The Winter Warrior: An Herbal Tea Review

Celestial Seasonings Peppermint tea, Bigelow Chamomile Vanilla with Honey, Bigelow Lemon Ginger, and JusTea Little Berry Hibiscus, along with my favorite mug. Photo Credits: Edie Berke

Edie Berke, Staff Writer for the Powderhorn

January is well-known as one of the coldest months in the High Country. As winter sets into Watauga County, it brings with it a host of problems, including plummeting temperatures, seasonal depression, and increased illness due to close proximity. Luckily, most people have the perfect weapon to combat these issues right in their cupboards: herbal tea. This seemingly simple drink, as well as being delicious and warming you up, carries a long list of health benefits.

Most types of tea come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The leaves of this plant are harvested and processed to produce white, black, yellow, green, and oolong tea. The type of tea made depends on the specific variety of Camellia sinensis the leaves come from and how much oxidation they are allowed to undergo. Herbal tea differs from the other teas in that it is made from combinations of flowers, fruits, spices, roots, and herbs that come from other plants. I tried four of the most common herbal teas (peppermint, lemon ginger, chamomile, and hibiscus) and ranked them based on flavor from least to most favorite.

Peppermint

Peppermint is one of the more versatile plants on this list; its leaves are used in cooking, teas, and essential oils. The mint plant got its name from a Greek myth about the god Hades and a nymph named Minthe, in which she was turned into a plant by Hade’s jealous wife, Persephone. Myths aside, this plant was grown and used in Greece, Rome, and Egypt to freshen breath and aid digestion. The Indian alternative medicine system Ayurveda considers peppermint a “cooling” herb that balances out digestive “heat” in the body.

Peppermint is still used today to aid digestion by alleviating symptoms of IBS. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds, which combat chronic inflammation and help reduce the risk of diseases like arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. These compounds in peppermint act as muscle relaxants that can soothe menstrual cramps and headaches. Peppermint tea is also a common home remedy for colds and the flu, as the menthol acts as a natural decongestant. Some say that it can even improve concentration and memory.

This was probably the boldest out of the four teas. Celestial Seasonings Peppermint comes in strong with the cooling, almost medicinal minty flavor. It is clean and intense, and it tastes exactly how you would expect it to. This fragrant tea is best with a little sugar to enhance the very slight natural sweetness.

Lemon Ginger

Lemon ginger tea is made by steeping lemon slices and either sliced or ground ginger in boiling water. Contrary to popular belief, ginger is not a root, but a rhizome, a plant whose stem grows underground. It was cultivated in India and China as early as 5000 BC, where it was drunk to soothe sore throats. Ayurveda, the alternative medicine system, hails ginger tea as an immunity and digestion aid. Lemons also have medicinal properties; they were often prescribed on ocean voyages to cure scurvy, a Vitamin C deficiency. 

When both ingredients are combined, their health benefits multiply. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease arthritis and muscle pain, as well as supporting heart health by improving circulation. Both lemon and ginger are rich in antioxidants, which neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals that steal electrons from the body’s molecules. Antioxidants are known to boost immunity, providing protection against minor illnesses. Drinking lemon ginger tea can increase fluid intake, which helps with the body’s natural detoxification processes. It can also aid digestion by relieving symptoms of nausea, bloating, and indigestion. 

This tea had one of the stronger flavors. Bigelow Lemon Ginger is a bold tea with an edge to it: the bright, sunshiny lemon leads, followed by the herby, earthy ginger, which adds a different kind of sharpness. These two zesty flavors work in harmony and are deepened by adding a spoonful of honey.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus tea is made from the calyx of the hibiscus flower, which is the green, leaf-like segment that connects the bud to the stem. Hibiscuses are the national flower of Malaysia, and they only bloom for a day or two. These ephemeral flowers are native to West Africa, where the tea is often called bissap. In ancient Egypt, it was called karkade and commonly drunk by pharaohs and high-ranking court officials. 

Hibiscus tea is most well-known for its antioxidants, which help protect the liver from toxins and oxidative stress. It also relieves stress on the heart by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Hibiscus has anti-inflammatory properties as well that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The tea is a good source of Vitamin C, which has myriad benefits such as promoting collagen formation and iron absorption. 

The flavor profile of this tea stood out, making it a close runner-up. JusTea Little Berry Hibiscus is delicate and floral with fruity undertones. The slight natural sweetness marries perfectly with the cranberry-like tartness of the flower. This smooth, bright tea is perfect for a warm spring afternoon, hot or iced, with a splash of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness.

Chamomile

The chamomile flower has long been regarded as a medicinal plant. Native to Europe and Western Asia, it was first promoted by the Greek physician Asclepiades of Bithynia in the first century BC. It was often used in Greece for gynecology and urinary tract health. Almost two thousand years before this, however, the Egyptians cultivated it as a sacred flower of the sun god Ra, and it was used in religious ceremonies. 

Although it may not be used much in gynecology anymore, the Greeks were right to study chamomile. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties that can reduce stress and discomfort caused by premenstrual syndrome. The anti-anxiety properties of chamomile make it a popular bedtime tea, as it can help people fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality. Other benefits include lowering blood sugar, helping prevent osteoporosis, and promoting skin health.

This was my favorite, and by far the smoothest of the four teas. Bigelow Chamomile Vanilla with Honey is creamy, soothing, and vaguely sweet, with almost coconutty undertones. The best way I can describe it is like a fleece blanket for your mouth. The vanilla and honey add a perfect depth of flavor so that no additional sweetener is needed. And considering I took a nap about half an hour after drinking it, I would say it is definitely effective.

Overall

Though each tea had its merits, chamomile stood out as having the best flavor profile and being the most relaxing. The sweetest and fruitiest was the hibiscus, making it a good dessert tea. People who enjoy strong teas would most likely like the peppermint, and for those who are battling winter illnesses like cold and flu, I would recommend the lemon ginger and peppermint to stave off the symptoms of sore throats and congestion.