Herbal tea is very common in Turkey, consumed to cure ailments and illnesses, or just to join in the tea culture without sipping something that'll keep you up all night!
In the winter in particular, herbal teas are very common and freshly-brewed herbal tea is common in most cafés.
It's almost always brewed with the ingredients themselves rather than out of a tea bag, and the flavors are just as amazing as the health benefits!
Ihlamur Tea (Linden Flower Tea)
One of the most common varieties of herbal tea in the winter is not popular in much of the rest of the world.
The taste of linden flower is light, with an almost lemony flavor to it. It forms a greenish/yellowish flavor which itself feels relaxing when you're under the weather.
Linden flower has been drunk for centuries in Turkey, and locals attest to its benefits. It's been scientifically proven to be helpful to the common cold, and may well help relieve fevers as well.
Papatya Tea (Chamomile Tea)
Chamomile is common outside of Turkey as well, though perhaps it's more traditional in Turkey than in other cultures.
In Turkey, it's given particularly to children to help them sleep at night, with sometimes teaspoons even given to nursing infants to relieve their gas and help calm them to sleep.
It has a calming function and helps with menstrual cramps, and the antioxidants present in the tea make for fantastic stress-relievers.
Adaçayı Tea (Sage Tea)
The herb's strong phytochemical makeup means that it's effective at reducing stress, sweating, menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, and saliva.
Sage tea is also used for sore throats, coughing, and mouth irritations.
Or, again, just as a way to drink something fresh and hot in the winter months – you're sure to feel better after a glass of Turkish sage tea!
Nar Tea (Pomegranate Tea)
Some of the best pomegranates in the world come from Anatolia, so it's no surprise that pomegranate tea is a particular Turkish delight!
Pomegranates are strong in antioxidants, and pomegranate tea has been shown to event chronic diseases, boost heart health, aid in weight loss efforts, and reduce inflammation, and more.
A burst of strong pomegranate, brewed fresh and heated up to warm the heart is really a great way to pass a cool autumn or winter day.
