The Best Herbal Tea

Chances are you are trying to select form the various varieties such as Wuyi Cliff, Oolong or Wu-long, Pu-erh and Sencha.

No doubt, such varieties are good and provide immense health benefits but the best herbal tea is not any of the above. 

The best herbal tea is a potent combination of various varieties including Wuyi Cliff, Pu-erh, Sencha and Oolong.

These are some well known varieties of tea and you can well imagine the health benefits you are likely to get from a combination of all such varieties packed in one package.

Some of the benefits of such tea include:

1.Natural Weight Loss

Such a tea that is made with full leaves of various varieties of tea rather than tea dust, can ensure very fast and quick weight loss. Such tea tends to lower the production of Insulin after ingesting carbohydrates and sweet foods. Since it is the hormone that is responsible for storing fat in your body, its reduced secretion can affects fat accumulation.

Hence, it is a good idea to have a cup of such tea after meals.

Such tea not only prevents fat accumulation but also helps speed up your metabolism. This helps your body burn more fat quick and fast. In addition to the above, it also helps suppress your appetite and reduce food cravings.

It is needless to say that such tea is the most effective weight loss product available. One of the biggest advantages of using such tea to lose weight is that there are no side effects as is the case with pills and other diet supplements.

2. Improved Immunity

Such tea also helps provide a boost to your immune system and increases your body's resistance to diseases and infections. It can also improve your overall health and longevity.

3. Increase Energy levels

Such tea also helps lower cholesterol levels in your body. This helps improve cardiac function and one of the most immediate effect of improved cardiac function is an increase in your energy levels.

4. Calms Body and Mind

Another health benefit of such tea is that it provides a soothing effect and helps calm down both your body and mind.

Knowing More about Ballerina Tea, the Terrific Colon Cleanse

Ballerina tea is a terrific colon cleanse. Although it is normally sold as a diet tea the ingredients are used as a laxative and a diuretic. The pounds that you will drop are the result of this. But if you are searching for the perfect detoxifying tea you have found it.

There are two herbs in Ballerina tea one is Senna which is the stimulant laxative ingredient. Used the correct way this is good for anyone who suffers with constipation, bloating or gas. The other herb is Chinese Mallow which is the diuretic herb. You might be surprised to hear that it is also an anti inflammatory. It is commonly used for excessive mucous, gastritis or urinary tract infections. So I bet this is different than what you thought. This tea can do many things when used correctly. See more of the wonders of Ballerina Tea below.

Two thousand five hundred years ago a Chinese herbalist put together the Senna herb and the Chinese Mallow and made this herbal tea. The Chinese Mallow leaves were put into teas in China to settle the digestive system, soothe sore throats and relieve bronchitis. When the two were combined it began to be used as a tea that would clean out the urinary tract and the intestines. There you have it the first colon cleansing tea.

Because Ballerina tea is an herbal tea it also has naturally occurring antioxidants that are well known to break down free radicals that hurt are bodies and increase the aging process. Frequently referred to as 3 Ballerina tea you can drink this and know that you naturally helping your body to slow the aging process, help with constipation, and relieve gas and bloating. All with no chemicals added like the diet aids or detox items you find in your pharmacy.

If you drink too much Ballerina tea you will lose weight because you will be going to the bathroom a lot. That will be how you shed pounds. The drawback is that you will also be losing any vitamins that you may receive from the foods you eat. The Senna in this tea works quickly and your body cannot absorb any benefits of what you eat is it comes back out too fast. If you use this as a regular tea you will see the benefits of its real purpose. If you are going to do a colon cleanse this is perfect for you.

Be careful about making a too strong tea if you are skinny. Peoples' systems are different depending on the person and their weight. When having this tea for its intended reasons you need to consider if you're are heavier or thinner and the strength of the tea. If you make it too strong be close to a bathroom because you will need it.

You will find this tea more in health food or herbal stores than in your pharmacy. Remember Ballerina tea is also sold as 3 Ballerina tea, but they are the same thing. You will also find it online at any herbal tea site. If you are on any medications talk to your doctor to make sure the tea will not have a negative effect on any other medications.

Herbal Laxative Tea for Your Health

Herbal laxative tea is very well known for a detoxification process or colon cleanse. It is different than other teas because this one is made from herbs not tea leaves. One of the herbs used here is Senna, it is also used in the well known Ballerina tea which is used as a weight loss tea.

The herb senna is actually a stimulant laxative used in many products. It causes you to have quick bowel movements or diarrhea. Herbal laxative tea adds anise, fennel, ginger and licorice root for assisting the senna in working better.

Each additive has a value to it. Ginger can help lessen cramps that may happen if you drink too much tea, fennel and anise help balance the action of the stomach and ease the cramps and licorice root reinforces a healthy liver.

Present day people seem to be turning to alternative cures for problems they may be having with their health. In China people have been using herbal laxative tea for regularity and complete balance for the body.

