The Healing Power of Herbal Teas

Feeling better can be as simple as sipping a cup of herbal tea. Our ancestors did it for centuries, long before science proved them right. From an upset stomach to menstrual cramps to a good night's sleep, there's an herbal cure for almost anyting that ails you.
Even though medicinal herbs are the basis of modern medicine, it was not until recently that physicians have taken them seriously-and that's only because consumers demanded that they do so. Most health food stores today stock the herbs, either in loose form or procesed into bags.
Technically, herbal teas are not really "teas" at all, since they contain no tea leaves. Most herbal remedies are brewed into two forms, infusions and decoctions. Unlike black or green teas that are steeped for only a minute or two, herbal teas are brewed or boiled much longer, in order to extract more of the healing properties of the plant.
An infusion is prepared by mixing a precise measurement of the herb into a cup of boiling water. Generally the mixture is brewed for 10 to 20 minutes then allowed to cool to lukewarm.
A decoction is a concentrate. It requires simmering the herb's bark or root in boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes. Many recipes call for the liquid to be boiled until half has evaporated. It is then strained, cooled and placed in the refrigerature until needed.
When the decoction is needed, add one to three tablespoons to a cupo of warm water and drink.
Many herbal teas are not known for their terrific flavors, but don't let that stop you from benefiting from their numerous healing qualities. There are many ways to improve the flavor.
To sweeten your tea, add a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup or apple juice. To vary or disguise the flavor, add a cinnamon stick or a bruised clove to the warmed drink. Anise seed will give it a licorice-like taste, and orange and lemon peel are old-fashioned favorites.
But don't add milk or sugar to an herbal tea. While the taste will improve, the medicinal effects will be drastically reduced.
Once you've become familiar with the different kinds of herbs and their uses, try mixing your own brew. Blending two or more teas together will not only make for a healthier concoction, but also for a tastier one.

CatnipNepeta catariaGuaranteed to drive your cat wild, this herb has been used by humans for thousands of years for its curative powers. In fact, it was a favorite beverage in Europe long before the arrival of real tea from the Far East.
Catnip tea has long been touted as an aid to a good night's sleep. But it's also recommended to soothe frazzled nerves, ease menstrual pain and when applied directly to the skin, as an insect repellent.
How to: To make an infusion, steep two to four teaspoons of dried leaves and flowers in one cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired.
Note: Since the herb increases menstrual flow, pregnant women should avoid it.

ChamomileChamamelom noble or Matricaria recutitaUsed by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Vikings, chamomile was referred to as the "do-anything" herb because of its reputation as a whole-body healer. Nicholas Culpeper, a world renowned 17th century herbalist, prescribed it for a number of ailments, including fever, heart disease, aches, pains and menstrual cramps.
Sleep aid: Most people are familiar with chamomile's ability to gently rock us to sleep. It contains a mild sedative that helps soothe frazzled nerves and lessen anxiety-two things that can keep anyone from sound slumber.
Chamomile is one of the gentlest sleep inducers around, relaxing the central nervous system while eliminating the "groggy" feeling that many prescription and over-the counter sleep aids cause the next morning.
Stomach upset and digestive aid: Do you remember the favorite children's book by Beatrix Potter in which Peter Rabbit ate too much from Mr. McGregor's garden and made himself sick? When he finally got home, his mother made him a cup of chamomile tea. That's because this tea can calm an upset stomach (not to mention soothing poor Peter's jangled nerves).
Along with settling stomach distress, chamomile imroves te appetite after an illness and eases gas pains. It's also a gentle laxative. Used in a diluted form, it's a great remedy for children's diarrhea.
Many herbal experts suggest sipping a cup of warm tea every night after dinner to keep the digestive system functioning properly.
Many sufferers of ulcers, especially peptic ulcers, swear by the tea for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to speed healing.
Eye wash: To soothe tired, irritated eyes, especially during allergy season, use chamomile tea bags. Soak the bags in ice water for a few minutes lie down and place them over your eyelids. You'll feel relief in no time.
Menstrual problems: Women have sipped chamomile tea for centuries to ease the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps. That's because the chemical makeup of the plant acts as an antispasmodic, relaxing the ovaries and relieving te painful cramps.
Although there have been no formal studies to confirm it, some herbalists recommend chamomile tea for cases of infertility because of its influence on the ovaries.
Arthritis: Experts are now discovering that chamomile is an effective treatment for painful arthritis.
In her book The Complete Book of Herbs, Spices and Condiments (Facts on File, 1990), Carol Ann Rinzler said, "In experiments with laboratory animals, chamomile tea showed anti-inflammatory effects, relieving the symptoms of conditions such as arthritis that are ordinarily characterized by pain, redness and swelling."
How to: To make an infusion, add two to three heaping teaspoons of dried flowers or one teaspoon fresh flowers to a cup of boiled water. Don't boil the flowers, since this will cause the tea to lose potency. To derive the most medicinal benefits, steep for at least 25 minutes. You can reheat the tea if desired, but most people prefer to drink it when it's lukewarm.
Drink three cups fo tea per day to treat symptoms and one cup after dinner every night to prevent stomach upset. If you're giving chamomile to children, dilute the tea with water and serve it at room temperature.
Chamomile tea is widely available in pre-packaged bags. When preparing, simply follow the package directions.
Note: Anyone who has hay fever or is allergic to ragweed should sta away from chamomile since they belong to the same family.

