Herbal teas are a combination of herbs, flowers and spices. Since they are not made from the leaves of the tea bush (camellia sinensis) they are caffeine free! Depending on the herbs used, these teas have a wide variety of medicinal benefits.
1. Peppermint:
- Peppermint tea is most popular for its calming benefits. Originating in Europe & Asia, it is now cultivated around the world. Menthol is the active ingredient in peppermint which is responsible for its refreshing and cooling effects. Peppermint can be used for stress relief, immune boosting power & to cure digestive problems by soothing inflammation of the digestive tract. Peppermint is also used as a cure for bad breath, migraines, weight loss by suppressing appetite & as a cough suppressant.
2. Chamomile:
- Chamomile, a relative of the daisy flower, has been used for hundreds of years to help cure a wide variety of common ailments. Its most common use is as a sleep aid, but is also used as a cure for a sore stomach, irritable bowel & as a mouth wash.
- Chamomile can also be used as a rinse to lighten blonde hair. To do so, add 1 cup of chamomile flowers to 2 cups of water and boil gently for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, strain the flowers from the liquid and allow it to cool to a luke warm temperature. Shampoo as usual, then pour the chamomile mixture over your hair catching the remaining liquids in a bowl so that you can rinse your hair several times in the same way. Drying your hair in the sun after will strengthen the effects of the chamomile tea.
- See our tea recipes section for a home made chamomile tea shampoo and conditioner formula!
3. Echinacea:
- Echinacea is also a flower of the daisy family & is known for its vibrant purple heads. Echinacea is mainly popular due to its perceived immune stimulating abilities, but has also been used as a laxative.
- Different echinacea formulas make use of various areas of the plant. Some make use of just the root, while others believe that using the whole plant is beneficial.
- To make a tea out of echinacea, use 1-2 teaspoons of echinacea in a cup of unheated water, slowly bring the mixture to a boil and then let simmer for 10-12 minutes.
4. Rosehips:
- Rosehips are amongst the richest vitamin C sources available. Rose hips have commonly been used to prevent colds and flu, but recent studies have shown that it may be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-imflamatory and antioxidant effects. Rose hips also contain Vitamins A, B, E & K, as well as essential fatty acids and antioxidant flavonoids.
- To make rose hip tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 heaping teaspoons of chopped rose hips. Steep the tea covered for 12-15 minutes, then strain. Sweeten the slightly sour tea with honey or stevia to taste. Drink the tea lukewarm at bedtime for maximum effectiveness!
- Rosehips can also be added to any herbal tea to increase its vitamin and antioxidant levels.
5. Ginseng:
- Historically ginseng has been considered a cure-all by most herbalists. More recently, it is being used for boosting energy, as an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant and to boost sexual function in both men and women. Ginseng grows wild in China and has been used for over 5,000 years for its legendary physical restorative properties. When ingested, Ginseng helps improve circulation, and therefore, has been touted as an anti-aging remedy.
