Herbal teas are made from dried whole or partial plants, flowers, barks, roots, and fruits (berries). Because of this, many are highly nutritive, containing water-soluble antioxidants, vitamins and minerals readily absorbed when ingested. Herbal medicines differ in that they are medicines made via ethanol or glycerin and water extraction. Herbal medicines are thus capable of drawing out both fat and water soluble active ingredients and are considered more potent. Both herbal medicine and teas have their advantages.
Herbal teas offer a range of potential health actions from anti-inflammatory, nutritive, calming, nourishing, stimulating and antioxidant. Taking herbal teas for periods of time can nourish when depleted and sooth when inflamed. What I like about herbal teas is their subtle approach, they are gentle enough for babies and a great vehicle of nutrients for the elderly and infirm. Similar to herbal medicines herbal teas work with the bodies own organ networks and systems to support and promote healing.
Herbal teas can assist with symptoms associated with sleep disturbance, nervous system fatigue, digestive discomfort, pregnancy and menopause, mental fog and stress. They can be customized for your personal needs and are very economical.
There are several over the counter teas you would be familiar with such as chamomile for calming the nervous system, or peppermint to soothe digestive upset. These are readily found over the counter in bags at the grocery store and while they may have some therapeutic effect, the real difference you can feel is when you buy herbal teas fresh and mix them yourself for a custom blend all your own. Many herbal apothecaries, some specialty tea stores, co-ops, and online stores offer herbal teas in bulk, so you can create your own. My favorite local store, as I love that brick and mortar ‘smell the herbs’ experience, is Herbal Wellness in WA (they also ship nationally). I also love Mountain Rose Herbs .com.
Whenever possible, I use organic and ethically sourced ingredients.
To make a tea, steep 1 tablespoon of premixed tea blend in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Strain well and drink hot or cold.
Here are some blends you might like to try:
Healthy Heart tea
Orange peel 15%
Hawthorn leaf and flower 40%
Motherwort 35%
Hibiscus flower 10%
Cleanse me tea
Cinnamon bark 30%
Yarrow flowers 20%
Dandelion leaf 20%
Nettle leaf 30%
Joint support blend
Willow bark 30%
Ginger root 10%
Sarsparilla root 15%
Meadowsweet flowers 20%
Rosehips 20%
Tummy love tea
Lemongrass 15%
Fennel seed 5%
Calendula flowers 40%
Chamomile flowers 40%
