Sipping Hot Tea for Better Health: 7 Teas to Try for Health Ailments

There's something special about the act of brewing a cup of hot tea. Perhaps it is the ritual of selecting the type of tea you want, or watching it brew when placed into hot water. Or it’s the way the first sip makes you feel—especially when it gets cold outside and you want to warm up. There are an endless array of teas available, and many come with different health benefits as well.

“There doesn’t seem to be a downside to tea,” Katherine Tallmadge, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, told WebMD. “I think it’s a great alternative to coffee drinking. First, tea has less caffeine. It’s pretty well established that the compounds in tea—their flavonoids—are good for the heart and may reduce cancer.”

Have a health issue that may benefit from tea? Here are a few types to try along with information on how they may help.

1. Turmeric tea:

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric that lends the yellow color, has been said to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Turmeric tea can be brewed from grated turmeric root or pure powder.

2. Green tea:

This powerhouse tea is packed with antioxidants that may be able to stop the growth of certain cancers. It is also said to prevent artery clogging, counteract oxidative stress, lower the risk of neurological disorders, and burn fat. It’s commonly sold in grocery stores in teabags as well as in containers with loose leaves. Just don’t boil the water you pour over it—that can make it too bitter. Green teas are best brewed with water that is slightly cooler.

3. Hibiscus tea:

Could this herbal tea lower your blood pressure and lipid levels? Some studies claim it can. Just beware that some authorities say that pregnant women should not consume this tea. Otherwise, drink up!

4. Peppermint tea:

You may already know that this is a commonly used tea to treat digestive issues, but did you know it possess antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial and antiviral properties? Peppermint tea may be just what the doctor ordered if you're battling a bacterial or viral illness. It, too, can be brewed by pouring water over a pre-packaged teabag.

5. Chamomile tea:

Largely known for its calming effects, this type of tea can be found in the store in pre-packaged tea bags. Simply pour hot water over the teabag for a soothing sip.

6. Rooibos tea:

Got allergies or kidney stones? Some claims indicate this tea can help.

7. Black tea:

This standard tea has all sorts of benefits and features the highest level of caffeine.

Perhaps the best part of making a pot or cup of tea—no matter which type you prefer—is having quick access to hot water. A hot water dispenser can make drinking tea easy and quick to prepare.