Spilling the tea in retail pharmacy

For a long time people have been spilling tea, and not in the way that Gen Z’s tend to use the term, but consumers have spilt tea into their cups to enjoy the many health benefits it contains. Studies published have shown people have been drinking tea to increase their health since ancient times, and there’s more than a kettle full of evidence to show it.

 Tea types
Traditional teas are brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant¹, <Superscript> and while some studies have shown the leaves from the plant have been used for medicinal purposes, it’s herbal teas which are made from dried fruits, flowers, spices or herbs² that are more likely to be used to improve someone’s health. The following are different types of teas and how they help with health:

Chamomile tea.  Known for its calming effects, chamomile tea has also been shown to help improve sleep quality and is believed to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and liver-protecting properties.²  

Green tea.  It’s labelled as one of the healthiest teas, and rightfully so with green tea being proven to be packed with antioxidants, can assist cognition and maintain weight.³

Peppermint tea.  Mostly known for its support within digestive health, peppermint tea also has antibacterial and antiviral properties.²  

Ginger tea.  Filled with many disease-fighting antioxidants, ginger tea is reportedly a well known remedy for nausea.²  Some evidence has also shown it may help prevent stomach ulcers, relieve indigestion and reduce pain linked to menstruation.² 

Hibiscus tea.  A beverage that’s filled with strong flavours – hibiscus has shown it can lower blood pressure, reduce the growth of bacteria and even assist in weight loss.² 

Echinacea tea. The echinacea tea is a popular remedy when it comes to treating the common cold with some studies showing it can shorten the duration of a cold.² 

Risks and recommendations
Like most things in life, too much of a good thing can turn bad and tea is no different. Over drinking tea, which has minimal levels of caffeine in it can increase nervousness and lead to poor sleep.⁴  Some people have also been shown to experience loose stools and other gastrointestinal problems from drinking too much tea, so it’s best to monitor one’s intake if it seems they are excessively drinking.⁴  

Reference list:

1. Khan, N. & Mukhtar, H., 2013. Tea and Health: Studies in Humans (Published in Curr Pharm Des) doi: 2174/1381612811319340008
2. Healthline, 2023. 10 Healthy Herbal Teas You Should Try.com/nutrition/10-herbal-teas
3. Healthline, 2023. 10 Evidence-Based Benefits of Green Tea.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea
4. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2022. The Health Benefits of Tea.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/the-health-benefits-of-tea

This article was first published in RPA April.