CinnamonCinnamomum zeylanicumIt's added to buns, bread and pastries and is a favorite addition to a cup of hot chocolate on a cold night, but there's a lot more to this spice than just good taste.
Folk healers have recommended it as a remedy for colds, nausea and vomiting. Because it releases gas in the stomach and small intestines, it's useful for settling an upset stomach and treating diarrhea.
How to: Pour boiling water over a stick of cinnamon bark and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Let the tea cool to lukewarm and enjoy. Or you can add cinnamon to any of your favorite herbal teas.

CloveEugenia caryophylliaWhen cloves are scraped or bruised, they release a pugent oil that offers quick and long-lasting relief from nausea and vomiting, curbs flatulence and improves digestion.
Clove is a mild sedative that, when added to other sleep-inducing herbs such as chamomile, is effective as a gentle sleep aid. Some herbalists recommend it for mild depression and relief from toothache pain.
How to: Add a teaspoon of clove oil to a cup of boiling water. When simmering, be careful not to let too much water evaporate, since this creates a more potent tea than is necessary.

DandelionTaraxacum officinaleWe often complain when this flower invades our lawns and flower beds, but before you curse this perennial herb, consider its healing value instead.
Cleansing tonic: For hundreds of years, herbalists have used it as a cleansing tonic for all kinds of liver problems, including hepatitis, jaundice and cirrhosis. It's also an old-fashioned folk remedy for treating gallstones.
A lesser known, but very effective, use of dandelion tea is for upper respiratory infections, from pneumonia to bronchitis. A cup of lukewarm tea every five hours will have a person feeling fit within no time.
How to: Use a handful of fresh herbs to one pint of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes, strain and add honey to taste.
To make an infusion from dried dandelion: Bring a quart of water to a boil. Add two tablespoons chopped herb and let simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add three teaspoons dried dandelion leaves. Steep for 30 minutes and let cool to lukewarm. Add honey or molasses to taste.

Dill SeedAnethum graveolensMost people are familiar with dill as the spice used in pickles. For hundreds of years before refrigeration, it was used as a food preservative because it contains active ingredients that destroy and prevent the growth of food-spoiling microbes.
Those same ingredients can soothe and settle an upset stomach. It's been used as a healing aid in Asia and Euroope for over a thousand years. Cold dill seed tea is still recommended aroung the world.
How to: Use two teaspoons bruised dill seeds per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink three cups a day.
Diluted, cooled dill tea may be given to infants with colic.

