The 15 types of infusions (characteristics and benefits)

Many of us have probably at some time taken a chamomile when our guts hurt or a linden or valerian 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. The infusions are and have been a popular product since ancient times in most of the world (its use is known in Imperial China, the Celts or pre-Columbian America). And there are many types of infusions that exist,

For this reason, Throughout this article we are going to mention some of the best known and popular infusions that exist, in addition to knowing what benefits each one has for our health.

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What do we call infusion?

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

This process and the permanence for a time of the plants allows the water to acquire part of the flavor and the properties of the vegetable, as part of the soluble elements of the grass, fruit, root or leaves is extracted by cooking infused.

Traditionally they have been drunk for their flavor and for their medicinal properties, since many of the plants that are used have relaxing, invigorating, astringent or antiseptic properties among other

But they have not only been consumed orally, but have also been used in dressings or bandages or to help heal wounds, in topical use.

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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 make them, and that gives them their name.

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

1. Tea

Talking about infusions almost inevitably leads to talking about tea. Considered 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 that it helps to relax and has components that help it) as well as its antioxidant properties and astringents.

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

One of the best known infusions is chamomile, especially for its ability to protect our digestive tract and help improve intestinal discomfort and digestive tract problems, including ulcers. It is also an infusion with relaxing properties. In addition to being a drink, it is also used topically to treat wounds or even eye or respiratory problems.

3. Valerian

Valerian is a plant with which infusions are usually made characterized by inducing sedative and relaxing effects, known since Ancient Greece. It helps to improve sleep and combat fatigue and nervousness, as well as to relieve pain such as those of migraine or menstruation, or reduce blood pressure.

4. Linden

In a similar way to valerian, linden is characterized by 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 of the vegetables whose leaf is usually used in infusions. With a very characteristic flavor, the infusion has satiating, hepatoprotective and diuretic properties, as well as relaxants (unless excessive doses are taken, which produce activation and possible dream).

It contributes to improving digestion and reducing gas, as well as improving intestinal metabolism, and is especially used to improve respiratory conditions.

6. Ginger infusion

Made with ginger root, this slightly spicy infusion is characterized by its anti-inflammatory properties and by promoting blood circulation. It also promotes fat burning and helps to expel gas, although it is especially known for its expectorant properties when you suffer from a cold.

7. Infusion of lemon balm

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

8. Coffee

Although generally at a social level we do not usually consider the 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 stimulating properties (along with theobromine and theophylline, caffeine is one of the xanthines).

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

9. Mate

Although in Europe it is not an excessively frequent drink, Mate is one of the infusions par excellence in South America, especially in Argentina and Uruguay. It is a stimulating drink (which contains 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 come to a boil.

10. Horsetail Infusion

Horsetail is used mainly for its diuretic and purifying properties, 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 allows reduce inflammations or mouth ulcers, in addition to containing mineral salts and vitamins relevant to our Health.

11. Rosemary infusion

It is not one of the most popular, but it can also be infused with rosemary. This infusion contributes to good digestive function (reduces acidity and gas) and has astringent properties (which helps reduce diarrhea), as well as antibiotics. It also helps improve liver function and lower cholesterol.

12. Dandelion infusion

The dandelion, in infusion, helps increase bile secretion and has cleansing and excretion-promoting properties. The liver, the entire digestive tract and bones can benefit from its consumption. It also has calming properties and prevents anemia, as well as helping to control diabetes.

13. Anise infusion

Anise infusions are also good as sedatives and painkillers, in addition to helping to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce digestive problems (diarrhea, heartburn, gastritis ...). Reduces mucus and relieves cough.

14. Sage infusion

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

15. Fruit infusions

It is a fairly 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 blended and then placed in water or using shoots or even the skins of the fruit.

Properties can vary greatly from one fruit to another, but are generally diuretic, hydrating, and cleansing in addition to introducing some of the nutrients of the fruit itself (although it will never be as much as eating the fruit).

Bibliographic references:

• Moskin, J. (February 15, 2006). "Must be Something in the Water". New York Times.