Infusions are a type of natural drink that are achieved by adding in boiling water, flowers, leaves, fruits, roots, seeds or bark of certain types of plants that, in many cases, are usually aromatic. In addition, there is a large number of varieties of infusions to take at any time, many with full properties for different times of the day.
In this article we want to show you what are the main varieties of infusions that you can prepare, with information about each of them and their main properties.
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Main varieties of infusions
Many plants are known for the benefits they can bring to our body, because they have properties that contribute to strengthen and improve health. Almost all of them serve as relaxants and in turn serve to protect cells by their antioxidant effects.
Among the main varieties of medicinal infusions that we can find:
1. Chamomile infusion
It is also known as chamomile. It is a perennial plant of European origin and daisy family, very common in temperate zones that can grow up to 70 centimeters in height.
Chamomile is perhaps one of the most common plants to make infusions, for its richness in medicinal properties and beauty. Nowadays it is very common to see lotions and creams that contain this plant among its ingredients.
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, sedative, antibacterial and anti-allergic properties. It is frequently used to soothe pain, to treat respiratory as well as digestive problems. It is used to control some metabolic diseases and lowers cholesterol. Helps prevent osteoporosis.
With chamomile you can buy different varieties of infusions, since it is usually used as the main base and add other herbs, such as chamomile with mint, valerian plus chamomile, etc.
2. Infusion of Menta
This plant is of European origin, widely used in Mediterranean cuisine and very popular for being an excellent to refresh the breath. It is very easy to recognize by its characteristic aroma. It does not require much care so it is common to see it in homes.
It is known more than 20 different medicinal properties. It is used as an analgesic, antispasmodic, antibacterial. It is a digestion stimulant and is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome. It is an excellent antioxidant and is very useful for treating respiratory problems.
The aroma of mint is effective for nausea and relieves headache. Mint has anticoagulant properties, so it improves circulation. It is used to calm nerves, stress, anxiety and heart palpitations.
Mint is also used as a complement to mix various varieties of infusions. The best known is the infusion of mint-pennyroyal.
3. Infusion of Valeriana
Valerian is a perennial plant of European origin and part of Asia, although it is currently very easy to get in North America. It can be commonly found in wet and wooded areas. It can measure up to 1.20 meters high.
This plant is well known for its tranquilizing properties and a good alternative to combat insomnia. It also has antiseptic, analgesic, anticonvulsant properties and digestive system problems. Its use is recommended as a natural antidepressant.
4. Infusion of Verdolaga
It is an annual plant native to southern Europe, India, the Middle East and widespread in Spain and America. Purslane is medicinal and edible for use with a slightly acidic and salty taste. It grows to 40 cm in height.
Being a plant with high content of omega-3, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, bioflavonoids, amino acids, neurohormones and neurotransmitters, it is considered a medicinal superfood that is used for digestive, diuretic and depurative problems.
Its use is ideal for controlling blood pressure, is a natural antioxidant and controls cholesterol. Its consumption regulates helps to strengthen the bones. Helps eliminate hemorrhoids and is very effective for cases of diarrhoea and vomiting.
5. Infusion of Tomillo
This plant is native to Asia, Europe, North Africa and Greenland, which can be found almost anywhere in the world. It is widely known in the culinary arts, it is also usually given medicinal and cosmetic use.
It is effective in combating diseases of digestive and genitourinary and respiratory origin. It is very useful for soothing coughs and menstrual cramps. Has anti-inflammatory properties, healing and antiseptic. It serves to treat cases of anemia, fortifies the immune system and is an antioxidant.
6. Infusion of Ginseng
It is a small slow-growing plant widely used in China for its healing properties. This plant is of Asian and American origin and only the root is used, which, upon reaching adulthood, can adopt forms similar to the human body.
It is used to reduce blood pressure, and protects the cardiovascular system. It helps strengthen the immune system and is effective in delaying old age. Promotes the increase of insulin. Its use is recommended for disorders of the digestive system.
7. Infusion of Ginger
It is a plant native to South Asia that has spread to tropical regions around the world. From it only the root is used for culinary and medicinal purposes, especially in China and Peru. However, the best ginger plants are grown in India, Jamaica and Austria.
Ginger has been shown to be of great help in treating menstrual pain, digestive system problems, rheumatic pains. It is used as an anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, vasodilator. It serves to accelerate the metabolism and is an excellent aphrodisiac.
8. Infusion of Garden Mint
Also known by the names of mint and garden mint, which can reach 30 cm in height and is of European origin. It is used for medicinal and gastronomic purposes, since its leaves have a very characteristic pleasant smell.
One of its frequent uses is to combat bad breath. It is a good expectorant and an excellent digestive, it is also used as an analgesic, controls diabetes. It is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It is used to control cholesterol and blood pressure.
9. Infusion of Basil
Basil also known by the name of alhábega, is an annual plant of Asian origin, which due to its aroma is widely used in the preparation of food and for its medicinal properties, is used to treat certain conditions of the body.
Among the benefits that this plant has, we can mention that it is very useful to strengthen the immune system. Basil infusion is used to lower fever, headaches and to improve eyesight. It is very useful for relieving digestive problems and prevents bad breath. It has anti-inflammatory properties.
10. Infusion of Rosemary
It is a perennial aromatic shrub that can reach 2 m in height and is native to the Mediterranean region. It enjoys a great reputation in the gastronomy of almost the whole world and for the medicinal benefits it brings to the organism.
It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is used to fight diseases of the digestive and respiratory system. It is also combined with antibiotics to treat certain sexually transmitted diseases. It has great utility in the prevention of cerebral aging and prevents neuronal damage.
Finally, it is important to note that, although it is true that the consumption of infusions with plants that possess medicinal qualities and properties, are beneficial for health, it should also be taken into account, that each of them has a recommended dose and in some cases, they have contraindications.