EchinaceaEchinacea angustifoliaUsed either internally or externally, this is one of the best-and most recognized-healing teas available.
Country folks considered it a medicine chest in itself. Native American healers used it for everything from snakebites to burns, and ancient Chinese healers used it as an antibiotic.
Today herbalists recommend it as an all-around immune booster. European researchers have discovered that a natural antibiotic, echinacoside, found in the plant is comparable to modern penicillin.
Immune booster As modern antibiotics became more popular in America in the 1930's, many people stopped using this herb. But in Germany, where herbal healing is taken as seriously as pharmaceutical medicine, people still prefer echinacea to prescription antibiotics for viral and bacterial infections. One of the major benefits of herbs is that, unlike antibiotics, your body does not build up a tolerance to them.
Echinacea increases the production of "killer" white blood cells-which are your body's own natural defense system. When an infection invades your body, these white blood cells rush to that area to fight off the intruder.
But when the white blood cells get overworked and overtired, they can no longer effectively fight.
Sipping the tea at the first sign of sickness will re-arm te cells for further battle, allowing them to do their job once again.
Dr. Paul Lee of the Platonic Academy in Santa Cruz, CA, a non-profit organization that gathers information about the safety and effectiveness of medicinal herbs, says echinacea "is one of the best all-around immune enhancers going-the ideal supplement to prevent a variety of ills from colds to cancer."
Colds and flu: Echinacea cannot cure you if you already have a cold, but if taken at the first sign of a sniffle, it can keep a cold from becoming more severe ormay shorten its duration.
How to: Make a decoction by boiling two teaspoons of dried echinacea root in a cup of water. Simmer 15 minutes, then strain. Drink three times a day.

GarlicAllium sativumOften referred to as a "miracle food", garlic more than lives up to that description. There's not much this herb can't do. Can you think of any other food that is proven to fight infection, thin the blood, alleviate high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, stimulate the immune system, treat lung infections and prevent cancer?
A long of history of use: Garlic has a long history of medicinal use. An Egyptian papyrus dating from 1500 B.C. lists 22 garlic preparations for ailments such as headache, weakness and sore throat.
In ancient Greece, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used garlic to treat infection, wounds and stomach disorders.
Roman soldiers took it for strength and endurance. Ancient Oriental healers recommended garlic as a way to reduce high blood pressure, and in India, medicine men suggested garlic as a successful treatment for heart disease. During World Wars I and II, physicians used it on the battlegrounds to treat wounds and gangrene.
Today, garlic is still widely used around hte world as an antibiotic. Tests show that the allicin in garlic is even stronger than the two most popular prescription antibiotics-penicillin and tetracycline.
In Russia, more than 500 tons of garlic were imported one winter to combat a deadly strain of influenza.
A recent study reported that 72 separate infections were treatable with garlic, says Jean Carper in The Food Pharmacy.
If you've been exposed to a cold or flu, sipping a cup of cool garlic tea will, in most cases, prevent you from getting sick! It's also highly effective in clearing up the chest congestion that often accompanies a bad cold.
Heart disease: When it comes to good health, garlic gets right to the heart of the matter. There have been hundreds of studies conducted by research centers around the world that prove garlic works miracles on the cardiovascular system. In simplest terms, it works by lowering cholesterol and thinning the blood, preventing the buildup of deadly plaque and fat deposits in the arteries.
Cancer: It sounds too good to be true, but it's not. There is solid evidence that shows the herb is capable of shrinking malignant tumors. Experiments with animals and people show that garlic may slow down-or even reverse-the growth of certain tumor cells.
Other research indicates that garlic stimulates the body's natural immune system, making the "killer" white blood cells more aggressive against the invading carcinogens.
A large study entitled Diet, Lifestyle and Mortality in China (Oxford and Cornell University Presses, 1990) evaluated and analyzed the diets and lifestyles of 6500 people in 1950 Chinese families.
The results showed that people who ate a lot of sulphur-rich foods-such as garlic-had a much lower risk of cancer.
How to: It's best to use fresh garlic since much of its medicinal qualities are lost through processing.
Chop six cloves of garlic and add them to a acup of cool water. Let it steep for six hours and drink. Another option is to add a garlic-sugar syrup to warm black tea. To make the syrup, slice 12 cloves of garlic and place in one cup of sugar. Let the mixture sit for two days, then remove the garlic. Take one teaspoon in a cup of tea three times a day.
Bad breath: Why does something that's so good for us have to leave us smelling so bad? Luckily, there are herbal teas to conquer the problem.
Alfalfa is rich in chlorophyll, the active ingredient in many breath-freshening products. To make a cup, add two teaspoons dried leaves to a cup of boiling water and steep 15 minutes.
Fennel is another good herb for bad breath. To make a tea or gargle, add boiled water to two teaspoons fennel seed. Steep 10 minutes then let the mixture cool. Either drink or gargle.

