Herbal Tea Remedies – Good for What Ails You

Some days we can wake up feeling totally fine. Unable to identify it, we know that we are energetically unbalanced. At other times, we may be able to pinpoint the moment when something within us triggers our arrival in the Bad Zone. It may seem like we have just hit the bull’s-eye and the concentric circles of consciousness expand, warning all systems . It is during these times, that a nice hot cup of herbal tea may be just what is needed to help get things back on track and moving in the right direction.

What is a herbal tea?
An herbal tea is made from a single plant or a combination of plants. Different teas can be made using various parts of the plant including leaves, seeds, fruits, flowers, roots, bark, or stems of the plant. The type of plant often dictates which part will be used. For example, the flowers are used to make chamomile tea, the leaves are used to make mint tea, and the roots are used to make ginger tea. The herbs can be fresh or dried. Then they are seen in a cup of hot water, to create an infusion that allowed the therapeutic properties to be released.

benefits of herbal teas
Drinking herbal teas can serve two basic purposes: to support the body therapeutically and to provide a pleasant drinking experience. Depending on the herbal tea that is selected, a different therapeutic value can be derived. Having a few basic herbal teas on hand can be a good complement to whatever approach you may be taking to bring your body back into balance if you’re not feeling up to par. There are so many good herbal tea options available today. Below is a suggested list of 5 basic teas to have on hand if you want to start adding herbal teas to your regular health care program.

FIVE USEFUL HERBAL TEAS TO KEEP IN THE PANTRY

camomile tea
It is an aromatic tea known for its calming and relaxing properties. Made from the flowers of the chamomile plant, this tea is useful for relaxing the nerves, calming the stomach, relieving muscle tension, as well as helping with inflammation and improving liver function. This is an herb that I grow annually in our garden, so that we can have our own supply of chamomile tea.

dandelion tea
This is on my list because dandelions were highly revered by my grandmother. In the spring one could find my grandmother with her little pocket knife and her basket out in the field, picking up tender dandelions… “good for the blood, you know.” So this memory remains etched in my mind. I describe it as having a lovely flavor or fragrance, but it is what I would consider one of those workhorse teas. Useful as a purifier of the body, it helps promote healthy liver and kidney function. When looking for a tea to include in a detox process, dandelion tea should be high on the list.

echinacea tea
It is useful in helping to boost the immune system, especially as it pertains to fighting off mild to moderate infections such as the cold or flu. The leaves, stems, flowers, and roots of the Echinacea plant are traditionally used in the formulation of this tea. One of my favorite teas that contains Echinacea is Organic Lemon Echinacea made by Traditional Medicinals, which is very soothing when I have a sore throat. A definite must have for my tea collection.

ginger tea
Known for its spicy flavor, ginger tea is another kitchen pantry must-have. When experiencing any type of stomach imbalance, whether it be digestive difficulties, nausea, cramping, or bloating, one of the first herbal teas of choice should be ginger. Using the root of this plant, it is quite easy to make your own mix. Buy a fresh ginger root from the supermarket, wash and peel a small section of the root. Place finely cut slices in a mug, then cover with boiling water. Cover and allow the tea to percolate for about 5 minutes. Strain and then drink.

Mint tea
Only the fragrant aroma of fresh mint lifts the mood, the aroma prompts one to begin to feel the freshness of life. There’s always a mint patch growing right outside our kitchen door. During the summer months, fresh mint is used almost daily. When the season comes to an end, the mint is harvested and dried so that it can continue to be enjoyed throughout the year. Mint is another option when looking to promote digestive health. Additionally, it is useful in helping to combat stress, supporting the immune system, and helping to focus the mind.

So the next time you’re grocery shopping and deciding which beverages to put in your cart, skip the artificially sweetened beverages and opt for some new herbal teas. Delicious hot or cold, they will add a new dimension to your day without incurring additional health costs.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, the kettle is whistling, so I’m going to make myself a nice warm cup of herbal tea! Why don’t you join me?