Herbal Teas

Herbal Teas - For health and enjoyment

Herbal potting bench One of the most widespread methods of using herbs to maintain good health and ward off illnesses is by drinking herb teas. For medicinal purposes, when treating an actual ailment, stronger preparations such as infusions or decoctions are prescribed, but in general it is possible to make simple teas at home.

It is sensible to vary herb teas, not only to enjoy a variety of flavors but to ensure that their medicinal properties are not overdone. Some can be drank over a long period of time to maintain health and prevent illness. In winter, for example, rose-hips might be a good choice. These contain a considerable amount of Vitamin C and A, which is an excellent way to sustain resistance to colds, flu and the like. Vitamin C can be somewhat of a laxative, but the tannin content of rose-hips helps to balance this out.

A pleasant summer tea can be made from fresh lemon balm leaves; gather a few sprigs of the leaves, and make a tea, leaving it to stand for a few minutes. This herb reduces the impact of stress and anxiety on the system, especially where nervous indigestion is involved, and its balancing effects make it suitable for morning or evening drinking.

Peppermint and rosemary are both good pick-me-up teas, to prevent or overcome tiredness, and may be made from fresh or dried leaves as a morning tea.

HERB Aniseed Basil Bee Balm Borage Caraway seeds Chamomile Catnip	FLAVOR Licorice flavor Spicy Minty Mild cucumber Refreshing Fruity aroma Minty	PROPERTY⁄BENEFIT Nerve soothing, sleep inducing, digestive, breath sweetener. Promotes alertness, eases motion and morning sickness. Sleep inducing, relieves headaches and nausea. Exhilarating; high in calcium and potassium. Digestive. Relaxant, anti-inflammatory, Settles digestion, aids restful sleep, aids nausea. Sedative, lots of vitamin C.
Cinnamon Dill seeds Elder flower Fennel seeds Ginger	Spicy Refreshing Anise flavor Pungent	Carminative, warming, diaphoretic. Improves digestion and good when cold/chilled. Eases colic pains, mild tranquilizer. Expectorant, diaphoretic. Clears catarrh, reduces fevers by sweating. Warm and stimulating, eases colic, diuretic. Stimulating, aids digestion.
Hibiscus Hops Lavender blossom Lemon Balm Lemon grass Lemon Verbena	Tangy citrus Bitter Sweet, exotic Tangy Lemon Lemony Distinct lemony	Sweetens stomach and breath. Calming Sedative, relieves hangover headaches. Relieves fatigue. Relaxant, digestive, anti-depressant. Relieves nervous dyspepsia, Counteracts stress, soothes nerves. Mild diuretic. Aids digestion, relieves nausea and flatulence, sweetens breath.
Lime Blossom Linden Marjoram Mints	Lime, citrus Mildly sweet Pungent	Mild sedative. Relaxant, analgesic. Eases tension headaches or aching colds and flu. Tranquilizing, soothes nerves, indigestion. Calming
Orange Blossom Parsley Peppermint Rose geranium	Slightly sweet Minty Spicy rose	Sedative. Rich in vitamin C, natural diuretic, more like a broth. Antispasmodic and digestive. Reduces flatulence, is good for head colds too. Pure enjoyment.
Rosehip Rosemary Sage Thyme	Mild citrus Aromatic Pungent Spicy, pungent	Rich in Vitamin C and A. Helps build resistance to colds and flu. Good for nervous headaches. Aids digestion, relieves sore throats. Eases tension headaches, sore throats.

Herbal Teas - For health and enjoyment

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