As a weight loss product herbal laxative tea has become quite popular. It is best if used as a colon cleanse though. When used for shedding weight many people use way too much or make a very strong tea. This can have a serious effect on your health. Your body will not have a chance to absorb any vitamins that you eat because everything will come right back out in the bathroom. Also the cramps and diarrhea can become severe which will not help in losing weight, it will just make you feel sick.

Drinking herbal laxative tea the right way can help you lose weight. It will keep your stomach regular and you can lose weight the natural way. If you consume too much and you are not detoxing your bodily functions can stop working. If this happens too often the regular functions of your body will not return.

If you use herbal laxative tea as it was intended to be used it can have tremendous health benefits. You will be able to keep your blood sugar levels low, get your bad cholesterol down to an acceptable level and keep your liver functioning properly. But if not used as intended for weight loss only drinking too much can hurt your body.

Herbal laxative tea is definitely a great tea when used for the occasional colon cleanse but other herbal teas are better for weight loss.

The Benefits of Herbal Tea

If you want to know why herbal tea is becoming popular by the day, then you would want to read this article. Herbal teas have become the in-thing and not without a reason. With exceptional medicinal properties and several flavors to choose from, they have become the preferred beverage for hundreds and thousands of health conscious people across the world. Let's see some of the benefits of this wonder drink and why you too should switch over.

• Herbal tea contains certain herbs which immediately rejuvenates and relaxes the body. So if you come home tired from work, it is all you need to get you alive and kicking.
• Herbal tea reduces cholesterol and keeps your heart healthy. That's why, so many cardiologists swear by its benefits.
• It also contains antioxidants which help protect the body against free radicals, thus fighting the effects of aging.
• Regular intake of Herbal tea also keeps the metabolism high which helps people in reducing their body fat and slimming down.
• It also strengthens the immune system and keeps common diseases such as cold and indigestion away.
• It promotes sound sleep at night, so if you suffer from sleep disorder or usually feel difficult to sleep, it will help you get a good night's sleep.
• Unlike regular tea and coffee, this drink is free from caffeine. Now you can drink several cups of herbal tea and not worry about the ill-effects of caffeine.

Unlike most things which are beneficial for health but do not taste good, this tea is available in many exciting flavors and varieties. Some of its popular varieties are Agrimony Tea, Barley Tea, Cardamom Tea and Ginkgo Biloba Tea. These are widely available in retail shops and tea houses.

There you have it. Herbal tea is not only immensely beneficial for health, it also tastes great. Regardless of your state of health, you will reap the rewards for years to come by regular drinking of this healthy tea. Moreover, once you switch over to it, you will never go back to your regular tea or coffee.

Herbal Tea

Infusions or decoctions, herbal tea may be called either. The names come from the preparatory procedures that essentially comprise 'soaking'-leaves and the flowers and 'boiling'-roots, stems and fruits, the herb(s) in hot water. They fit in well for other beverages and unlike just the taste or the flavor.

Herbal teas bring forth a fair amount of benefits that people often seek through surgical or non-surgical methods. However, an overnight benefit cannot be expected from singular herbs; except for a few like incontinence or dysuria treated with caltrop. Any degree of such disorders is curable with caltrop within 24 hours or Aloe Vera; the latter in known to cure diarrhea within a few hours. It will take an appropriate combination.

Unlike pharmaceutical medications that fight the symptoms alone, Herbs strengthen the system from the insides while fighting the symptoms; and we all know multi-tasking takes more time. That applies to anything from hemato-cardiac unrests or neural fusses or even the bone and joint unhinges.

It's not that herbs are always the sweet-smelling froo-froo goodies; sometimes they are as bitter and pungent as Hell itself. A perfect example is the Che Dang; an extremely bitter tea made from the Ilex cause leaves. But they comprise enough goodies to let go off, so an easy way was devised to blunt the bitterly experiences. Herbal tea was born to take care of some of them. The process is simple: pour some boiling water on crushed herb, allow steeping for some time and the drink is ready.

There are two choices: First is, buying it from herbal tea stores and next, growing it in a tea herb garden. Indoors or outdoors, designated or non-designated, it entirely depends on the planter. However, there also stays a third choice present; befriending someone with an herbal tea garden or making someone start a herb garden. You may often get free supplies besides what you buy from the person.

Growing and harvesting herbs - contrary to what commercial producers claim - is something easier done than said? Fennel from a homegrown herb garden shall brew as good as its commercial variety; of course, it won't look as good. Just put in a few hours every week and a quarter of the money you'd spend to buy the OTC herbal teas, your herb garden at home will be ready.

However, to derive the most of the herbs, they need harvesting early in the day, during the end of the season, just before frost sets in. The perfect time is in the cool of the morning, when the dew has dried but the herbs still lush from it. The active ingredients in the herbs reach their peak this time, just before blooming. You are; however, not supposed to tear/crush them for storing; this shall make the essential oils and other beneficial stuff to get wasted. They must be crushed only before the boiling water is poured.

