Whether you’re looking to soothe a temporary injury or sore muscles, or need relief from a chronic inflammatory condition, tea can be a great way to reduce inflammation and treat pain. There are a variety of beneficial compounds present in different kinds of tea that can help to soothe inflammation, including tea itself as well as rose petals and rose hips, ginger, turmeric, chamomile, and more.
Top 12 anti-inflammatory teas
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Ginger tea
Our pick: Atomic Gold Organic Herbal Tea
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Turmeric tea
Our pick: Atomic Gold Organic Herbal Tea
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Chamomile tea
Our pick: Egyptian Chamomile Organic Herbal Tea
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Rose tea
Our pick: Lavender Lullaby Organic Herbal Tea
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Cinnamon tea
Our pick: Cinnamon Pu-erh Tea
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Clove tea
Our pick: Masala Chai Black Tea
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Lemongrass tea
Our pick: Linda’s Lemon Ginger Green Tea
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Licorice tea
Our pick: Sing Your Song Organic Herbal Tea
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Black tea
Our pick: Nepalese Gold Organic Black Tea
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Green tea
Our pick: Gyokuro Green Tea
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White tea
Our pick: Himalayan Spring Organic White Tea
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Rooibos tea
Our pick: Rooibos Chai Organic Herbal Tea
What is inflammation?
Inflammation is one of the ways that the body protects itself against harm. You might be familiar with acute inflammation, which occurs when you sustain a minor injury, cut, or bruise. Acute inflammation is marked by redness, soreness, and swelling at the site of the injury as the body works to repair itself and fight off any potential infections.
In addition to acute inflammation, however, some people also suffer from chronic inflammation, which persists in the body over time. Chronic inflammation can sometimes be the result of illness or lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, or being overweight. Chronic inflammation is often responsible for heart attacks and strokes. Inflammation can also contribute to other chronic illnesses, including arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and autoimmune disorders.
If you’re looking to reduce chronic inflammation, there are a variety of teas and tisanes with beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. Tea can be a great addition to a healthy lifestyle when it comes to warding off inflammation and preventing chronic illness.
The best teas for inflammation
Teas with ingredients like ginger, turmeric, chamomile, rosehips, and more are all good choices for soothing inflammation.
1. Ginger teas
Ginger is a popular ingredient in many herbal and caffeinated teas, and is well-known for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger imparts a sweet, spicy flavor to tea, and has many medicinal benefits. In particular, ginger teas can be used to reduce muscle pain, arthritis, and other inflammation-related illnesses.
2. Turmeric teas
A member of the ginger family, turmeric has been used in herbal and ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to its many medicinal properties. Turmeric contains a compound known as curcumin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote health and wellness. Turmeric tea brews up a vibrant-orange gold color, and has recently seen a surge in popularity as more people become aware of its many health benefits.
3. Chamomile teas
Chamomile is a soothing, floral herbal tea that has been used as a remedy for colds, coughs, muscle pain, and other illnesses for centuries. Chamomile has been shown to reduce symptoms of inflammation, and can also help to give the immune system a boost and help improve overall health. Chamomile tea can be enjoyed on its own, with a dollop of honey, or blended with other herbs and spices.
4. Rose petal and rosehip teas
Tea made from rose petals and rosehips has a wide variety of benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, rosehip has been shown to be effective in treating illnesses including arthritis and other diseases related to inflammation. There are a variety of teas that contain rosehips and rose petals, including both herbal and caffeinated blends.
5. Cinnamon teas
Cinnamon is a warm, woody spice that’s used to flavor many spiced tea blends, from Masala Chai Black Tea to Dandy Cinnamon Pu-erh Tea and more. Cinnamon teas also contain anti-inflammatory properties. Whether you’re suffering from temporary inflammation due to injuries or exercise, or dealing with chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis, a cup of cinnamon tea can help to soothe pain.
6. Clove teas
Cloves are another ingredient often used in chai tea blends. Not only do cloves contain anti-inflammatory properties, but studies show that they also have anti-cancer properties thanks to a component called eugenol. Cloves are intensely aromatic with a subtle sweetness and spice, making them a wonderful addition to spiced tea blends.
7. Lemongrass teas
While studies concerning lemongrass are still ongoing, research suggests that it could play a role in treating inflammation. It may also help to lower blood pressure and even help prevent infections. Lemongrass imparts a light, slightly tart flavor to tea blends.
8. Licorice teas
Licorice root is naturally sweet, which makes it a popular addition to herbal tea blends. Licorice also helps to balance out strong flavors like ginger and turmeric, adding a subtle sweetness to these teas. Studies have shown that licorice root tea may help to reduce inflammation. Just be careful to consume licorice root moderately - too much of this tasty herb can elevate your blood pressure.
9. Black teas
If you’re looking to reduce inflammation, a cup of black tea can set you on the right track. Black tea contains theaflavin, a polyphenol that is responsible for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. Black tea comes in a wide variety, from classic black teas like English Breakfast to flavored black teas like Masala Chai. Black tea can be enjoyed on its own, or taken with milk and sweetener for a traditional, English-style cup.
10. Green teas
Green tea has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea is especially high in antioxidants, which can help to reduce free radicals and combat oxidative stress. In addition to fighting inflammation, green tea has a wealth of other health benefits, including antiarthritic, antibacterial, antiviral, and neuroprotective properties. If you’re looking to drink green tea to reduce inflammation, there are a variety of options to choose from, from sweet and vegetal Japanese green teas, to light and nutty Chinese green teas, to popular flavored green teas like Jasmine Yin Cloud and Moroccan Mint.
11. White teas
Like black and green tea, white tea has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. White tea also tends to be lower in caffeine than both black and green tea, making it a great option for those looking to lower their caffeine intake while still reaping the many inflammation-fighting benefits of true tea.
12. Rooibos teas
Rooibos is an herbal tea primarily grown in South Africa. Sometimes called red tea or red bush tea, Rooibos has a full body similar to that of black tea and has a pleasant natural sweetness. This herbal tea is also caffeine-free, making it a great alternative for tea drinkers looking to cut down on caffeine. Rooibos contains a type of antioxidant known as flavanoids, which have been shown to significantly reduce the symptoms of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Using tea to treat inflammation
Whether you’re dealing with the temporary inflammation of sore muscles and swelling, or are suffering from symptoms of chronic inflammation, teas can be a great way to help reduce inflammation and provide relief from the symptoms of related illnesses. In addition, reducing inflammation can help to prevent illnesses such as strokes and heart attacks. While you should always consult with a medical professional when dealing with serious illness, tea can be a tasty way to reduce symptoms of inflammation on a daily basis. And with so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find one that strikes your fancy!
FAQS about anti-inflammatory teas
Does matcha reduce inflammation?
Like green tea, matcha contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and soothe pain. Because matcha is made from powdered green tea leaves, it contains even more concentrated amounts of the beneficial properties present in green tea.
Is ginger turmeric tea good for inflammation?
Ginger and turmeric are both potent anti-inflammatory herbs, so they’re often included together in herbal tea blends. Our Atomic Gold Herbal Tea features anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, and licorice root.
Are herbal teas anti-inflammatory?
While not all herbal teas help to reduce inflammation, many herbal teas contain anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, rosehips, chamomile, and more.
