Health Benefits of Herbal Teas

According to Chinese medicine, each herb is associated with organ systems in the body and addresses specific ailments.

Herbal teas nourish our nervous systems and strengthen our immune systems. In Chinese medicine, every aroma and flavor is associated with organ systems of the body: the sweet flavor found in anise seed has a special affinity for the stomach and spleen; the bitter flavor in dandelion root affects the heart and small intestines, helping to improve digestion and aid fat metabolism; the pungent flavor in ginger helps to improve lung capacity and large intestine health; the sour flavor in rose hips stimulates the functions of the liver and gall bladder and the salty flavor in kelp - a seaweed - nourishes the kidneys and bladder. The benefits are immediate - as soon as we taste the herbs, our brains receive signals from the subtle qualities of the plants.

Making Tea

When making tea, always use fresh cold water. Avoid aluminum cookware, which is a very soft metal and tends to come off in the food. The best choices are glass, cast iron, stainless steel or unchipped enamel. A tea strainer allows you to create your own blends of loose teas or herbs - which come in a variety of flavors - and prevents you from having to drink floating leaves and flowers.

Bring the water to a boil, remove from the heat and add about one heaping teaspoon of dried herbs per cup of water. Cover and allow to steep for about ten minutes. Strain the herbs into a cup before serving. This is called an infusion or tisane.

A decoction is the preferred method for roots and barks which are harder, woodier and require more energy to extract their precious qualities. Simmer one heaping tablespoon of herbs in three cups of water, covered at a low boil for about twenty minutes. Strain.

Avoid oversteeping your herbs as some flavors can intensify and become rather medicinal instead of pleasant. Tea can be enhanced with a touch of honey or a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Expand your repertoire of herbs - they can have potent effects and are both natural and caffeine free.

Delicious Teas To Try:

Anise seed (Pimpinella anisum ) is a member of the parsley family and has a lovely licorice-like flavor. Anise seeds aid digestion and freshen the breath. Anise also helps soothe a cough, improves bronchitis and its naturally sweet flavor can be blended with other herbs to make a pleasantly sweet tea.

Ginger root (Zingiber officinale ) is a member of the ginger family. Zesty and very warming, ginger is an excellent way to improve poor circulation to all parts of the body and to help those that suffer from cold hands and feet. It is one of the best herbs for improving digestion, nausea, lung congestion and arthritis.

Rose hips (Rosa species ) are members of the rose family. With a lemony tart taste and antiseptic properties, rose hips are a natural source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids. They are considered a liver, kidney and blood tonic, and are regarded as a remedy for fatigue, colds and cough.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita ) leaf, one of the most recognized members of the mint family, aids digestion, calms nausea, freshens the breath and even has antiseptic properties that can help relieve cold and flu conditions. Peppermint has a refreshing cool flavor that makes it one of the most beloved herbs as well as a perfect after dinner tea.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea ) is a member of the daisy family - the leaves and roots are valued for their immune stimulating properties. Echinacea stimulates T cell activity and interferon production, and makes cells less likely to be subject to viral takeover. It is used to treat colds, sore throat, fever and flu and is usually consumed several times daily during cold and flu symptoms. Echinacea has a slightly bitter, cool flavor and mixes well with peppermint.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita ) is a member of the daisy family. It has a calming quality and is widely used to relieve anxiety, caffeine withdrawal, hyperactivity,insomnia, pain and stress. Chamomile is also an excellent digestive tonic helping to relieve colic, flatulence, indigestion and irritable bowel. Some European hospitals serve it to calm patients and it is said to prevent nightmares. Many women use chamomile as a successful remedy to relax menstrual cramps.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis ) is a member of the tea or thea family, named after the Greek word for goddess. Both green and black teas are from the same plant, yet black tea is fermented and contains more caffeine. Green tea leaves are rich in fluorine and help prevent dental decay by inhibiting the enzyme that causes plaque formation. Green tea is also a natural antioxidant, rich in vitamin C and has immune protecting properties. Most people find that green tea, although containing small amounts of caffeine, is less likely to cause nervousness or anxiety than black tea.

Raspberry leaf (Rubus species) is a member of the rose family. With a flavor very similar to that of black tea, raspberry leaf is very rich in minerals such as calcium,magnesium and iron. It is considered a supreme tonic herb for women's health concerns such as menstrual conditions , pregnancy and menopause. Raspberry strengthens the joints and tendons - and its nutrients are also beneficial for men.

Maté (Ilex paraguariensis ) is a member of the holly family. Native to South America, maté is the national drink of Argentina where it is consumed more frequently than black tea or coffee. Also known as yerba maté, the leaves are a powerful antioxidant, nerve stimulant and rejuvenating tonic. Maté helps promote regular bowel health, lifts the spirits, curbs the appetite and helps relieve hay fever. Maté does have a caffeine-like constituent which some refer to as mateine, but it does not seem to promote insomnia or nervousness the way coffee does. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals and has a pleasant earthy flavor.

Roasted dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale ) is a member of the daisy family. For those giving up coffee, roasted dandelion root has a rich, warm, earthy flavor that can be very satisfying. It also helps one to stay warm longer.

Source: Written By Brigitte Mars, contributed by healthshop.com