How to Use Herbs as Teas

Facts about teas can be quite interesting. Did you know that herbal teas used for med purposes are really not teas? Any infusion that is not made from the leaves of the tea bush, Camellia sinensis is considered to be a tisane. The term "herbal tea" is really a misnomer Sen Rikyu, a 16th century Oriental Tea Master once said, "Tea is nothing other than this: Heat the water, prepare the tea and drink it with propriety. That is all you need to know."

Herbal infusions can be made with fresh or dried flowers, leaves, seeds or roots. Boiling water is generally by poured over the plant parts and they steeped for a few minutes. The herbal infusion is then strained and sweetened to taste. It is known that the medicinal benefits of the herbs are released into the hot water. When the herbal infusion is consumed the drinker will benefit from the results, such as calmness or settling an upset stomach. Many popular herbal teas on the market today are a mixture of teas (black, green, white and oolong) and plants to provide a variety of flavors.

An old Chinese proverb says, "Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary." This is just another way of saying drinking tea will keep you from going to the pharmacy. Many individuals today drink tea for its health benefits. The drinking of tea and herbal teas for med purposes has long been viewed to promote and enhance good health. Many countries, especially Japan, China, and India use herbal teas as remedies for ailments. Some common illnesses or sickness may respond well to the treatment by drinking herbal teas, but must not be seen as a replacement for conventional medicine.

More interesting facts about teas
If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you. ~Gladstone, 1865
Let's explore a variety of herbal teas that are consumed for different ailments.

Chamomile tea is probably the most familiar of herbal teas. It has long been given to bring a sense of calmness to the drinker and help with a good night's sleep. Another benefit, which is most beneficial to gardeners, is the antifungal effect spritzing chamomile tea on your seedlings can help to benefit your garden. In a green and eco conscientious world, this is a great natural remedy!

Dandelion tea was used by the Chinese to help with digestive disorders and increase the flow of breast milk of lactating mothers. The colonists fell in love with the dandelion when they came to America and even shared their discovery with the various Indian tribes. Dandelion tea is also known to increase energy levels and is an alternative for those that cannot tolerate the effects of caffeine.

For every aliment or sickness, there is a variety of herbal teas that has benefits to promote improved health. It is also important to be aware that every individual is different and the response to the herbal tea may not be the expected or wanted response. If you are on any kind of medication or have a known allergy to a food, the environment or a medication this factor may alter your response.

The body functions with constant and ongoing chemical reactions and interactions. These chemical reactions are going on inside the body as we go along with our daily activities. The things that we eat and drink influence those chemical reactions. Herbal teas, just like any other food or drink we consume can enhance or decrease the effectiveness of a medication that you are presently taking. It is important to make your health care provider aware if you enjoy an herbal tea on a regular basis.

The straight facts about teas are they do warm the body and comfort the soul. Drinking tea gives pleasure and refreshes the palate. Herbal teas for med purposes are a benefit of enjoying a centuries old ritual of brewing a pot of hot water, preparing the tea and drinking it with propriety. It does not get any better that.