Crushed herbs require a teaspoonful (flattened; not heaped) to make a cup of (any) herbal tea with the strength and the flavor balanced. For fresh leaves, it comes up to 3 teaspoonfuls a cup. Lemon Basil is a good choice to start with; gradually, Chamomile and Fennel could be added as experience grows. Mint and rosemary or lavender is wonderful herbs to plant if you want to make herbal teas a staple for your guests. A little tip here: whether a tea tastes good or bad depends on the combination of the herbs. If the combination smells good, it shall taste good as well. The teas supposed to be taken cold taste much better if a tenth is fruit juice; that way, you'll also learn to make the herbal punch.

Making Herbal Teas

The Chinese have used tea for medicinal purposes for centuries and you've probably seen the rows of herbal tea's on your supermarket shelves but did you know that you can make your own herbal tea that not only taste good but can also be used as remedies for common ailments?

Making your own tea is pretty easy you simply choose an herb herb mixture that you want to use and chop them up very fine. Use about 2 teaspoons of the herb mixture for a couple of boiling water. you can pour the water right onto the herbs or you can put the herbs in a tea strainer or some kind of a bag so that you won't have all kinds of debris floating around in your tea. Let the herbs infuse into the hot water for five minutes and you're good to go!

Here's some great herbal tea remedies that you can make at home:
Peppermint - If you have digestive problems or are worried about bad breath and a peppermint tea might work wonders. Use three or four peppermint leaves and 1 cup of tea.

Parsley - if you are retaining fluids then you might want to make a parsley tea since Parsley is a natural diuretic and is also full of vital minerals.

Thyme - if you have a cold with lots of congestion you might want to sit on the tea made of thyme. Just pull a few leaves off and infuse your water. Add ginger if you also have a sore throat.

Ginger - Ginger has powerful medicinal properties and can work wonders on lots of ailments and can be particularly helpful in soothing sore throats. To make a tea you want to use fresh ginger root, peel it and cut off three or four slices to infuse in your water.

Valerian - If you are having a hard time sleeping a feel anxious time making a tea out of valerian leaves. Another tea that can help calm you is chamomile.

Feverfew - Got a fever? This herb is aptly named as he can help reduce fever, just add a couple small leaves into your tea and sip.

Most any herb can be made into a tea and taken for medicinal purposes. When choosing herbs be sure to choose organic herbs that are free from pesticides and other toxins. It's not a bad idea to grow your own herbs in a window sill container or in your garden and that way you'll have fresh organic herbs ready anytime you need to make an herbal tea infusion.

The Uses and Advantages of Herbal Beverages

In the past, herbal medicine was more frequently used compared with the present. More recently the interest in herbal medicinal products, especially in the field of healthy nutrition, dermatology and cosmetics, has risen enormously. Many plant-derived substances show photo protective properties in terms of absorption of UV radiation and preventing photo damage to molecular structures of human skin. Modern phytopharmaceutics as well as phytocosmetics have standardized, defined methods for the herbal matrix.

The pharmacological effect of the compounds could be foreseen from their chemical structure. The development of rational technology of pharmaceutical preparations follows the identification of active constituents in pharmaceutical herbs their good-to-excellent effect.

Numerous examples can be found in many literature citations, and in fact in many potions are used for different ailments e.g. The buckwheat herb (Fagopyrum esculentum is rich in flavonoids, which have been identified as potent antioxidants and have a high content of phenolics, and a low content of the phototoxic fagopyrin. the extractable matter, contains fagopyrin, rutin, and chlorogenic acid.

Pharmaceutical herbal preparations have been used for the treatment of respiratory diseases for a long time. Alongside with the well known herbs, there are many of crude drugs to be investigated and applied in therapeutics. Respiratory diseases are mainly treated by chemical medicines and antibiotics. The use of herbal preparations is limited and they are usually used as supplemental ones. Biochemical processes in plants, chemical compounds and information on their value in therapy were shown too beneficial. The pharmacological effect of the compounds often arises from their chemical structure elucidation and knowledge. Hence, the development of rational technology of pharmaceutical preparations follows the identification of active constituents in pharmaceutical herbs. The proper use of pharmaceutical herbs supplies the organism with the natural substances, thus preventing various diseases.

An anti-influenza virus agent contains the medicinal herb extracts including Houttuyniae herbal extract, Acanthopanax sessiliflorus, Seem extract, Saposhnikoviae Radix extract and Bupleurum falcatum L. extract, wherein the medicinal herb extracts are prepared by extracting the medicinal herbs with at least one solvent selected from C1-C4 lower alcohol, ethyl acetate, acetone, water and hexane.

The traditional Chinese herb tripterygium wilfordii contains diterpenoid triepoxides comprise triptolide, triptodiolide, triptonide etc. are used to prepare a drug for treating neoplasm.

A nutritious food composition containing an herbal extract as a main component isomaltooligosaccharide,, high fructose and other additives which supplies sufficient nutrients to a woman in childbed and improves the immunity and thus helps the child-bed woman maintain and improve the health. The nutritious food composition contains 10 to 20% by weight of a herbal extract e.g.arabic gum, taurine, silk peptide, polydextrose and herb flavors.These are but a few examples of the many that are developed, and introduced in the market instead as a subsidiary or complimentary medicine.

