Herbal teas, it should be stated up front, are not tea at all. Tea is a specific shrub called Camellia sinensis. A true herbalist will refer to "herbal tea" as an infusion or a tisane, rather than a tea.
Flavors of Herbals
Herbal infusions can vary in taste from the truly hideous to delicious. Lemon grass and chamomile are lightly flavored. Peppermint makes a delicious drink as well as great candy. Bitters, which any bartender will know is an ingredient in an Old Fashioned, will taste, well, bitter.
Some herbs are spices, but not all spices are herbs. An herb is a plant that produces seeds, but does not have a woody stem. Herbs that are spices include ginger, cinnamon and mace. Opening the spice cabinet will supply the beginner with some herbs to begin tasting and smelling, then shopping for better tasting herbals will take less guess work.
Some Ancient Remedies for Common Ailments
Herbs have a long history of helping humans feel better, whether they provide comfort or true healing. Herbs like chamomile, peppermint and gentian have been applied to ease digestion. Ginger is said to help with irritable bowel syndrome.
For colds, there are many herbs for congestion and coughing. Thyme may be found in the grocery store herb section, and the tisane is recommended for congestion. Elderberry and anise can also be helpful steeped in hot water. Hyssop can be used as an expectorant. Echinacea helps build up the immune system. Peppermint infusion will help suppress coughing. Echinacea, hyssop, licorice root and thyme will help with fever and easing down the body temperature.
Many people have trouble sleeping, and herbal remedies are readily available to help ease into restful sleep. Some of the favorites are chamomile and valerian, but hops, lemon balm, and rooibos are also good soothing infusions.
Stress is a common complaint in the modern world, but herbals can soothe the symptoms of a stressful lifestyle. Ginseng, catnip and lemon balm are good for anti-stress herbals.
Try dandelion for premenstrual syndrome problems, or raspberry leaf infusion for relief of cramps. Cranberry is often used for urinary tract infections. Ginger is good for morning sickness.
There are ready made blends on the market that have formulas for specific uses. Detoxification mixtures commonly use black pepper along with cinnamon, ginger and the roots of many plants. Other mixtures claim to help with calming, sleep and weight loss.
Buyer Be Careful
The consumer should be aware that herbal remedies have a great deal of variation. All agricultural products are inconsistent. Nature cannot produce plants with a constant concentration of the chemicals that benefit the body. Differences in soil, moisture and sunshine will produce natural variation in the same field in the same growing season.
Wise consumers will do their homework before mixing their own tisanes at home. Consulting a physician with training in naturopathic medicine is a wise step in the process. Drinking a light infusion for comfort is not as risky an experiment as attempting to treat an illness with herbs. Experimenting with herbal preparations in the modern grocery store may be an excellent place to start a safe journey toward appreciating natural remedies.
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Eilene Toppin Ording - Eilene Toppin Ording comes from a wide industrial and educational background. A farmer's daughter from Minnesota, Eilene is an active ...
