Herbal teas are so good for your health,

In spite of being very easy to make, brewing herbal tea is often considered to be an art form. Flavors can vary whether the teapot is hot or just warm, the drawing time, how much herb is put in the pot, whether you use leaves of flowers, and so on. If you are new to herb teas, try all the recipes, and all the different methods. You will soon work out which way is best for you. In hot weather, iced herb tea is great, but you need to make it stronger to counter the ice melting.

Just put some fresh herb leaves in a pot, pour boiling water over them, leave to brew, then enjoy! Not much different to making ordinary tea! Use Lemon Balm, perhaps with a little spearmint, or cloves for added flavor. Bergamot leaves, similar in flavor to Earl Grey tea, are nice. Some folks enjoy Chamomile tea, made with dried flowers. Then there is Lemon verbina, or peppermint.

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And you can mix and match! Blends of different herb teas are popular, lemon grass, rosemary and thyme; lemon verbina and borage; spearmint and lemon balm; and there are many others mixes to try. Now, while you can use sugar or honey to sweeten your herb teas, you should never add milk. It spoils the tea, and destroys the flavor of the herbs. Be a little cautious about experimenting with strange herbs, too. Some have a very strong flavor, and are only used for medicinal purposes.

If you are using dried herbs, please dont forget to read the tea leaves! Some herbal teas have medicinal value as well. Be aware though, that herbal remedies are not meant to replace qualified medical care.

*Peppermint* Traditionally taken after heavy meals to aid digestion and relieve flatulence. Helps with nausea.

*Raspberry* This tea has a mild bite, making it useful as a mouth wash or gargle. May assist with reducing the length of labour pains if taken regularly during the last few weeks of pregnancy. WARNING: NOT TO BE TAKEN in early pregnancy. Consult your prenatal care provider before using.

*Red Clover* The isoflavone phytoestrogens in red clover may reduce hot flashes associated with menopause. WARNING: Women on estrogen based birth control pills should seek medical advice before using.

*Rosehip* This tea is rich in Vitamin C which may assist with the prevention of cold and flu symptoms. WARNING: High doses of Vitamin C can cause diarrhea.

*Sage* A herbal tea which helps to relax the muscle lining the digestive tract making it an antispasmodic. Use as a treatment for indigestion. NOT TO BE TAKEN by pregnant or lactating women.

*Scullcap* Recommended for insomnia and anxiety.

*Siberian Ginseng* Traditional Chinese herbal medicine believed to increase longevity, improve general health, in-prove the appetite and restore memory. WARNING: NOT TO BE TAKEN by pregnant or lactat-ing women. People with diabetes should check with their doctor before taking ginseng.

*Senna* Senna is a powerful laxative. It should be consd-ered a last resort for constipation. WARNING: NOT TO BE TAKEN by children under 2yrs and/ or pregnant or lactating women.

*Valerian* Commonly used for insomnia. Muscle relaxant - beneficial after sport or exercise.

*Yarrow* Potential as a digestive aid & menstrual remedy.

*Alfalfa* Use Alfalfa to stimulate appetite and treat digestive problems, particularly ulcers. May assist with the pain of arthritis and fluid retention. Alfalfa is a source of chlorophyll. Use if concerned about bad breath. WARNING: NOT TO BE TAKEN by pregnant or lactating women.

*Calendula* This herbal tea may be beneficial for indigestion and gastric ulcers. May also assist irregular or painful menstruation. May also speed up the healing of cuts and wounds.

*Catnip* Helps to soothe the nerves and digestive tract. It may also help to relieve menstrual cramps. WARNING: NOT TO BE TAKEN by pregnant or lactating women.

*Celery* India's traditional ayurvedic physicians recommend celery as a diuretic to treat water retention. WARNING: NOT TO BE TAKEN by pregnant or lactating women.

*Chamomile* Commonly used to ease indigestion, calm the nerves and reduce anxiety. May assist tummy upsets.

*Dandelion* herbal tea is often used as a diuretic, to assist ridding the body of excess fluid. It may assist with PMS. WARNING: NOT TO BE TAKEN by pregnant or lactating women.

*Elderflower* Useful for chesty conditions caused by flu. May assist sinus and ease hayfever.

*Fennel* Aids digestion. May relieve nausea and bloating caused by wind. WARNING: NOT TO BETAKEN by pregnant or lactating women.

*Fenugreek* Helps to reduce cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. WARNING: NOT TO BE TAKEN by pregnant or lactating women.

*Gotu Kola (Hydrocotyl)* May accelerate wound healing, relieve psoriasis and improve circulation in the legs which may help prevent varicose veins, blood pressure and arthritis. WARNING: NOT TO BE TAKEN by pregnant or lactating women.

*Lavender* A relaxant to be taken before retiring for the night to help induce sleep.

*Lemongrass* May assist with diarrhoea and stomach ache. May also ease headache, fever and influenza.

*Lemon Verbena* This herbal tea is antispasmodic. Can be used as a calminative, sedative for nervousness.

*Linden Flowers* Helps to reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. This herb has a sedative and muscle relac-ant effect making it useful for migraine, hysteria and other nervous tension problems. WARNING: NOT TO BE TAKEN by pregnant or lactating women.

*Marshmallow Flowers* Helps to relieve stomach upset. Use for the treat-ment of coughs and mucous congestion.

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*Meadowsweet* Herbal tea for the treatment of colds. Contains astringent tannins that can help relieve diarrhoea. Meadaowsweet is active against Escherichia coli the bacteria most likely to cause urinary tract infections.

*Nettle* As a diuretic, nettle can help flush the bladder of the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. WARNING: NOT TO BE TAKEN by pregnant or lactating women.

*Penny Royal* Penny Royal is one of the most aromatic mints which can serve as a decongestant/cough remedy.

*Horsetail (also know as Silica)* Commonly used for urinary infections, wounds and the pain of rheumatism or arthritis. Warning: Can cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea and h-creased urination. Helps to strengthen hair, skin and nails. WARNING: NOT TO BE TAKEN by pregnant or lactating women.

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*Herbal Teas can also be used in making medicinal poultices.*

In a bowl, soak the tea leaves/flowers in a thin gauze or piece of cotton material or cotton ball. Allow to cool sufficiently before placing on affected area.

Lavender* Place on temple or forehead to relieve headaches.

Calendula* Place on open cuts or wounds to assist healing.

Gotu Kola* Helps to relieve pain andswelling in arthritic or inflamed joints. Useful for sports injuries.

Rosemary* Assists aching and tired muscles.

Chamomile* Place over tired, irritated eyes for a soothing effect. May be beneficial in reducing swelling and irritation associated with conjunctivitis.

*Rosehip* Has soothing and restoring qualities. Place over eyes to assist with bags/puffiness and wrinkles.

*Peppermint* As a poultice use for tired aching feet, or alternatively strain, and use in a foot bath.

Go here and and tell me about your favorite herbal tea! Or ask about anything to do with herbs! Or add a photo of your favorite herb plant!

DISCLAIMER: The information contained herewith is not to replace advice from a Qualified Health Care Professional.

Happy tea drinking, Patrick!

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