibility.

Cardamom2, a member of the ginger family, is commonly used to soothe digestive issues like gas, constipation, and IBS. It’s also been studied for its antioxidant properties. Enjoy it in baked goods, sauces, curries, spice rubs, and beverages. Its subtly spicy, almost citrusy flavor pairs well with many other herbs and spices. Incorporate it into a spice rub for organic poultry with turmeric, ginger, coriander, cumin, allspice, and black pepper.

The dried flowers of the chamomile plant contain flavonoids and other powerful compounds. Chamomile4 has been used to treat insomnia, inflammation, muscle spasms, gastrointestinal disorders, and more. Its sweet, gentle flavor makes it ideal for adding a floral note to desserts and drinks (try making almond or coconut milk infused with chamomile). You can also use it in sauces or incorporate it into a spice blend for use in fish and poultry. Essential oils of chamomile are often used for aromatherapy purposes.

We associate roses with love and romance. The scent can also impact mood. Damask rose, for example, is known for having a calming, uplifting effect and has been used to help calm the nerves and soothe the mind5. In food and drinks, it works well with other delicate flavors. Many Middle Eastern recipes feature it as an ingredient in sweet, floral preserves and sauces. It’s also wonderful in desserts like cakes and custards, or added as a garnish to salad.

Cranberry boasts a high antioxidant function. While you can eat cranberries as an ingredient in foods like baked goods, sauces, and juices, cranberry is commonly taken as a supplement in capsule, extract, or powder form to help cleanse the system and protect against infections like UTIs.

Superfood matcha is, essentially, ground up green tea leaves. The best part? You reap all those benefits of green tea9 in an even more concentrated form. The catechins in green tea and matcha have been shown to help protect against disease, support a healthy metabolism, and boost focus and concentration. Matcha powder, with its mellow taste and beautiful green color, is a gorgeous addition to baked goods (hello, matcha muffins), oatmeal, homemade energy bars, or beverages like smoothies or tea—matcha latte, anyone?

For those times you want to take extra care to stay warm and well, elderberry can be part of your cold-fighting kit. Used for centuries to treat respiratory ailments like sinus infections, it is often used to help treat cold and flu symptoms by reducing congestion and possibly helping you sweat more. Maybe not pretty, but definitely important when you want to get back to feeling well fast. Packed with flavonoids whose antioxidant properties help fight off pathogens (like a cold or flu), elderberry deserves a place in your wellness routine. Just be mindful that the berries need to be cooked, as the raw ones contain a compound that’s similar to cyanide—aka poison.