However, it is worthy to note, and in long time use, that some of these potions have side effects and slow toxic inducement, e.g. the Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum L.), is known to contain a neurotoxin, and may have been inadvertently mixed into the herbal tea. In view of the severity of the adverse health effects and the clear association with consumption of a specific herbal tea, the suspected herbal tea was quickly withdrawn from the market. Consumption of the herbal tea caused required hospitalization of persons due to generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Morphologic and organoleptic investigations of the suspected herbal tea indicated that this possibly contained the neurotoxin anisatin, a non-competitive GABA-antagonist which can cause hyperactivity of the central nervous system and tonic-clonic seizures. Hence ingestion of a herbal tea containing anisatin caused the reported serious adverse health effects.

Our advice is that one has to treat these herbal drugs with caution and after considerable consultation lest serious adverse or allergic effects may arise during treatment and use.

The Power of Herbal Tea

Herbal teas have been around for thousands of years already but its rebirth in the Western world only happened in recent times. In Eastern countries however, the perceived powers of herbal tea has never waned and many Asians view drinking herbal tea as part of their regular routines.

What are Herbal Teas?
Also known as ptisans and tisanes, herbal teas are either fresh concoctions or packed tea bags produced from the extracted liquids of certain plants. Flowers and leaves are boiled in water. Roots and seeds can either be processed similarly or allowed to simmer on a stove. Herbal teas can also be sweetened if so desired.

Types of Herbal Teas

• Persimmon - This herbal tea is often used as a health drink and a supplement of vitamin C. It is not however a good choice for drinkers who are intending to diet as well.
• Raspberry - This is a popular flavor for teas and its commercialized version is sold in various establishments. Raspberry herbal tea is said to help in alleviating diarrhea.
• Birch - There are several varieties of this particular herb, although all can be consumed safely. Birch herbal tea is usually drunk hot and may aid people suffering from headaches and rheumatic problems. It may also help in treating fever and reduce the painful symptoms of kidney problems. Lastly, birch herbal tea can be used for oral hygiene.
• Blueberry - A popular ingredient in cakes, this herb can also be used for brewing tea although it possesses a slightly bitter taste. It’s said to help people with kidney problems as well.
• Sassafras - Drink this only for enjoyment. Although many people claim that it has blood-thinning properties and can help cure bronchitis, consult a doctor first before consuming it for medicinal purposes.

Tips on How to Brew Your Own Herbal Tea
Using Flowers and Leaves - Place the flowers or leaves inside a heated tea pot or jar then slowly pour boiling water. Replace the lid of the pot or jar to keep the mixture from evaporating and leave it untouched for fifteen minutes. Afterwards, uncover the container then strain. Each cup of water would require either 3 tsp. of freshly brewed herbs or 1 tsp. of dried herbs.

Using Seeds, Roots, or Stems - Cut roots and stems into tiny pieces and then grain them into powdery bits. Take 1 ounce of the concoction and pour it into a pot of water (approximately containing a pint) before boiling. Allow ten to twenty minutes to pass before straining once more. Add sugar if necessary.

Possible Concerns about Herbal Tea
Taking any herbal tea produced by any unlicensed manufacturer can lead to various complications. The following are possible dangers you might suffer from when consuming herbal tea that hasn’t been declared safe by appropriate regulating bodies.

Containing Harmful Ingredients - There are several herbs that will increase rather than reduce the risks to your health. Comfrey, for instance, when consumed excessively can cause liver problems. Lobelia can be as addictive as smoking, while pineapple weed (and occasionally disguised as chamomile), may cause extreme reactions from individuals with certain allergies.

Misidentification of Herbs - In the above situation, there could be a deliberate attempt to mislead consumers about the efficacy and benefits of the company’s herbal tea products. For homemade herbal tea however, an unintentional misidentification is when a problem arises. The comfrey, for instance, no matter how dangerous, is still comparatively safer than the foxglove, which is similar in appearance but infinitely more dangerous.

If you intend to brew your own herbal tea, make sure that you’re using the right herbs and following instructions to the letter. Research about the properties of each ingredient to ensure that there’s no possible harmful side effects.

Side Effects - Herbal tea can also have dangerous side effects when taken together with certain medications, vitamins, and food supplements. Thus, it’s very important that you consult a doctor first before taking any herbal tea if you’re already under medication.

Herbal tea may an ancient and long-standing custom for many, but this doesn’t mean you can’t partake of its benefits as well. Of course, research well and make sure that you’re drinking a herbal tea product which has the seal of approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If it does, however, then all we’ve to say is "kanpai" to your health!

Herbal Tea Makes You Healthy

Life is can be stressful at times. From working long hours at the office or rushing to pick up the kids from school to dealing with rush hour traffic life can sneak up on you and punch you in the gut. Herbal tea has been used as a stress buster for thousands of years by people from Arabia to China. Drinking a nice hot (or warm if you prefer) cup of tea is a great way to settle in and relax.