GingerZingiber officinaleCommonly used in cooking, ginger is just as important to herbalists as it is to chefs. Its warming and stimulating properties are just what the doctor ordered to head off colds and flu, relieve nausea and stomach cramps and speed up the metabolism.
Cold and flu: If you've been exposed to someone with a cold, don't panic. Recent studies reveal that drinking just one cup of ginger tea will increase your body's production of the cells that are needed to fight off the invading virus.
If you've already caught the bug, it's not too late to feel better. Sipping ginger tea can be the difference between a cold that lingers and one that's over in a short time.
Fever: According to Dr. John Heinerman in Healing Herbs and Spices (Parker Publishing, 1996), warm ginger tea is one of the best ways to break a high fever and rid the body of mucus buildup in the sinuses, throat and lungs.
Nausea: Teest after test has s hown that ginger is as effective-if not more so-in preventing the onset of nausea as Dramamine, the medication most commonly prescribed for motion sickness.
A study done by Dr. Daniel Mowrey (The Lancet, March 1982) proved just how well ginger works.
Twenty-six students were placed in a revolving chair to induce motion sickness. The chair rotated between four and 17 revolutions per minute.
None of the students who received a placebo or the Dramamine could stay in the chair for the full six minutes of the test, but those who received ginger were able to stay in the chair the entire time.
Arthritis: Ease the stiff sore, aching joints caused by arthritis with a soothing cup of ginger tea.
Researchers in Denmark found that when ginger was added to the diet of arthritic patients, their aches and swelling were reduced by 75 percent.
If you don't want to drink your ginger, you can bathe with it. Place three to four tablespoons of ginger root powder into a quart of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and add the mixture to warm bath water and soak for no longer than 15 minutes.
Weight loss: Most of us love to eat and hate to diet. So what could be better than a natural, pleasant tasting herb that speeds up the metabolism? Like hot peppers and chilis, ginger also does the trick.
In one study, a group of volunteers burned 100 calories in two hours after ingesting ginger. In another study, ginger caused metabolism of the subjects to go up almost 25 percent.

GinkgoGinkgo bilobaA native of China, this herb has been around since the age of the dinosaurs-over 200 million years. So it's not surprising that the Chinese have used its healing properties for thousands of years.
Aging: It's not the "fountain of youth" or a magical miracle potion that will stop the aging process. But if you start faithfully taking ginkgo now, it will hellp you age more gracefully, with fewer of the aches and pains associated with old age.
Hypertension, hardening of the arteries, Bueger's disease (inflammation of the veins and arteries ofte referred to as "pins and needles") and Raynaud's disease (constriction of the blood vessels) have all been proven to be helped by a daily intake of ginkgo.
Circulatory disorders are a common problem to the elderly. One of this herb's greatest benefits is that it increases circulation to both the brain and the limbs.
Memory loss: One of the most distressing effects of old age is dementia and memory loss. Early research shows that ginkgo is very effective in the prevention and treatment of early Alzheimer's disease. The reason, again, is the herb's amazing effect on circulation of blood to the brain.
How to: Home brewing is not recommended. Ginkgo powder is available at most health food stores.

