Many of us have probably taken a chamomile on some occasion when our stomachs hurt, or a lime or valerian to relax our nerves.
Many other people consume different types of teas on a regular basis, even forming this infusion of the culture and customs of peoples such as the British. Infusions are and have been a popular product since ancient times in almost the entire world (its use is known in Imperial China, the Celts or pre-Columbian America). And there are many types of infusions that exist,
For this reason, Throughout this article we are going to mention some of the most well-known and popular infusions that exist in addition to knowing what benefits each one has for our health.
We call an infusion a type of drink that is obtained from the introduction of a plant or parts of it generally leaves, roots or fruits, in boiling water.
This process and the permanence of the plants for a time allows the water to acquire part of the flavor and properties of the vegetable, as part of the soluble elements of the infused herb, fruit, root or leaves are extracted by cooking.
They have traditionally been drunk for their flavor and medicinal properties, since many of the plants used have relaxing, invigorating, astringent or antiseptic properties, among others.
But they have not only been consumed orally, but have also been used in dressings or bandages or to help heal wounds, in topical use.
Types of infusion
There are many ways to classify the different types of infusions One of them and the most common is the one that takes into account the plant in question that is used to make them, and that gives them their name.
In this sense, although there is a very wide variety available, below we leave you with some of the most common.
1. Tea
Talking about infusions almost inevitably leads to talking about tea Considered one of the infusions par excellence and part of the cultural heritage of many traditions (including British, Chinese or Japanese), tea is known for its stimulating properties (although it is often considered to help relax and has components that help it) as well as its antioxidant and astringent properties.
In addition, it is nutritious and contains multiple vitamins, and in some cases it is a diuretic and helps lose weight. There are many types of tea, such as green, matcha, red or white.
2. Chamomile
One of the best known infusions is chamomile , especially for its ability to protect our digestive tract and contribute to improving intestinal discomfort and digestive tract problems, even ulcers. It is also an infusion with relaxing properties. In addition to being a drink, it is also used topically to treat wounds or even eye or respiratory problems.
3. Valerian
Valerian is a plant with which infusions are usually made, characterized by inducing sedative and relaxing effects , known since Ancient Greece. It helps improve sleep and combat fatigue and nervousness, as well as calm pain such as migraine or menstruation, or reduce blood pressure.
4. Linden
In a similar way to valerian, Linden is characterized by being one of the most used infusions to relax and combat insomnia Made from linden leaves, it was considered the nectar of kings and has antispasmodic, hypotensive (reduces blood pressure), analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Mint infusion
Mint is another vegetable whose leaf is often used in infusions With a very characteristic flavor, the infusion has satiating, hepatoprotective and diuretic properties, as well as relaxing (unless excessive doses are taken, which cause activation and possible sleep problems).
It helps to improve digestion and reduce gas, in addition to improving intestinal metabolism, and is especially used to improve respiratory conditions.
6. Ginger infusion
Made with ginger root, This slightly spicy infusion is characterized by its anti-inflammatory properties and because they promote blood circulation. It also promotes fat burning and helps expel gases, although it is especially known for its expectorant properties when suffering from a cold.
7. Lemon balm infusion
This type of infusion, known since ancient times in Europe,** is characterized by promoting intestinal transit and by its hypnotic-sedative properties**, generating relaxation and helping to promote sleep.
8. Coffee
Although generally at a social level we do not usually consider coffee as an infusion, the truth is that it is: ground coffee beans infused in boiling water or milk. Along with tea, it is one of the most consumed infusions in the world, and is characterized by its stimulating properties (along with theobromine and theophylline, caffeine is one of the xanthines).
It also has hepatoprotective properties improves mood and although it increases blood pressure, it helps prevent heart attacks and even some types of cancer.
9. Matte
Although in Europe it is not a very common drink, Mate is one of the quintessential infusions in South America, especially in Argentina and Uruguay It is a stimulating drink (containing caffeine) and is characterized by its antioxidant and diuretic properties.
It is made from yerba mate (especially its leaves) infused in high temperature water that should not boil.
10. Horsetail infusion
Horsetail is used mainly for its diuretic and purifying properties which help to urinate and combat genitourinary problems such as cystitis or fluid retention.
It reduces blood pressure, is astringent and healing (it is used on bleeding or minor wounds) and helps reduce inflammation or mouth ulcers, in addition to containing mineral salts and vitamins relevant to our health.
11. Rosemary infusion
It is not one of the most popular, but you can also make an infusion with rosemary This infusion contributes to proper digestive functioning (reduces acidity and gases) and has astringent properties (which helps reduce diarrhea), as well as antibiotics. It also helps to improve liver function and reduce cholesterol.
12. Dandelion infusion
Dandelion, in infusion, It helps increase bile secretion and has purifying properties that promote excretion and digestion The liver, the entire digestive tract and bones can benefit from its consumption. It also has calming properties and prevents anemia, in addition to helping to control diabetes.
13. Anise infusion
Anise infusions are also good as sedatives and calming , in addition to helping regulate the menstrual cycle and reducing digestive problems (diarrhea, heartburn, gastritis…). Reduces mucus and relieves cough.
14. Sage infusion
With anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and soothing properties, Sage infusion helps relieve menstrual pain and headaches as well as combat throat infections and colds It also helps reduce fluid retention and relax muscles (in topical use).
15. Fruit infusions
It is a fairly broad category since there are many fruits that can be used in infusion Red fruits, melon, lemon, grapefruit, mango, pineapple or watermelon are some examples, which can be liquefied and then introduced into water or using shoots or even the skins of the fruit.
The properties can vary greatly from one fruit to another, but in general they are diuretic, hydrating and purifying in addition to introducing some of the nutrients of the fruit itself (although it will never be as much as eating the fruit).
