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Enjoying Herbal Teas
"And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food." (Genesis 2:9)
Many plants, especially herbs, can be brewed into teas, also called infusions or tisanes. These teas are sometimes flavored with spices and essential oils. Because most of them do not contain caffeine, they offer a pleasant alternative for people who perfer to avoid this stimulant. Some herbal teas aid the digestion, and their soothing warmth can promote relaxation at bedtime.
Always choose herbs carefully. Although the herbs and spices used in herbal teas have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as seasonings, they have not been approved safe as teas, and some may be harmful. Nutmeg, for example, is harmless when used to flavor foods but can cause severe symptoms, including hallucinations, when brewed into a strong tea. Other herbs, such as oregano, have a stimulating effect and can cause wakefulness.
Folk healers have used herbal teas for medicinal purposes, but few teas have been tested scientifically. Care is needed when self~treating with herbal teas, especially if the teas have been gathered in the wild. Many plants are poisonous, and these may be mistaken for safe herbs.
The following are among the most popular herbal teas.
Chamomile ~ A mild sedative, chamomile tea aids digestion and relieve menstral cramps. Chamomile is an excellent remedy for all manner of womens disorders and is especially valuable for problems arising from stress, anxiety, and tension. A cup of chamomile tea is Fennel ~ With a flavor similar to licorice, fennel tea is used to soothe an upset stomach. Fennel teas are useful for chronic coughs and act as an expectorant to help clear mucus from the lungs, syrup prepared from fennel juice was formerly given for chronic coughs.Traditional herbalists sometime recommend it as an appetite-suppressant and slimming aid. Drinking a cup of fennel seed tea before eating a heavy meal can edge off of your appetite. Ginger ~ Ginger is a universal herb in all respects. Components of ginger such as gingerol can inhibit the production of prostaglandins possibly more effectively that the arthritis drug domethicin. Studies have shown ginger to be especially effective in curbing motion sickness, morning sickness, and postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Ginger is an excellent digestive, aiding in the absorbtion of food, and elimination of gas and bloating. Ginger stimulates circulation so it is good for cold hands and feet. Hibicus ~ There are many good reasons to add this tart and tasty tea to your daily routine, especially if you tend towards having high blood pressure, or want to safely take off a few pounds. Hibiscus flowers are used to make a wine red tea that is naturally high in Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, and gentle diuretic and laxative. Lavender Flower ~ Tea brewed from driend lavender flowers is a mild sedative. In general lavender is used to relax muscle spasms anywhere in the body, and to relax the body in the presence of pain. Lemon Balm ~ This minty tea helps soothe jittery nerves. It has a mild sedative effect, antibacterial and antiviral properties, and an ability to relieve cramps and gas, stop spasms and relieve pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome. Milkthistle ~ This handsome plant has been used for liver ailments for many years, but until recently was one of herbal medicine's best kept secrets. Silymarin, a constituent of milk thistle is now listed in The Mereck Index as a liver protector. Milk thistle can help rehabilitate the liver in cases of alcohol abuse. Nettle ~ Made from the same plant that causes stinging skin irritation, nettle tea is rich in vitamin C and many minerals. Stinging nettle contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories (including quercetin), that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages, helping to ease hay fever, and nose & sinus type allergies symptoms.Herbalists recommend it to treat atrhritis and gout and to increase milk production in nursing mothers. Peppermint ~ Tea from this mint plant is very refreshing and stimulates digestion. It has a antispasmodic effect that soothes stomachaches and is effective in colic and flatulence. It should be avoided by anyone with a Hiatal Hernia, because peppermint promotes reflux of the stomach contents into the esophagus. Redclover ~ Red Clover has been used traditionally to treat respiratory and skin problems, today it is of most interest in menopause and in the prevention of breast cancer because of its strong concentration of natural plant estrogen. Red Clover has also shown anticancer activity, poultices of the herb have been used as local applications to cancerous growths. Internally, the Red Clover plant is used as an alternative medicine for skin complaints such as eczema and psoriasis, cancers of the breast, ovaries and lymphatic system, chronic degenerative diseases, gout, whooping cough and dry coughs. Rose Hip ~ Rich in vitamin C, rose hip tea can substitute for orange juice when citrus fruits are not available. Rosemary ~ Rosemary stimulates the central nervous system and circulation making it beneficial for low blood pressure and sluggishness. Tea from this garden herb relieves gas and colic, but drinking more than two or three cups a day may irritate the stomach.
I get most of my herbal teas from Sage Hill Farms.
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