1. Caffeine-Free

One of the top reasons to drink herbal tea is that it doesn't contain any caffeine. Do you find it impossible to get going in the morning until you've had your coffee fix? That's a sign that you're addicted to caffeine, and it isn't healthy. Try to wean yourself off coffee and stick to just an occasional cup, replacing it with herbal teas when you want a warm drink.

2. Medicinal Benefits

Herbal teas also have medicinal benefits and contain antioxodants, which help combat free radicals. They can help all kinds of health problems, including digestive upsets and sleep problems. Herbal teas are also worth trying to alleviate menopausal symptoms and anxiety. Try making a fresh ginger and lemon tea when you feel a cold or sore throat coming on.

3. Relaxing

Curling up with a herbal tea is beautifully relaxing on a cold, rainy day. It's also an excellent way of helping yourself to wind down before going to bed. Try hibiscus or camomile for their calming qualities. Camomile is particularly good if you suffer from anxiety.

4. Sleep Aid

As I've already mentioned, herbal teas don't contain caffeine, which is a stimulant. So it's a far better choice than coffee or tea before bed, which may contribute to keeping you awake. You can buy special sleep blends, but it's just as easy to make your own. Try camomile, lavender (you can drink it as well as smell it!), lemon balm or valerian, which is often found in herbal sleep aids.

5. Improve Digestion

Herbal tea can also help if you have digestive problems. It's always worth having some peppermint tea in the cupboard in case you get an upset stomach. You can also try it for alleviating any bloating or to help you digest a meal. Peppermint is also worth trying if you suffer from IBS. Do avoid it if you have heartburn though.

6. Hydration

We all know the importance of making sure that you drink enough liquid, but not everyone likes water. Herbal teas are a pleasant way of increasing your water intake without drinking unhealthy sodas or sugary juices. Why not take some herbal teas to work instead of automatically reaching for the coffee jar?

7. Healthier Option

Finally, herbal teas are a much healthier option than pretty much everything except plain water. They're a good way of drinking fluids without adding extra calories, so are ideal if you're trying to lose weight. There's also a huge variety, so you're sure to find several you like.

Herbal teas can be beneficial for your health, but do be cautious if you have any health issues. Check first if there are any herbal teas that you shouldn't drink; for instance, you shouldn't drink raspberry leaf tea in the earlier months of pregnancy. It would be lovely to grow your own herbs, so that you can use them for cooking as well as making delicious teas! What is your favorite herbal tea?