Many of us have probably at one time or another taken a chamomile when our stomachs hurt or a lime blossom 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 almost all the world (its use is known in Imperial China, 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 most known and popular infusions that exist , in addition to knowing what benefits each one has for our health.

  • Recommended: “The 12 best infusions to relax”

What do we call an infusion?

We call infusion 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, when extracting by means of the baking part of the soluble elements of the grass, fruit, root or infused leaves.

Traditionally they have been drunk for their taste and for their medicinal properties, since many of the plants used have relaxing, invigorating, astringent or antiseptic properties among others.

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.

  • We recommend: “The 50 best medicinal plants, their effects and contraindications”

Types of infusion

There are many ways to classify the different types of infusions . One of them, and the most common, is that which takes into account the plant in question used to make them, and which gives them their name.

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

1. Tea

Talking about infusions almost inevitably leads to talking about tea . Considered as 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 to help you relax and has components that help you do so) as well as its antioxidant and astringent properties.

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.

2. Chamomile

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. Besides being a drink, it is also used topically to treat wounds or even eye or respiratory problems.

3. Valerian

Valerian is a plant that is usually used to make infusions characterized by inducing sedative and relaxing effects , known since Ancient Greece. It helps to improve sleep and combat fatigue and nervousness, as well as calming pains such as those associated with migraine or menstruation, or reducing blood pressure.

4. Lime tree

Similar to valerian, lime is characterized by being one of the most used infusions to relax and fight insomnia . Made from lime leaves, it was considered the nectar of kings and has antispasmodic, hypotensive (reduces blood pressure), analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Mint tea

Mint is another vegetable whose leaf is usually used in infusions . With a very characteristic flavor, the infusion has satiating, hepatoprotective and diuretic properties, as well as relaxing (unless excessive doses are taken, which produce activation and possible sleep problems).

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

6. Ginger infusion

Made from the root of ginger, this slightly spicy infusion is characterized by its anti-inflammatory properties and favors blood circulation. It also favours the burning of fats and helps to expel gases, although it is especially known for its expectorant properties when suffering from a cold.

7. Lemon balm infusion

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

8. Coffee

Although we don’t generally consider coffee to be an infusion, 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 it is characterized by its stimulating properties (together with theobromine and the 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, the mate is one of the infusions par excellence in South America, especially in Argentina and Uruguay . It is a stimulating drink (containing 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 reach a boil.

10. Horsetail Infusion

Horsetail is mainly used for its diuretic and purifying properties , which help to urinate and combat genitourinary problems such as cystitis or fluid retention.

It reduces blood pressure, it is astringent and healing (it is used on hemorrhages or light wounds) and it allows to reduce inflammations or mouth ulcers, besides containing mineral salts and relevant vitamins for our health.

11. Rosemary infusion

It is not one of the most popular, but you can also make an infusion with rosemary . This infusion contributes to the proper functioning of the digestive system (reduces acidity and gas) and has astringent properties (thus helping to reduce diarrhoea), as well as antibiotic properties. It also helps to improve the functioning of the liver and to reduce cholesterol.

12. Dandelion Infusion

The dandelion, in infusion, helps to increase the secretion of bile and has purifying properties and favors excretion and digestion . The liver, the whole digestive tract and the bones can benefit from its consumption. It also has calming properties and prevents anaemia, as well as helping to control diabetes.

13. Aniseed infusion

Aniseed infusions are also good as sedatives and painkillers , besides helping to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce digestive problems (diarrhoea, heartburn, gastritis…). It reduces mucus and relieves coughing.

14. Sage infusion

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

15. Fruit infusions

This 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 liquefied and then put in water or using slides or even the skins of the fruit.

The properties can vary greatly from one fruit to another, but generally they are diuretic, hydrating and purifying as well as introducing some of the nutrients from 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.