Tea has been prized for its calming and soothing qualities for thousands of years and today the health benefits of this most humble beverage are more prevalent than ever. Whether you want to improve your immune system, assist with digestion, or wind down after a busy day, somewhere, there is a tea for what ails you. Between the variety of options available to you, finding the right tea can be life-changing. Whether it's the antioxidant-packed green tea or the calming chamomile, each variety brings its own set of benefits supporting various parts of the body.

1. Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most thoroughly researched teas for health benefits. Loaded with potent antioxidants such as catechins and specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) , green tea is a great antioxidant that battles oxidative stress, helps maintain a healthy heart, and also may help with weight management by increasing metabolism. Research has shown that regular intake of green tea can reduce bad cholesterol and the incidence of cardiovascular conditions. And it's moderate caffeine makes a nice natural energy boost without the jittery effects of coffee, so this is also a great choice for health-oriented people looking for balance in a picturesque bottle.

2. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is a great choice for those with indigestion or bloating. Peppermint tea is well known as a soothing herb, peppermint calms the digestive system and treats indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Menthol in peppermint acts as a natural muscle relaxant and also helps reduce stomach cramps and promote a healthy digestive system. And, unlike caffeinated teas, peppermint tea is naturally caffeine free, so it can serve as a great dinner drink that won't keep you up. Its crisp taste is also good for a palette cleanse after a meal too.

3. Chamomile Tea

For relaxation and stress relief, the old classic chamomile tea is always a good choice. As an all-natural sleep aid, chamomile has apigenin, a fairly relaxed antioxidant that interacts with the brain's receptors to provide a soothing and, in the end, a non-sleepless experience. A warm mug of chamomile tea can be an appealing drink to help you relax and unwind toward the end of the day. Besides being a soother, chamomile is full of constitutive anti-inflammatory properties; this is why it can be great applied topically for minor nuisances such as a sore throat or skin irritation.

4. Dandelion Root Tea

Want to do a little detox or support that liver of yours? Dandelion root tea is perfect. A simple, humble dandelion root. While it's treated as an ugly step child, it is also a diuretic and helps the body eliminate excess water and toxins. It also is high in vitamins A, C and K and minerals like potassium and iron. Dandelion tea has been used for centuries to promote healthy livers and help support digestion by increasing the flow of bile. It is a bit bitter so you might want or need to work your way up to taking it, but the detoxifying value is definitely worth considering including it into your health regimen.

5. Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea, vivid red and tart. High in vitamin C and antioxidants, hibiscus tea has been clinically shown and studied to benefit people suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol. And because it's a natural diuretic, it also promotes flushing the kidneys of surplus sodium. People tend to enjoy it as an iced beverage which makes it a perfect drink for the summer, however, it is equally beneficial for you, if you consume it hot, in fact even better for you if you are aiming on preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Generally speaking, the right tea for you will vary based on your individual health needs but drinking a combination of these brews is a good way to take an overall healthy approach. When you're looking for an energy boost, or digestive support, or stress relief, or boost to the immune system, there's a tea to help. Through thoughtful and feeling imbibing, one may leverage the all-natural therapeutic attributes of tea to boost overall health and vigor. So, instead of grabbing your standard frosty beverage next time, why not opt for a metabolism-boosting drink like a cup of tea; it can also help you lose weight and my your body an entirely new way to energize.