I know it helps me, I work long hours and sleep is something that I do not do well. Around 30 minutes before bed time I prepare a nice herbal tea, sit in my favorite sofa chair, and sip myself into relaxation. I can feel the stress disappear with each sip until I finally feel rested enough to settle into bed for a good night rest. Herbal tea is believed to help you avoid colds, stimulates your internal organs, promote a good night sleep, reduce anxiety, and sooth your mind.

In addition to the above benefits herbal tea is also caffeine free on a whole. While caffeine can help keep you up there is also a period where caffeine drinkers crash. Drinking a cup or two of herbal tea a day will help you replace some of the other beverages like soda and coffee that do not promote good health. While herbal tea is not an instant cure for everything that harms us it is a great way to become healthier and happier over the long haul.

In the end, at the end of the day or even during the day we all need a little break from the pressures life places on us. Herbal tea can help relieve that pressure.

Selecting the Best Herbal Tea

Selecting the best herbal tea starts with selecting the freshest ingredients you can find available in your area.

Some herbal tea herbs are sensitive to light, air, heat, and other elements. Exposure to these elements can effect the quality of the tea.

Once you select the best ingredients for your tea or the freshest tea bags you can find then you want to store them properly.

How you store your herbal tea will greatly depend on what the herbs that make up the tea are sensitive too. You need to ask the maker of the tea or read the instructions on the package in order to store the tea properly.

Generally you will want an air tight container that will not let light into container. You can find these containers at your local home store.

Once you find the proper container you will need to a proper way to brew the tea. Not all tea accessories are created equal and choosing a quality kettle or pot is as important to getting the most out of your herbal as choosing the freshest ingredients.

You can choose to brew your tea in a traditional tea kettle or you can use a new electric model. Either way you want to make sure that you take your time to buy a quality product.

It seems like a lot of work over something as simple as herbal tea but the work is worth it when you settle and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of your favorite tea.

Taking your time to choose the right tea, the right storage container, the right brewing accessory and the right time to sit down and enjoy your tea makes all the difference in the end.

Types of Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are dominating more and more space on supermarket shelves. This is obviously a fast growing trend. But why should we put away our bags of Fives Roses, our Darjeeling and our Earl Grey in favor of something that just looks like a pile of leaves in a pretty pack?

The most obvious answer is the health benefits that all of these teas bring, doing far more for the body and mind than you would get from the more traditional leaf.

People from around the world have being using different leaves and plants to heal their bodies since time eternal but now we have the modern day consumer benefits of being able to take a bag of our desired herb, popping it into a mug and just adding boiling water. Eh voilá!

Here's a quick guide to some of the teas you can find in your local supermarket and how they can benefit you:

Chamomile
Well known for its calming and soothing effects. Chamomile has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians and was worshipped as being the flower of the sun god Ra. It has been used as a medicinal plant as well as a tea throughout the world's history.

Today it is considered to be one of the most effective healing herbs and as a tea can be used to calm jittery nerves and as a remedy for those who suffer from mild insomnia.

Fennel
A soothing, calming digestive aid and appetite stimulant Fennel tea is made from the seeds of the fennel plant and has a wide range of medicinal uses. It is a wonderful tea for those with stomach complaints as it has anti-spasmodic properties, relieves intestinal cramps and soothes general stomach pains. There is also evidence that it helps in the digesting of fats and can take away hunger pangs.

Fennel tea needs no sweetening.

Green Tea
A natural stimulant, the perfect replacement wake-up brew. This tea is a great stimulant for the mind and although it also contains lots of caffeine the experience is far more natural and gentle than drinking coffee or black tea. It also contains plenty of fluoride and catechins (antioxidants) which in turn helps to.

Green tea can have quite a bitter taste so is often mixed and packed together with mint to improve the flavor. It's also good idea to add a dash of honey to your cup if you like it a little bit sweeter.

Jasmine
A wonderfully calming and relaxing drink. Jasmine Tea can be considered to be China's national drink and you'll get it if you ever ask for tea in a Chinese restaurant. It's made by mixing the leaves from the Tea Shrub (fermented at a slightly higher temperature than green tea) with the flowers of the jasmine plant.

Jasmine tea has a very delicate and subtle taste, it needs brewing for only a short amount of time and needs nothing added to it. It also contains a much smaller amount of caffeine than most teas.

This is a great tea to uplift your mood and ease digestion problems.

Mint
A Digestive Aid The peppermint herb is used to make mint tea, it contains no caffeine. This is a wonderful tea to drink after meals as it helps calm the digestive system, relieving indigestion, heatburn, stomach ache and nausea. Mint tea is also reputed to sweeten the breath.

Add honey or sugar to sweeten the taste.

Why You Should Drink Herbal Teas?

Apart from the wonderful tastes from some herbal teas there are other reasons why folks chose to drink these over the traditional leaves. Herbal teas have long been associated with good health and wellbeing. The soothing, relaxing, and medicinal properties that can be brewed out of such herbs as Ginger, Thyme, Peppermint and Parsley, are legendary.

