The best anti-inflammatory teas in Australia and New Zealand

Some of the most popular anti-inflammatory teas in Australia and New Zealand are herbal remedies that can ease inflammation, improve digestion and soothe pain.

Several scientific findings support the anti-inflammation and pain relief claims of these teas, therefore making them a possible alternative to pain relief pills.

So if you are suffering from aching muscles or inflammation, read on to find out which is the best anti-inflammatory tea for you.

The best anti-inflammatory teas

 TEA CUPS / DAY PROBLEM
Green Tea 1-3 Inflammation
White tea 1-3 Redness
Black tea 1-2 Inflammation
Oolong tea 1-2 Digestive
Ginger Root 2-4 Arthritis
Turmeric 2-3 Rheumatoid Arthritis

Green Tea can help with inflammation

Green tea is quite possibly the most highly regarded tea, and considering the many scientific studies outlining its health benefits, green tea lives up to its reputation. Read:

Green tea is often regarded as the best tea to drink when you are looking to reduce inflammation. This is because green tea contains high dosage of a catechin EGCG, or Epigallocatechin gallate, which is considered to be the strongest anti-inflammatory antioxidant.

A study even shows that green tea can reduce inflammation and overall can improve the quality of life of those living with chronic inflammatory disease.

Due to its immense popularity, green tea is now available in many different forms, ranging from tablets to essential oils. 

Are there any risks from drinking anti-inflammatory teas?

Like most things in life, moderation is key. Some teas, like black tea and oolong, contain caffeine and drinking too much can lead to a caffeine overdose. For teas like ginger and turmeric tea, too much can overheat the body and can cause some unpleasant stomach aches.

SUMMARY

Green tea contains a very high dosage of EGCG, which is the strongest anti-inflammatory antioxidant.

White tea may reduce redness and inflammation

With its abundance of science-based health benefits, white tea is considered to be the ultimate rival to green tea.

Studies even suggest that white tea and green tea have very similar antioxidant and health benefits, which includes getting rid of free radicals known to cause chronic inflammation.

As white tea is unprocessed compared to other teas, it is believed to possess the most antioxidants. There is even a possibility that white tea contains more of the powerful EGCG anti-inflammatory antioxidant than green tea.


Inflammation can actually be a symptom of underlying serious issues – and drinking white tea might actually relieve the real issue! White tea may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and may also reduce the risk of heart disease.

A study also shows that catechins in white tea may also help aid muscles to recover faster and help reduce muscle damage, which makes white tea the perfect drink for gym junkies hoping to reduce muscle inflammation.

But white tea’s anti-inflammatory properties not only helps to alleviate external injuries, it may also eliminate dandruff and skin allergies. 

SUMMARY

White tea’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties can help in many ways, from reducing the risks of serious health issues, to treating skin allergies.

Black tea is one of the best teas to treat inflammation

Black tea is the most consumed tea in the world and has been a staple part of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries.

Several scientific studies back the health benefits of drinking black tea, and it is considered to be one of the best teas to treat inflammation. Read:

For a tea only known for its caffeine buzz in Australia, black tea is quite amazing. Not only does it boost energy levels, but each cup of black tea contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants, including compounds known as flavonoids.

Research shows that the flavonoids in black tea, help eliminate free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of chronic disorders and inflammation.


Bathing in black tea can also help calm inflamed skin caused by rashes or poison ivy. You can also alleviate pain and reduce swelling of minor bruises and cuts by pressing cooled tea to the swollen area.

SUMMARY

The common black tea, mostly consumed for caffeine, has antioxidants and flavanoids that can treat inflammation.

Oolong tea helps reduce inflammation

Oolong tea is highly regarded for its medicinal properties in East Asia and South East Asia, ranging from being a hangover cure, to its anti-inflammatory properties. Similar to black tea, the partial oxidation of oolong tea creates flavanoids, which also helps reduce inflammation.

Numerous studies show that drinking oolong can support your digestion and can overall boost your immune system.

For those with an inflamed gut, oolong tea is slightly antiseptic and can support the health of your gut microbiome by disinfecting your digestive tract to stop bad bacteria growth. Read:

Drinking oolong tea can also do wonders for your skin, especially if you are suffering from inflammation, as it can reduce the itching caused by eczema and other skin allergies.

You can even apply some brewed oolong, once it has cooled, to acne and blemishes as a topical treatment. Read:

SUMMARY

Oolong tea’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties can help with gut inflammation, and can support digestion.

Ginger for arthritis

Ginger is shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory spice that is even capable of dealing with severe inflammation caused by arthritis.

Several studies even outline the antioxidants, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger. Ginger can even help deal with nausea and stomach aches, as it is also known for its anti-ulcer properties. Read:

Ginger contains gingerols, which is the main source of ginger’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Drinking ginger tea can also possibly lower sugar and cholesterol levels.

In fact, a study even shows that ginger can relieve pains from muscle injury caused by exercise. So if you want to treat aches and inflammation caused by exercising, drinking some ginger tea to subside the pain is a great, natural alternative to taking pain relief pills and tablets.

How many cups of tea do I need to drink to treat inflammation?

Always read the packaging to ensure that you don't over drink as each type of tea is different. Remember, not all teas are equal. The health benefits of your cup of tea will depend on the quality of the tea leaves.

SUMMARY

Ginger is a great alternative to pain relief pills especially if you want to treat inflammation caused by physical injuries.

Turmeric for rheumatoid arthritis

Tumeric is not a common Australian household spice although it really should be.

Tumeric and its many health benefits is well known in South Asian countries and is used often in Indian cuisines.

Turmeric’s powerful anti-inflammatory property comes from curcumin, which inhibits molecules that help cause inflammation. Read:

In a study, curcumin is even noted to be more effective than drugs when treating inflammation. 

Most importantly, because curcumin helps deal with inflammation and oxidation, it helps reduce the risks of heart disease.

Can I substitute tea for anti-inflammation medication?

Tea is great for mild inflammation, aches and pains. However, tea should not be a substitute for any treatment of any chronic condition. If you’re undergoing treatment for health issues, make sure to consult your doctor first to see whether incorporating tea is advisable.

Conclusion

The best anti-inflammatory teas contain bountiful antioxidants that studies even suggest are more effective than pain relief pills. These teas can minimise chronic inflammation, relieve stress and pain, and boost overall health and well-being.