It’s finally a cool, damp day in Corpus Christi. I love when we get a “cold” snap (by which I mean low 50s. Hey—we’ll take it!). My husband and I always try to take advantage of our momentary winter weather. Quick—heat up the cider and dig out the fuzzy socks—it’s time to get our hygge on before the heat and mosquitos return!
Cool weather also means that I let myself sneak a little bit of extra coffee, but if I’m really on my best behavoir, I’ll make a cup of herbal wellness tea: cozy *and* healing. Of course, being the beauty nut that I am, I always try to brew tea that’s beautifying as well! Yes, it’s my belief that tea is an important part of a well-balanced beauty ritual—but don’t take it from me!
The following teas are approved by ancient healing traditions and modern science alike. Here’s our list of yummy teas that comfort the soul while helping your skin glow from the inside out.
1. Ginger Tea
Both ancient folk traditions and modern science recognize ginger root as a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine. Not only does ginger soothe preexisting inflammation, it also helps prevent inflammation in the first place by helping inhibit the induction of certain genes associated with the inflammatory response, which is especially good news if you suffer from chronic inflammation.
Inflammatory skin conditions are among the most common concerns treated by dermatologists. Acne, rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis, and even sun damage are all forms of inflammation. Although each of these conditions requires a multi-faceted treatment plan, adding ginger tea to your regimen will help calm inflammation from the inside out.
Try it: Pour 1-2 cups of hot water over roughly chopped, peeled ginger. You only need a 1-inch knob of ginger, but feel free to add more. Fresh ginger may be combined with other teas, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper.
2. Tulsi Tea
Also known as “Holy Basil” and revered by Ayurvedic practitioners as the “Queen of Herbs,” Tulsi is an adaptogenic herb that promotes a healthy response to stress. By supporting the adrenal glands (which are integral in the stress response), adaptogens help lessen the effects of stress, freeing the body’s energy to be used toward more productive ends. A recent study explains that tulsi targets a variety of stressors, including chemical, psychological, physical, and metabolic stress. Tulsi is also antimicrobial and rich in antioxidants, so it’s good for your immunity, too!
Although some stress is healthy, chronic stress may lead to an array of maladies. Where skin is concerned, ongoing stress is a precursor of inflammation. Chronic stress often plays a role in hormonal imbalances, which can wreak havoc on skin, especially in the form of hormonal acne. Including Tulsi tea in your diet is a great way to support stress management and care for your skin at the same time.
Try it: Tulsi tea has a mild flavor and blends well with over tea varieties. Organic India Tulsi Sweet Rose Tea combines tulsi with chamomile, rose, and lemon myrtle for a refreshing tea experience.
3. Rooibos Tea
This bright red tea with a deep, earthy flavor is celebrated for its high antioxidant content. A natural inflammation fighter, rooibos is also high in alpha hydroxy acid and zinc. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) promote even skin tone. (In fact, you may recognize AHAs from your favorite chemical peels!) Meanwhile, zinc assists in wound healing, building healthy cells, protecting skin from UV damage, and reducing acne. A review of the research on rooibos tea confirms that rooibos tea is effective at preventing the oxidation that leads to premature aging. If you ever get tired of green tea, switch things up with a mug of rooibos.
Try it: Brew rooibos in hot water or enjoy it in a delicious iced rooibos tea recipe. Pick up some loose leaf rooibos from The Tea Spot.
4. Dandelion Tea
Although there are several “detox teas” on the market that promise to help you shed 10 pounds in a matter of days, this detoxifying tea is a different story. Dandelion tea’s combination of vitamins A, B6, and C, calcium, and magnesium make it a potent liver-supporting supplement. In fact, a 2010 study found that dandelion can be used to effectively treat oxidative stress on the liver. The liver is one of the four major organs that help the body process and remove toxins. By supporting the liver, we help unburden the body’s other detoxifying organs–including the skin!
Try it: Pour hot water over a sachet of dandelion tea. Add the juice of half a lemon and a dollop of your favorite liquid sweetener. Try Traditional Medicinals Roasted Dandelion Root Tea.
5. Rose Tea
A natural source of antioxidants and vitamin C, rose tea is a surprisingly delicious beauty tea that blends well with chamomile and mint teas. If you’re not fan of drinking tea, however, you can benefit from rose tea by using it in a steam facial. With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, rose makes a lovely facial steam for both sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Try it: Relax your nerves and treat your skin with Maijan Nourish Healing Herbal Facial Steam, a blend of rose petals, rosemary leaves, peppermint leaves, fennel seed, and geranium oil–a combination designed to soothe skin and cleanse pores.
What are your favorite beauty-boosting herbal teas?
More in skin care: Celeb Esthetician Joanna Vargas Can’t Recommend This Clear Skin Diet Enough
Jessica Alba’s Beauty Ritual Sounds Perfect For Stressed & Busy Women, #AllOfUs
6 Ways To Deeply Detox Your Skin When A Gentle Cleanser Just Won’t Cut It
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Photo: Pexels, Carolyn V on Unsplash, Mary Hood Luttrell, Neven Krcmarek on Unsplash
