If you’re looking for an alternative way to feel healthy, drinking tea can be a great option. From chamomile to oolong to green tea, this article explores the health benefits of nine different types of tea. Put on that tea kettle and start boiling that water—you’ll be glad you did!

We’re all always looking for ways to improve our health. We cut down on carbs, we take out gym memberships (that often go unused), and we buy low-fat versions of all our favorite products. If you’re looking for an additional way to feel better without any fuss, then why not go for tea? Not only is drinking tea a warm, cozy experience in the winter and incredibly refreshing in the summer, a lot of teas also have many health benefits. Tea is the second most popular drink worldwide, and a lot of Eastern countries have sung its praises for generations. This article will explain many different types of tea and how they can make you feel healthier.

1. Black Tea

Black tea tends to get a bad rap, thanks to its high caffeine content, but there’s nothing that should stop you from enjoying a warm pot of English breakfast tea. Just make sure you don’t drink any caffeinated beverages after 4 pm or you might have problems getting to sleep at night. Black tea contains antioxidants linked to lower cholesterol levels, and it can cut down your risk of having a stroke, along with protecting your lungs from the effects of cigarette smoke.

2. White Tea

White tea is the least processed of the teas, meaning it contains a lot of antioxidants with anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It can even fight tooth decay. It contains catechins, which help protect you against cardiovascular disease and cancer, and it can also help prevent breast cancer from returning if you’ve already suffered from it. It can help fight the effects of aging by boosting the production of collagen in your skin, and it can even help you lose weight by preventing new fat cells from forming.

3. Green Tea

Make sure you brew your green tea as long as possible to get as many catechins as you can. One cup of green tea has better antioxidant qualities than a serving of spinach or broccoli. It can help prevent heart disease. Research has shown that drinking one cup of green tea every day can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by ten percent. Green tea may also help if you’re suffering from breast, bladder, lung, stomach and colorectal cancer. It can also help reduce the risk of neurological diseases, like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. It can help boost your metabolism by helping your body absorb more nutrients which help you lose weight.

4. Peppermint Tea

If you’re having issues with your digestion, peppermint tea is the one for you. Menthol helps to aid digestion, and peppermint tea can reduce the effects of abdominal gas and bloating. It can also help stop you from feeling nauseated and help with constipation and cramping. If you’re having problems with congestion thanks to a cold or allergies, peppermint tea can help unblock your sinuses. Finally, it’s incredibly relaxing. Have a cup made with mint leaves from your own garden before you go to bed.

5. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is another one that helps with relaxation. If you’re having problems with insomnia, it’s a good idea to add a cup of chamomile tea to your bedtime routine. It’s one of the oldest medicinal herbs and has properties that are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and sedative. That means, if you’re suffering from any aches and pains and finding it hard to sleep, chamomile will help. It can also help you if you’re suffering from a cold or bronchitis.

6. Rooibos Tea

The most well-known property of rooibos tea is that it’s incredibly high in vitamin C. If you want to stave off a cold, it’s a great drink for you. It has a lot of antioxidant properties and can help with skin diseases, like acne and eczema. It’s caffeine free, meaning pregnant women and anyone who has a caffeine allergy can drink it. It also contains minerals such as calcium, which is good for teeth and bones, and magnesium, which helps your nervous system function. It’s also great if you’re suffering from indigestion and it’s a natural antihistamine, containing properties that block histamine in your body, which is what causes allergic reactions.

7. Lemon and Ginger Tea

Both lemon tea and ginger tea are great for you—together they’re an entirely unbeatable combination. Plus, of course, it’s delicious. Ginger can help cure any digestive problems like morning sickness and diarrhea. If you suffer from motion sickness, a flask of ginger tea can help you get through a road trip. Combining lemon and ginger tea is a great way to beat bacterial infections, as both ingredients boost your immune system, and they help stave off headaches. To make ginger and lemon tea, simmer a piece of ginger root for fifteen minutes before adding fresh lemon juice, along with honey if you have a cold.

8. Raspberry Leaf Tea

If you tend to suffer from pre-menstrual cramps every month, raspberry leaf tea can help ease some of your discomforts. It can also help any digestive issues you might be having, along with issues related to metabolism and vitamin deficiencies. Raspberry leaf tea can also help heart problems, gastrointestinal tract disorders, and lung problems.

9. Oolong Tea

Oolong tea can be fruity or woody, but more than anything, it will help your metabolism and make it easier for your body to burn fat and lower your cholesterol. It can help you stay mentally sharp, meaning it’s an excellent tea for older people to drink, and it can help prevent tooth decay and diabetes by helping to regulate your blood sugar levels. It will also help you burn fat around your middle and arms and stop you from craving sugary food.

Finally, remember you should consult your doctor before drinking tea when you’re pregnant. It should be thought of as an additional therapy for any medical issues you might have. It is not a solution in and of itself.