Herbal Tea

The term herbal tea is deceptive. Instead, they mix flowers, fruits, leaves, seeds, roots and plant parts (fresh or dried). As with a traditional tea, it can be prepared hot, cold with lemon or sweeteners.

Note that some of them periodically get blended with traditional types to create unique flavor and aroma signatures.

Relation To Health

Depending on the plants used, they may relax, stimulate or produce other healthful benefits. While there is some controversy about their place in medicine, herbs have been used for their healing qualities for thousands of years.

Modern studies have given us valuable information about herbs that may cause allergic or toxic effects, particularly in pregnant or breastfeeding women. These studies have also helped to confirm much of what our ancestors knew – namely herbs can be good for you. Better still many of these are caffeine free.

There are tons of varieties of herbal teas. Some are for colds, some for stress, some for headaches, some to combat sleep disorders, some to improve fertility or digestion… the list goes on and on. With that in mind it’s well worth doing a little research into various types and how they work. No matter what, look for products that do not have fillers. Bagged tea is the worst offender for using fillers.

Qualities:

Here is a list of some common ones and their reported health benefits:

Blackberry: use this to treat worms and diarrhea

Blueberry: good for kidney health; high in antioxidants

Burdock: blood cleanser

Chamomile: calming; stomach soother

Dandelion: a natural diuretic that supports healthy liver function

Fennel: appetite improver; deter cramps

Ginger: improved circulation; eases cold symptoms

Ginseng: an overall tonic that’s excellent

Persimmon tea: high in vitamin C

Peppermint: very relaxing; helps with digestion

Rosehip: valued for its ability to battle colds and flu

Raspberry: good for women’s issues; lots of vitamins

Sage: decreases coughs, increases digestion

Valerian good for sleep disorders (not terribly tasty)

Precautions

If you have any allergies avoid herbs that set you off by scent or in topical applications. If you have pre-existing conditions, always consult a physician before using herbal teas.

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