Health Benefits of Infusions
Tea is an instant mood lifter that can always be enjoyed regardless of the time of day or year. This cup of liquid gold has the potential to relax, refresh or re-energize you, but apart from being a delicious brew, it is also rich in nutrients. Apart from tea there are also caffeine-free natural infusions like chamomile, rooibos and peppermint which are just as popular. Some benefits of drinking these teas and infusions include aiding in weight management, improving cardiovascular health or gut health and lowering blood sugar, making tea a rather powerful elixir. Each tea and infusion are unique, from its production to its taste, and its health benefits.
Read more to find out why you should include these healthy Dilmah infusions into your daily lifestyle.
Popular Infusions
Chamomile
The daisy-like flower of this herb is dried and steeped as a tea or used as an extract. Chamomile tea is most often taken before bed as a calming relaxant. This infusion relieves stomach cramps and indigestion, and a compress of chamomile extract soothes irritated skin as well.
Clove
Cloves are highly prized spices, widely recognised all over the world for their medicinal and culinary qualities. Did you know that the spice buds are actually the flower buds from an evergreen rainforest tree native to Indonesian spice islands? Periodically drinking cups of this infusion may improve diabetes symptoms and neurological problems. It also could counter inflammation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Hibiscus
The part of the hibiscus plant that protects and supports the flower is called the calyx. The dried calyces are used to make hibiscus tea. The health benefits of hibiscus tea can include relief from high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as digestive system, immune system, and inflammatory problems. This infusion can also speed up the metabolism and help in healthy, gradual weight loss. It is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and various antioxidants, while also helping to control anxiety.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is native to Sri Lanka and South India, and is now widely cultivated in the tropical areas of America and Asia. Our antioxidant filled Lemongrass infusion has also antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Peppermint
Peppermint infusion is prepared from dried leaves of the plant and is used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid digestion. It also has a calming and numbing effect. A cup of Peppermint infusion is often used to treat headaches, skin irritation, nausea, diarrhoea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, and anxiety associated with depression.
Rooibos
Rooibos tea or red tea is a medicinal, herbal beverage that is acquired from the bush plant that is found in South Africa. When rooibos tea leaves are fermented, they turn an orange red colour and taste sweeter. The unfermented green rooibos tea has a higher antioxidant level. Our Rooibos infusion may benefit heart health by positively affecting blood pressure, and is full of natural antioxidants. Regular consumption of Rooibos infusion may also lower ‘bad cholesterol’ and raise ‘good cholesterol’ in people who are at risk of heart disease.
Rosehip
Rosehips are the round portion of the rose flower just below the petals containing the seeds of the plant. Dried rosehip and the seeds are used together to make medicine. Fresh rosehip contains a lot of Vitamin C, and can prevent and treat colds, flu, and Vitamin C deficiencies. A cup of Rosehip can also prevent stomach spasms, stomach acid deficiency, stomach irritation and ulcers, and can be used as a ‘stomach tonic’ for intestinal diseases.
You can include these healthy infusions in gastronomy and mixology as well, or even pair it with a dish. We have a fun and easy cocktail recipe that can be made at home:
Ingredients
- 60 ml Dilmah Pure Chamomile Infusion
- 30 ml Karven Ginseng Gin
- 100 ml Tonic Water
- A handful of Mint Leaves
Method
- Add one tea bag of Dilmah Pure Chamomile Infusion to 220ml of hot water, steep for 5 minutes, stir, remove tea bag and allow to chill.
- Fill a highball glass with three quarters of ice.
- Add a handful of mint leaves and pour Dilmah’s Pure Chamomile Infusion and Karven Ginseng Gin over the ice and top up with tonic water, stir well and enjoy!
For more recipes inspired by herbal infusions visit 'Recipes Inspired By Nature'.
As you might have noticed, infusions are brewed just like you do a cup of black tea, but is left to steep for longer: 3 - 5 minutes. Combining the elegance of natural spices and herbs with their functionality, Dilmah infusions are beautifully rich in terms of its taste and fragrance. Try the Dilmah Herbal Tea Infusions and experience goodness that taste great!
