The regular use of yerba buena tea can provide a surprisingly powerful boost to your overall health, and is quite easy to prepare.
What is Yerba Buena Tea?
Yerba buena tea may describe a number of different forms of tea made from wild mint and other closely related species. Depending on what part of the world you’re in, the term yerba buena may describe various related species, the most popular of which is scientifically known as Mentha arvensis. Also known as field mint or corn mint, this plant is native to Europe and Asia, as well as parts of North America. The leaves of this plant are often used to prepare yerba buena tea, which has a pleasant mint flavor, although it is more subtle than traditional spearmint or peppermint. As mentioned earlier, in some parts of the world, this tea is synonymous with spearmint, whereas, in other regions, this tea is a milder form of tea made from a different species. [1]
This tea is a great source of polyphenolic compounds, catechins, caffeic acid, and caffeine, along with various other active ingredients and volatile compounds. Regular consumption of this tea still takes place in parts of Central and South America as well as Asia, but it is increasingly being found and prepared in North America and other European countries. [2]
A steaming cup of tea can help you destress and unwind after a long week. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Benefits of Yerba Buena Tea
The most notable health benefits of yerba buena tea may include its potential ability to soothe digestion, eliminate bad breath, aid in weight loss, reduce menstrual discomfort, and protect the immune system, among others.
May Aid in Skin Care
Packed with antioxidants, this tea may be able to eliminate free radicals and boost skin health, limit wrinkles, and soothe inflammation. [3]
May Boost Immune System
With catechins and polyphenolic compounds, yerba buena tea can strengthen the body’s defenses against viral and bacterial pathogens. [4]
May Aid in Digestion
The potentially anti-inflammatory nature of this tea can help your stomach balance its pH levels and soothe inflammation-causing diarrhea or constipation. [5]
May Improve Respiratory System
A few glasses of this tea each day can reduce the amount of phlegm and mucus in your respiratory tracts, while also eliminating the underlying infection. [6]
May Aid in Weight Loss
Known to boost the metabolism and increase energy levels, this tea can help you lose weight by suppressing your appetite and increasing your passive fat-burning potential.
May Relieve Pain
Traditionally used as a potentially analgesic substance, this tea is good for pain, both topically and when consumed as tea. This can be great for people suffering from arthritis or recovering from an illness/injury. [7]
Culinary & Cosmetic Uses
Yerba buena tea is primarily used as a beverage, as it has many internal applications, but due to its high concentration of antioxidants and other active ingredients, it can also be applied topically, once it is allowed to cool. Many of the effects it can have on the skin and hair are more pronounced if the tea is used externally. For medical reasons, it is safe to consume 4 cups of this tea per day for a week.
How to Make Yerba Buena Tea?
Making yerba buena tea is quite easy, and can be made from fresh leaves if you have the time. So let us get started.
Yerba Buena Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp of dried yerba buena tea
- 2-3 cups of filtered water
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions
- To make yerba buena tea, allow fresh leaves of the plant to dry for at least 2 weeks.
- Crush the dried leaves and add 2 tablespoons to a teacup. Meanwhile, boil 2-3 cups of water and then add to the teacup.
- Allow the mixture to steep for 30 minutes. Once done, strain the leaves out of the mixture using a strainer.
- Add any sweetener, if you want. Consume this 3-4 times per day for best results. As mentioned above, it aids in weight loss and maintaining a healthy and youthful skin, among other things.
Notes
Yerba Buena Tea Side Effects
The unwanted side effects of drinking too much yerba buena tea include elevated blood pressure, problems with blood sugar regulation, complications with pregnancy, and even fertility problems. These side effects are typically only experienced when an excessive amount of the tea has been consumed, but it is best to start with small amounts and see how your body reacts. Always speak to your doctor before adding a new herbal remedy to your health regimen, particularly if you are pregnant.