GinsengPanax schinsengThe ginseng root has been prized in the Orient for thousands of years as an aphrodisiac and all-around health tonic. Today, research is backing up that claim. Ginseng has been found to be an excellent pick-me-up, and growing research shows it helps the body resist illness brought on by stress.
There are over 20 varieties of ginseng available but the three most popular are the American, Siberian and Korean types. Therefore, most research is conducted using these types.
Vitality: Ginseng is well known as an energy booster, but most people don't realize that in order for it to be effective, it must be taken continuously over a long period of time. There are no shortcuts here.
In one Japanese study, students who received ginseng preparations worked faster and achieved higher test scores than the students who didn't take anything or received a placebo.
Virility: For thousands of years, ginseng has enjoyed a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac, and htere is some evidence to support this. Many believe it gained tis reputation because it relieves stress and provides energy, making the love-making act last longer.
How to: To make a decoction, use one-half teaspoon of powdered root to one cup of boiling water. Simmer for 10 minutes and strain. Drink two cups a day.

GoldensealHydrastis canadensisOften called the "poor man's ginseng", goldenseal was considered a cure-all by Native Americans who used it for sore eyes, canker sores and tuberculosis. It was also used during the Civil War as an antibiotic when medicine was scarce and is still one of the most highly regarded healing herbs today.
Stomach upset Research has discovered that two active chemicals in goldenseal-berberine and hydrastine-are powerful germ killers. These chemicals kill many of the bacteria responsible for diarrhea and other stomach upsets. And, as they destroy these harmful germs, they strengthen the entire immune system by giving the white blood cells a much-needed boost.
Canker sores are the result of too much acidic foods in the diet, hot food or biting the inside of the mouth. Gargling with cool goldenseal tea twice a day will relieve the symptoms and speed the healing process.
How to: Use one teaspoon of powdered root per cup of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Drink only two cups a day.
Warning: Use this herb for only short periods of time. If taken over an extended period of time, it causes irritation and inflammation. Suggested use is to drink two cups of tea a day for three weeks, then stop completely. You may repeat this process every three weeks.
Note: Large doses of goldenseal may cause contractions of the uterus and should be avoided by pregnant women.
People with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or a istory of stroke should not use this herb.

Gotu KolaCentella asiaticaA native plant of India, gotu kola has been used extensively as a cleansing herb and digestive tonic in that country. For thousands of years, it was used to treat leprosy, sores and other disorders of the skin.
Brain food: But gotu kola has been making a name for iteself in the west as a memory rejuvenator and "brain food". Dr. Appa Roa wrote about his research into the benefits of gotu kola in the Journal of Reaearch in Indian Medicine.
He selected 30 mentally retarded children between the ages of seven and 18. Each was given an I.Q. test and a psychological exam. They were then divided into two groups, one receiving gotu kola and the other a placebo.
Records show that the herb worked amazingly well. Several children tested better after taking the herb. The IQs of the children in the placebo group were relatively unchanged.
"The adjustment of the children in the gotu kola group underwent a conspicuous change. The drug was noted to have increased (their) powers of concentration and attention", said Dr. Roa.
How to: Use two teaspoons of dried herb to a cup of boiling water. Let steep 10 minutes, strain and drink.

HyssopHyssopus officinalisThis member of the mint family is useful in treating problems of the lungs and upper respiratory tract.
It soothes the bronchioles (the air passages of the lungs), making this herb a soothing treatment for bronchitis and similar ailments of the lungs, such as severe coughs, asthma and, in children, whooping cough.
How to: Use one to two teaspoons of dried herb to one cup ater. Let steep for 10 minutes, strain, sweeten with honey or molasses and drink.

Lemon BalmMelissa officinalisAlso called balm or sweet balm, lemon balm has a long history of both medicinal and pleasurable uses. With its lemony, invigorating flavor, it's one of the better-tasting herbal teas.
A cup of lemon balm tea will hellp ease congestion and stuffiness when you're suffering from a cold or the flu. It's especially good for fevers, respiratory infections and stomach aches. It helps to calm the nerves and aids in digestion.
How to: Add boiling water to one teaspoon of dried herb. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and sip while warm.

