We know certain teas can soothe an aching tummy, and are great for calming the body and mind before bed-time. But did you know that some can help with controlling blood sugar, and even period pain?

There’s a new range of herbal teas in South Africa, all with the aim of not only giving you a delicious and refreshing hot beverage, but to aid and improve various health conditions.

Are you suffering from one of the following?

Bladder and kidney problems

Do you suffer from bladder control? (All women who have had a baby put your hands up). And what about recurring urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or even kidney disease? Aging, pregnancy and birth, cancer treatments, or general lifestyle all play a role.

The helpful herb:Agathosma betulina(Buchu)

Buchu has antiseptic and diuretic properties which helps flush and cleanse the kidneys, potentially removing any cause of infection, and helping to alleviate pain. It is known to break up kidney or bladder stones, and can help reduce prostate inflammation.

Try this tea:   Kaizen Bladder & Kidney Cleanse 

High blood pressure

High blood pressure (or hypertension) is caused by too much blood rushing through your arteries and pushing against the artery walls. This puts pressure on the arteries, and can lead to potentially life-threatening conditions.

The helpful herb: Hibiscus sabdariffa(Calyx)

Hibiscus has been shown to lower blood pressure as effectively as some blood pressure medications. According to motherearthnews.com, hibiscusopens the arteries, helping blood to flow more freely, and it appears to act as a natural angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which means it slows the release of hormones that constrict blood vessels.

Try this tea: Kaizen Blood Pressure Ease Tea

Low or high blood sugar levels

People with high blood sugar are most often diabetic, or are at risk of pre-diabetes. Low blood sugar (also known as hypoglycemia) can also affect diabetics (sometimes it’s the medicine to blame) but hypoglycemia can also affect non-diabetics. Before reaching critical levels, both can be treated with diet and lifestyle changes, but be sure to get checked out by a doctor first.

The helpful herb:  Aloe ferox(Cape Aloe)

On top of a number of other health benefits, studies have shown that Aloe feroxcan be beneficial in improving blood glucose levels. According to diabetes.co.uk, this is due to the presence of compounds such as lectins, mannans and anthraquinones in the plant.

Try this tea: Kaizen Blood Sugar Balance Tea

Mental or physical fatigue

Do you feel continuously tired, drained of energy, struggling to concentrate, or just generally need a pick-me-up to get through each day? Or maybe you’re looking for a boost in that next running race you’ve entered.

The helpful herb: Paullinia Cupana(Guarana)

Guarana is a great source of caffeine (it has twice the amount that coffee does), which helps you maintain focus and mental energy. It has also been used to boost physical performance for centuries.Caffeine works by stimulating the neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, which in turn affects the brain, heart, and muscles. In addition, guarana also contains the stimulants theophylline and theobromine. 

Try this tea: Kaizen Energy & Vitality Tea

Painful ovulation or menstruation 

The ladies all know it – that time of the month where we feel bloated, grumpy and suffer from painful stomach cramps, thanks to menstruation. Middle-of-the-month ovulation pain is not something experienced by everyone but sufferers will know it well.

The helpful herb: Siphonochilus Aethiopicus(African Ginger)

African Ginger has a ton of benefits but the one we’re interested in here is its ability torelieve painful ovulation and periods. The herb has a high percentage of the compound sesquiterpenoid which is known to relax muscle spasms, particularly in the stomach, and acts as a mild sedative and painkiller.

Try this tea: Kaizen Women’s Health Tea