Homemade herbal teas are not only simple to make, but they're cheap too. There's also growing proof that they provide effective remedies for a whole range of ailments.

If you're anything like me and you have a spot of bother nodding off a night, try a cup of Chamomile tea which has a natural sedative. It's worked wonders for me and I wake up fresh and alert each and every morning nowadays. Well, almost! But Chamomile tea is also said to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties too, so it's good for those cramps that some of us get from time to time. But that’s not all. Chamomile is rich in essential oil, and what that means is that it helps to keep your digestive system functioning correctly.

Jasmine tea is made using green tea leaves and jasmine flowers and is said to have strong spiritual powers. The tea is made by resting the leaves next to the powerfully scented Jasmine flowers to capture the aroma. The smell is just delightful, and the tea is used for its relaxing effects, and to also soothe the digestive system. Recent studies have also indicated that it may help to reduce cholesterol levels, and increase life expectancy.

Another popular herbal tea is Ginger. Ginger is renowned for its powerful medicinal properties. Additionally, it has been listed as an aphrodisiac and can also be used to cure bad breath. However, treating the latter probably helps with the former!

To make Ginger tea, simply cut three or four slices of peeled, fresh root ginger and chop finely. As a guide, you will need about a heaped teaspoon or more for one cup. Place the ginger in a china cup, cover with freshly boiled water, and leave to infuse for about 5 minutes. Other medicinal properties of the ginger root are reputed to help improve circulation, relieve a sore throat, stop motion sickness, dizziness, and relieve muscular aches and pains.

All herbal teas are made by finely chopping or shredding the leaves or roots. They are then placed in a cup, covered with boiling water and allowed to infuse for a few minutes just as the ginger tea recipe above. Herbal teas should be drunk slowly. Some folks like to add a bit of honey as a sweetener. If you are taking herbal tea for medicinal purposes, it's recommended to drink about 4 cups daily.

We've just touched on a few herbs here and the method of making the brews, but there are many, many more to discover, and each with their own unique flavors, aromas, and benefits. Welcome to the world of herbal teas.

Essiac Tea

Essiac tea is an herbal tea that was named after the Canadian nurse, Renée Caisse (Essiac is Caisse backwards).

Essiac History
A traditional Native American doctor or healer in Ontario, Canada had reputedly treated the patient with the special herbal brew. The tea is thus presumed to have come from native Ojibway medicine, and all the herbs it contains are found in the Ontario region growing wild.

Essiac today
Nurse Caisse never published the exact formula for Essiac tea, so the exact original formula is impossible to verify. Furthermore, there are restrictions on the marketing and sale of Essiac tea in the US and Canada. Several companies sell Essiac tea, but the authenticity of their formulas should be checked carefully.

The tea
All the ingredients of Essiac tea can be found in the Canadian wilds. The four main ingredients are commonly: Burdock root, Slippery elm, Sorrel and Indian Rhubarb. Together it is claimed that these herbs can help to balance the body by purging and purifying the blood, ridding the system of toxins and aiding the reparation of cells.

Cautions
Some studies have found that Burdock root can be poisonous in high concentrations – you should always consult your health practitioner before starting to use herbal or any other treatments. In particular, pregnant or nursing women should check before embarking on a course of treatment. While there is much anecdotal evidence of the positive effects of Essiac tea on patients, there have been no clinical studies to prove the effects of the tea. You should also try to verify the quality and source of the tea – some suppliers may be more reliable than others.

Perfect Cup of Herbal Tea

There is nothing quite as good as the taste of teas made with fresh picked herbs. However, many herbs may not be available fresh, either because of the season or their growing environment. A perfect cup of tea can still be brewed with quality dried herbs.

Although numerous gadgets exist for tea making, all that is really required is a pot or kettle to boil water in, a teapot or glass canning jar for steeping, and a strainer. It is important to use a glass, porcelain, or glazed earthenware pot for brewing as some metals can react with the herbs. Always warm the teapot or jar to prevent the tea from cooling off too quickly and to prevent the container from breaking. Many types of strainers and tea balls are available but you might want to just use the herbs loose to allow the herbs to float and move around during brewing. If you prefer a tea ball, use a large one. The tea can be strained after brewing with a stainless steel kitchen strainer.

Because herbal teas can be brewed from leaves, roots, bark, seeds or flowers; alone or in combination, a couple of brewing techniques need to be acquired.

Teas made from the leaves or flowers are infused to protect the more delicate oils from evaporating. To make an infusion, place the herbs in the warmed teapot or canning jar, pour gently boiling water over the herbs, cover to prevent evaporation, steep for 10 - 15 minutes, and strain. In general, use one teaspoon of dried or 3 teaspoons of fresh, bruised herb per cup of water.

