A hot cup of tea or coffee is sometimes just the thing we need on a rainy day. The warmth and flavour of these beverages help to wake us up, clear our heads, and give us a much-needed burst of energy when we’re feeling lazy. Sprucing up your tea or coffee with certain ingredients could not only lift the taste and your spirit, but also boost your immunity.

What You Should Know

The Benefits of Tea and Coffee
5 Herbs and Spices that Make Your Tea and Coffee Healthier

The Benefits of Tea and Coffee

Coffee and tea might have a conflicting reputation where some people feel addicted to the caffeine to an unhealthy extent, while other people praise their rejuvenating powers. It is important to remember that too much of anything can be bad, so even with tea and coffee, they are best had in moderation. Some of the benefits of coffee and tea include:

Protection against nerve damage.
Improved blood circulation.
Prevention of liver disease.
Lowered risk of stroke.
Prevention of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer due to polyphenols.

5 Herbs and Spices that Make Your Tea and Coffee Healthier

Peppermint: Peppermint tea is quite well-known, but did you know that you can add a few peppermint leaves when brewing your black coffee or tea? The minty taste contrasts well with the bitter of the beverage and the peppermint oil is a good antimicrobial and antibacterial that can help prevent monsoon infections and keep you healthy.

Lemongrass: Lemongrass is commonly used in herbal tea but it also makes a great addition to coffee. You can even add it to cold coffee for a citrussy flavour. Lemongrass is rich in antioxidants and can prevent or cure inflammation in the body and help strengthen the immune system.

Liquorice Root: Also known as Mulethi, liquorice root adds a distinct pungent flavour to coffee and teas. But, aside from the taste this root works wonders in clearing respiratory tract congestion and improving digestion.

Turmeric: No Indian household spice rack is complete without turmeric. The vibrance of haldi is unmistakable and it forms an integral part of all our cooking. Stylishly dubbed, Turmeric Chai Latte, the humble turmeric tea has been a home remedy for coughs and colds for eons. Half a teaspoon of this spice in your tea or coffee every day will keep all types of infections away.

Cardamom: Elaichi herbal tea or coffee is simply bursting with flavour and can be the perfect pick-me-up, when you’re feeling feverish. This is because cardamom is a rich source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium which help keep the immune system healthy. You can use the whole pods, the seeds or the pods and seed crushed slightly in your beverage to enjoy the flavour and benefits.