Drinking peach leaf tea may not be in your normal health routine, but it can provide a wide range of health benefits if you regularly consume it.
What is Peach Tea (Peach Leaf Tea)?
Peach tea, or peach leaf tea, is an herbal tea prepared from the dried leaves of the peach tree, along with the dried bark. Peaches are native to China, and bear the scientific name Prunus perspica; different parts of this tree have been used for various culinary and medicinal purposes throughout history.
Peach tea is also sometimes made by using regular black tea and flavoring it with peach leaves or bark, but this isn’t as potent, nor does it tap into the nutritional benefits and active ingredients of peaches. In a tea brewed purely from the leaves (and/or bark) of the peach tree, there is no caffeine, making this a popular option for many people. [1]
The peach iced tea is a perfect drink for a hot summer day. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Peach Leaf Tea Nutrition Facts
Peach tea benefits from many of the nutrients found in peaches themselves, including vitamins A, C, E, K, and various B vitamins, albeit in rather small amounts, as well as potassium, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium. More importantly, there are ample amounts of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds in peach leaf tea, which drives many of the health benefits it can provide. In a single cup of peach tea, there are barely any calories, typically less than 5. [2]
How to Make Peach Leaf Tea?
Peach leaf tea is a medicinal beverage that has a calming quality. It can be easily made at home with dried peach leaves. Let’s take a look at how to make this herbal drink.
Herbal Peach Leaf Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 handful peach leaves fresh or dried
- 2 cups water filtered
- honey optional
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of crushed and dried peach leaves. If you are using fresh peach leaves, make sure to clean it properly so that there is no mold or debris on it.
- Allow the mixture to steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on the strength you want. Strain the tea into cups.
- Add honey or natural sweetener, if desired. If you would like to have it cold, you can chill the drink and add a couple of ice cubes. Enjoy!
Notes
How to Make Peach Tea?
You can also make the tea with peach fruit. It is a delicious drink that can be had hot or cold. Try it for your next barbeque party!
Fresh Peach Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 peaches
- 6 cups water filtered
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- fresh mint leaves
- 4 black tea bags optional
- honey optional
Instructions
- Start by cutting the peach in half, all the way around. Hold the peach and twist in opposite directions to loosen the pit, that is attached to the flesh.
- Pull the peach halves apart and remove the pit. Cut them into slices.
- Put the water to boil in a saucepan. Add the peach slices and the sugar and let the water come to a boil.
- Once it comes to a rolling boil, simmer it for 10-12 minutes. Add the lemon juice. Remove from heat.
- If you are using tea bags, mint, or honey, you can add it now. Keep it aside for the flavors to come together. Strain it into a pitcher. Your peach tea is ready!
- You can have it warm or chill it and serve with ice cubes for a delightful cold peach iced tea! Use peach slices, lemon slices, or mint as garnish.
Peach Tea Benefits
The best peach tea benefits include its positive impact on chronic diseases, the immune system, dental health, and obesity, among others.
May Contain Antioxidants
This tea boasts a number of potentially powerful antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds that can prevent oxidative stress and the damage of free radicals in many different systems of the body, including the skin, helping to keep you looking young. [3]
May Optimize The Immune System
Antioxidants are excellent immune system boosters, as they can reduce strain and seek out the dangerous compounds that are threatening your overall health. This is in addition to the vitamin C found in this fruit tea. [4]
May Improve Cardiac Health
The vitamins and minerals that may be found in this tea are linked to improving the integrity of blood vessels and arteries, as well as lowering blood pressure to reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes. [5]
May Strengthen Bones and Teeth
There is a good amount of calcium and fluoride in this fruit tea, so it can help to keep your teeth strong and infection-free, while also improving bone mineral density and lowering your risk of osteoporosis. [6]
May Help You Manage Obesity
Peach tea may lack caffeine if made without using black tea, but it can be energizing and can boost the metabolism to aid in fat burning and weight loss.
Peach Tea Side Effects
There are a few side effects that you should be aware of, namely due to the possible laxative effects and natural diuretic effects of this beverage. While there are a few dangerous side effects, consuming an excessive amount is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