Teas made from the roots, bark or seeds are decocted to release their properties. A decoction requires the roots or bark to be cut into small pieces and the seeds to be bruised with a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon. Place 1/2 to one ounce of herb into a pot with one pint (2 cups) of cold water, bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, simmer gently for 10 - 20 minutes, and strain. Teas made with stronger spices such as ginger, clove or cinnamon will need to be adjusted for personal tastes.

To make a tea with both roots/bark/seeds and leaves/flowers follow the directions for making a decoction using just the roots, bark or seeds. Pour the strained decoction over the leaves or flowers and infuse as above.

Herbal iced teas follow the same procedures as above but should be brewed double-strength. After straining, chill for 30 minutes and pour over a glass full of ice. Most herbal teas are delicate enough that sweetening is not necessary but sugar or preferably local honey can be added. There are also naturally sweet herbs that can be added to the teas such as licorice root and stevia (up to 250 times sweeter than sugar! All natural with just a pinch required to sweeten a whole pot of tea).

Unused tea should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours of brewing.

Some Herbal Teas and Their Benefits

Herbal tea is a cost effective way to assist in easing numerous symptoms, whilst enjoying the unique flavors and aromas of the teas. Herbs such as St. John's wort, calendula, ginseng, epilobium, green, horny goat weed, dandelion, birch and shepherds purse can be beneficial to great health and well-being.

The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of tea since ancient times. Stinging nettle is used as an excellent blood cleanser. It also has anti - inflammatory agents. It is used widely throughout the world and because of its high content of calcium, magnesium, iron sodium, potassium and vitamins it is recommended as a blood cleanser and is used too treat many blood disorders.

ST JOHN'S WORT
St john's wort is widely recognized for treatment for mild depression and anxiety, with no side effects. The major active ingredients in St john's wort include hypericin and other dianthrones, flavonoids, xanthones, and hyperforin.

CAUTION St john's wort should not be used in conjunction with various other prescription medicines. Please consult with your health professional or herbalist or both before using St john's wort as a supplement.

THYME
Thyme herbal tea promotes the flow of mucus making it an excellent herbal tea for bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, pneumonia and any inflammation of the throat and nasal passages. It has been used for many years to aid digestion and can be taken many ways such as tea, mouthwash, applied as an ointment, or inhaled as an essential oil. Also because of Thyme's antiseptic qualities, it is also useful for all kinds of infections, whether it be fungal, viral or bacterial.

WALNUT LEAF
Walnut leaf is used for treatment of many skin disorders, including dandruff, hair loss, acne, eczema and also itching from dandruff. Walnut leaf can be dried and used as a tea and can also be applied directly to the skin.

WHITE WILLOW BARK
White willow bark being both rich in salicin and tannins make this a useful herb for digestion. It is a valuable anti- inflammatory and also reduces fevers, eases headaches, and helps with the symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis. White willow helps to thin the blood making it a useful preventative for those at risk of blood clots.

CAUTION If you are taking anticoagulant drugs, consult your doctor / herbalist before taking White willow.

YARROW
Yarrow is used to counter diarrhea and dysentery and to relieve intestinal troubles. The ingredients in yarrow promote blood coagulate and also regulates menstrual periods and acts as a diuretic to aid the function of the liver, gallbladder and kidneys.

How to Blend Herbal Teas

Art is defined as "the quality, production, expression, or realm of what is beautiful, or of more than ordinary significance." A finely blended herbal tea can be just that; a colorful blend of herbs, varying textures, contrasting and complimenting flavors to create an extraordinary cup of tea. With a little creativity and experimentation, the pleasure of creating your own blend can be a rewarding and enjoyable artistic outlet.

Before you begin blending herbs for tea, you should know what the herbs taste like individually. Make up simple teas with one herb at a time until you become familiar with the various flavors. During this process it is best to drink the tea unsweetened. Sit back, savor and enjoy.

As you begin blending, start with equal measurements of the herbs (except lavender, licorice and the spices that tend to overpower a tea if used too freely). You will find it helpful to keep a journal of your creations, including notes on the teas made with just one herb. Combining herbs will tend to alter the taste of the individual herbs so although you may not care too much for one, adding another herb to the blend may create an enjoyable tea. Part of blending involves finding the herbs that enhance or complement each other to your liking. For some, herbal teas are an acquired taste much like a fine wine.

Here is a list of some of the more popular beverage tea herbs categorized by flavor to get you started.

• Florals - lavender, jasmine, rose petals, chamomile, red clover, chrysanthemum
• Lemony/Citrus - lemon balm, lemon verbena, lemongrass, orange, lemon or lime peel
• Tart - hibiscus, rose hips
• Spicy - cinnamon, clove, ginger, cardamom
• Sweet - licorice, fruits, stevia, aniseed, fennel
• Woodsy - sage, rosemary, thyme, marjoram
• Mints - peppermint, spearmint, bee balm, catnip, hyssop

Herbal teas can provide the additional benefits of being healthy, nutritious, and healing. Although this article is intended to discuss beverage teas, consideration can be given to the healing qualities of the herbs used in your blend.

Following are the more traditional uses of some of the herbs you may use in your teas.

