In recent years, much research has been done on ways to prevent  breast cancer and other disease. Much of the research has focused on  green tea, which has been shown in many studies to have cancer  preventing qualities. So much research has been done, in fact, that  Japan's medical community now calls green tea a known cancer  preventative, and other medical communities are expected to follow suit.
One  recent study, however, suggests that herbal teas may be effective in  preventing breast cancer, too. The UK Tea Council reported on a study  conducted on over 4000 French women with no history of cancer. The women  were studied over a 6 year period, and received a mammogram and other  cancer screening tests every two years during the period. In addition,  the women were evaluated based on the particular beverages they  consumed, including herbal tea, regular tea, coffee, fruit juices and  wine.
By the end of the six year period, 95 of the participants  had developed breast cancer. However, the study could not find any link  between any of the beverages consumed and an increased risk of breast  cancer. Surprisingly, however, they did find that the women that  consumed herbal teas had a slightly lower risk of developing breast  cancer than those women who consumed other beverages.
Herbal tea,  of course, is not really tea at all. Rather herbal teas, also known as  tisanes, are really infusions of one or more herbs. They are made with  hot water and taken like tea, hence the name; but true herbal teas  contain no leaves from the Camilla sinensis plant, the tea tree.  However, herbal teas can have many useful purposes, and are used to  treat many discomforts naturally.
Just as they are thought to have  discovered traditional tea, it is believed that the Chinese discovered  herbal teas, too.  Herbs were widely used in ancient medicines, and the  Chinese, were the first to combine the healing properties of herbs with  the enjoyment of tea. Brewing a tea from the correct combination of  herbs may simply have been the easiest way to administer the medicine.
Herbal  teas were not widely used in the Western world until the last 20 years,  though Asian cultures have continued to use them in conjunction with  modern medicine. However, in the last few years, herbs have become  popular in the rest of the world for relaxation and as alternative  medical treatments.
Statistics show that today consumers spend  about $120 million on herbal teas at major supermarkets, and that figure  is growing at a rate of about 10% per year. So, you can see that herbal  teas make up a significant portion of the beverages consumed in the  Western world. Most people who drink herbal teas buy commercially  produced loose teas or tea bags. And, this is considered the safest way  to consume herbal teas. Making your own brew from plants you've picked  in the wild is risky, at best.
If you're taking prescription  medication, be sure to consult with your doctor before making herbal  teas part of your regular routine. Some herbs have been known to have  interactions with medications. But, as long as your doctor approves,  there's no reason to avoid herbal teas, whether for health protection or  just for pleasure.
There are dozens of different types of herbal  teas available. In fact, one of the pieces of information not noted in  the study mentioned above was what kind of herbal teas the study  participants drank. But, if you're interested in trying them, here are  some of the most popular varieties.
Rooibos - This is an herbal  tea whose base is the South African Rooibos herb -it's often referred to  as red tea. You'll find this tea delicious and sweet on its own, but it  can also be found flavored with other fruits.
Yerba Mate Herbal  Tea - This tea is made from the South American herb Yerba Mate. It is  very healthy; full of anti-oxidants and vitamins and is said to give  energy.
Chamomile - This is a traditional herbal tea made from the  chamomile plant. Chamomile has been used for centuries to induce sleep  and relieve upset stomachs.
Ginger Tea - Spicy ginger has been  used for centuries to make tea. It's delicious and also highly regarded  as a treatment for nausea. Ginger tea is an especially good natural  treatment for morning sickness.
Lavender Tea - Tea made from the  lavender plant has been used for many years to help calm the soul and  induce sleep. A weak brew of lavender can be used to calm a colicky  baby, too.
Herbal teas can be a wonderful addition to your diet.  They can be used to treat minor ailments and provide a feeling of calm.  And, now that there's evidence that herbal teas may help prevent breast  cancer, they can become part of your regular health protecting routine.
Protecting  yourself from cancer includes living an overall healthy lifestyle. This  includes getting regular exercise, eating a diet that is low in  saturated fat and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and not smoking.
Be  sure to include the most potent anti-oxidants in your diet too, like  those found in blueberries, artichokes, pomegranates and green tea.  Following these guidelines and adding a cup or two of herbal tea, as  well, can help you protect your health for years to come.