The 15 types of infusions (characteristics and benefits)

We explain the composition and health benefits of taking each type of herbal tea.

Many of us have probably taken a chamomile tea when we have a stomach ache or a linden or valerian tea 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 almost everywhere in the world (its use is known in Imperial China, in the Celts or pre-Columbian America). And there are many types of infusions,

For this reason, For this reason, throughout this article we are going to mention some of the best known and most popular infusions that exist.We will also find out what benefits each one has for our health.

• Recommended: "The 12 best infusions to relax".

What do we call infusion?

We call infusion to a type of beverage obtained from the introduction of a plant or parts of it, usually leaves, roots or fruits, in boiling water.usually leaves, roots or fruits, in boiling water.

This process and the permanence during a time of the plants allows the water to acquire part of the flavor and the properties of the vegetable, when extracting by means of the boiling part of the soluble elements of the grass, fruit, root or infused leaves.

Traditionally they have been drunk for their flavor and for their 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, they have also been used in dressings or bandages or to help heal wounds, in topical use.

• We recommend: "The 50 best medicinal plants, their effects and contraindications".

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 prepare them, and that gives them their name.

In this sense, although there is a very wide variety available, we leave you with some of the most common ones.

1. Tea

Talking about infusions leads almost inevitably to talk about tea.. Considered as 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 to do so) as well as its antioxidant and astringent properties.

It is also nutritious and contains multiple vitamins, and in some cases is diuretic and helps to lose weight. There are many types of tea, such as green, matcha, red or white.

2. Chamomile

One of the most well-known infusions is chamomile teaEspecially for its ability to protect our digestive tract and help to improve intestinal discomfort and digestive tract problems, including ulcers. It is also an infusion with relaxing properties. Besides as a beverage, it is also used in topical use to treat wounds or even eye or respiratory problems.

3. Valerian

Valerian is a plant that is usually used to make infusions characterized by inducing sedative and relaxing effects, known since Ancient Greece.It has been known since Ancient Greece. It helps to improve sleep and combat fatigue and nervousness, as well as to soothe pain such as migraine or menstruation, or reduce blood pressure.

4. Tila

Similar to valerian, lime blossom is characterized for being one of the most used infusions to relax and fight insomnia.. Made from linden leaves, it was considered the nectar of kings and has antispasmodic, hypotensive (lowers 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 produce activation and possible sleep problems).

It helps to improve digestion and reduce gas, as well as improve intestinal metabolism, and is especially used to improve respiratory conditions.

6. Ginger infusion

Elaborated with the root of ginger, this slightly spicy infusion is characterized by its anti-inflammatory properties and for promoting blood circulation. It also promotes fat burning and helps to expel gases, although it is especially known for its expectorant properties when suffering from colds.

7. Melissa infusion

This type of infusion, known since ancient times in Europe,** is characterized by promoting intestinal transit and by its sedative-hypnotic** properties, generating relaxation and helping to promote sleep.

8. Coffee

Although socially we do not usually consider coffee as an infusion, the truth is that it is: ground coffee beans infused in boiling water or milk. Together with tea, it is one of the most consumed infusions in the world, and is characterized by its stimulant properties (together with theobromine and theophylline, caffeine is one of the xanthines).

It also has hepatoprotective propertiesIt improves mood and although it increases blood pressure, it helps prevent heart attacks and even some types of cancer.

9. Mate

Although it is not a very common drink in Europe, mate is one of the infusions par excellence in South America, especially in Argentina and Uruguay, Mate is one of the infusions par excellence 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 water at a high temperature that should not boil.

10. Horsetail infusion

Horsetail is mainly used for its diuretic and depurative properties, which help to urinate and fight urinary problems.which help 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 reduces inflammation or mouth ulcers, besides containing minerals 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 good digestive function (reduces acidity and gas) and has astringent properties (thus helping to reduce diarrhea), as well as antibiotic. It also contributes to improve liver function and reduce cholesterol.

12. Dandelion infusion

The dandelion, in infusion, helps to increase bile secretion and has depurative properties and promotes excretion and digestion.. The liver, the whole digestive tract and bones can benefit from its consumption. It also has soothing properties and prevents anemia, as well as helping to control diabetes.

13. Anise infusion

Aniseed infusions are also good as sedatives and painkillers.They also help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce digestive problems (diarrhea, acidity, gastritis...). It reduces mucus and relieves coughs.

14. Sage infusion

With anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and soothing properties, sage infusion helps to relieve menstrual cramps and headaches as well as to fight throat infections and colds.. It also helps to reduce fluid retention and relax the muscles (in topical use).

15. Fruit infusions

This is quite a 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 in water or using slices or even the skins of the fruit.

The properties may vary greatly from one fruit to another, but generally they are diuretic, hydrating and depurative as well as introducing some of the nutrients of the fruit itself (although it will never be as much as eating the fruit).