Peppermint is calming and aids digestion. Catnip is relaxing, aids digestion, and is known to promote a restful night's sleep. Lavender is calming and good for relieving stress headaches. Hibiscus, rose hips and lemongrass are all high in vitamin C. Chamomile is soothing, promotes sleep, and eases stomachaches. Ginger is warming, stops nausea, and relieves headaches. Rosemary eases anxiety, depression and tension headaches. Thyme is a decongestant and strong infection fighter.

Teas can be blended with just taste in mind, the healing properties to be gained, or a combination of the two.

Some ideas to get you started on creating your own custom blends:

• An iced tea made with equal parts of peppermint and lemon balm
• Lavender and lemongrass
• Hibiscus, rose hips, lemon verbena and orange peel
• Orange peel, cinnamon, clove, ginger and licorice
• Rosemary, sage and fennel seed

Be creative, give your tea blend a name. Package them in decorative tins with a muslin herb bag or strainer as gifts. Have fun and enjoy.

Five Types of Tea

The are five major categories of tea. White, green, Oolong-style (brown), and black teas come from the tea plant, Camellia Sinensis. Herbal teas are made from herbs, spices, fruits, flowers, and bark, and contain no tea leaves. Similar to wine varieties, sometimes the name of a tea indicates the region in which it is grown, which affects it's flavor. Examples of these names would be: Ceylon, Darjeeling, Assam, Lapsang Suchong. Some teas, such as Jasmine, and Earl Gray, are tea leaves with added flavors. Orange Pekoe does not refer to adding orange flavor to the tea, but rather refers to the size of the leaf and it's grade.

Green tea is made from tea leaves which are steamed or pan-fried to prevent fermentation (oxidization). This gives it a delicate flavor. Green tea is very high in anti-oxidants and studies have shown it prevents tooth decay and gum disease. Green teas are particularly characteristic of Japan.

White tea is grown in the Fujian region of Eastern China. White tea contains the white buds of the tea plant, and like green tea it is unfermented and has a delicate flavor. White tea has a very pale color when brewed.

Oolong-style (brown) teas are teas that have been semi-fermented, meaning the leaves are slightly oxidized and turn brown in color.












Black teas are fully fermented tea leaves. Darjeeling, Russian Black Tea, Lapsang Suchong, and English Breakfast, are examples of fully fermented tea. Darjeeling has a mild flavor, and breakfast teas, Russian teas and Lapsang Suchong have a strong taste and are very stimulating.

All teas contain polyphenols, though black teas contain less polyphenols than other varieties. Polyphenols are a type of anti-oxidant that inhibits inflamation and may discourage the effects of aging.

Herbal Tea’s Benefits

We have busy schedules these days, we are running here, going here, picking up kids from here, and by the time we actually have time to relax, it seems like we just cannot do it. Well if you seem to have this problem, you may want to try some herbal tea. Many green teas as well as herbal teas have antioxidants that are not only good for the body, but help you to relax and also help to manage weight loss, increase energy and burn more fat and calories. Herbal Tea may be just want you need.

According to greenherbalremedies.com and an article entitled, Herbal Tea Benefits, herbal mint tea acts as relaxant to the central nervous system. Also, adding some cardamom to the tea will give it a nice flavor as well as help to relief stomach cramps. Raspberry tea also has been known to help women during menopause and is a great source of vitamins and minerals.

Also, drinking tea with dandelion in it can help clean the liver and rosemary tea can help soothe coughs and colds. It also can help with circulation and is sometimes used as a pain killer for bones and joints. When thyme is added to tea it can help boost the immune system and aid in the healing process.

There are many benefits of herbal tea for use in sleep and relaxing to healing the body when we are sick, if you are running here and there and doing this and that all day long and you feel run down or cannot seem to relax, trying herbal tea may be a good idea. It will help you to relax, help to boost your immune system, and provide with the energy and peace of mind you need to start the day off in the best way possible. So, try some herbal tea today and you will be feeling better tomorrow and long into the future.

Tips for Buying Herbs for Herbal Tea Blending

Tea herbs are used to infuse loose leaf tea, or brew up some herbal tea. Typically herbal teas are made for one of their medicinal attributes making them medicinal tea. There are many recipes for different herbal teas on the internet today. What is more difficult to find is a great supplier of herbs once you have begun to make your own blends.

Here are the top things we look for when buying herbs for herbal tea blending:
1. Is the herb Certified Organic?
2. Are different quantities of the herb available?
3. Do I get a discount for ordering in bulk?
4. What are your shipping rates?
5. How long for my tea herbs to arrive?

These are our top 5 questions and we have found a couple of suppliers that have been able to meet our criteria. However none of them turned out to be the local health food store! So if you are looking to make the best herbal tea you can our advice to you is to do your research. There are some pretty shotty suppliers of herbs out there. One product we had purchased was over 50% filler.... needless to say we asked for a refund.

Remember to store your herbs in a sealed container in a dark place. Sunlight and moisture will destroy the integrity and medicinal properties of your herbs.

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.