MeadowsweetFelipendula ulmariaThis pleasant-tasting, easy-to-grow herb is often mixed with other medicinal healing herbs to make them more palatable.
Brought to America by the colonists, it was used to treat fevers, repiratory disease, arthritis, menstrual cramps and stomach upsets.
In the early 1800's, scientists discovered that meadowsweet contained a substance called salicin, an effective fever-reducing, pain reliever. A synthetic version is what we today call aspirin. Although this herb is not as strong as aspirin, it delivers many of the same benefits without any side effects, such as stomach upset.
Cool meadowswet tea can also be used as a gentle soothing eyewash for conjuctivitis and sties.
How to: Use one to two teaspoons of dried herb to one cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes, strain and cool.

MintMentha piperita or Mentha viridisBesides being popular cooking herbs, peppermint and spearmint have remarkable medicinal value.
Mint has been used to settle upset stomachs for hundreds of years. Ancient Egyptians used it to relax te digestive tract and Chinese herbalists recommended it for coughs and fever.
Upset stomachs: Many over-the-counter remedies include mint as a primary ingredient. Both mints are a carminative, which means they expel gas and relieve nausea and indigestion, as well as flatulence.
Mint is also a sedative and those with bronchial symptoms often find relief by inhaling fumes from a cup of mint tea.
Asthma sufferers and those with bronchial symptoms often find relief by inhaling fumes from a cup of mint tea.
How to: You can eithr use fresh or dried mint, but fresh is preferred. Put one teaspoon of dried herb or about six fresh sprigs of fresh herb in a cup. Pour boiling water ovre it, cover, and let it steep for 10 minutes. Sip while still hot.

St. John's WortHypericum perforatumUsed in days of old to drive away demons, St. John's Wort has a more important task today-driving away viruses and other ailments, including depression and arthritis.
Historically, it was used as a healing and soothing remedy for throat and lung problems.
Researchers in Germany and Russia have discovered that St. John's Wort contains flavanoids, those antioxidants that rejuvenate the immune system. Its antibacterial, antispasmodic antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects have been well documented.
Depression: In a recent Austrain study, almost 70 percent of patients who suffered from mild to moderate depression felt better after they were given St. John's Wort.
It's still commonly used in Europe as a treatment for nervous disorders such as anxiety, tension and insomnia brought about by depression.
How to: Add two teaspoons of dried herb to a cup of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Drink three cups a day.

ThymeThymus vulgarisThe seventeenth-century herbalist, Nicholas Culpepper, said of thyme, "It is a notable strengthener of the lungs: there is no better remedy for that disease they call whooping cough."
Thyme is still a popular treatment for chest infections and inflammations such as bronchitis and phlegm. Herbalists consider it a highly effective natural antiseptic. Its primary ingredient, thymol, is a powerful germ killer found in toothpastes and mouthwashes.
How to: Use one teaspoon of dried thyme or two teaspoons of fresh herb and add a cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and enjoy.

ValerianValerianaceaeThis herb has been used as a stress-reliever and sleeping aid for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it as a pain reliever, decongestant and poison antidote. By the 12th century, its tranquilizing properties were discovered.
Valerian is still popular in Europe and Canada, and is becoming more well-known and used in the United States.
A natural sleeping aid: Studies show that valerian contains tranquilizing and sedative properties similar to those of the prescription drug Valium. It promotes relaxation while helping overcome insomnia, anxiety and headaches. And unlike prescription sleeing pills, there are no nasty side effects the next morning.
How to: Use two teaspoons of dried herb to one cup of boiling water. Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes. Drink a cup before going to bed.
This is not one of the best-tasting herbs around, so to make it more palatable, add honey or lemon, or mix it with another more pleasant-tasting herb of your choice.
Note: This herb is a strong sedative. Only use it before going to bed. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking valerian.

WintergreenGaultheria procumbensWintergreen tea was used by the Native Americans for hundreds of years as a cure for sore throats and fever.
Wintergreen, also known as teaberry, contains methyl salicylate, which is the chemical basis of aspirin. It is highly effective in treating headaches and the aches and pains of cramped muscles.
How to: Use two teaspoons fresh leaves or one teaspoon of dried herb to a cup of water. Steep 10 minutes and sip the warm tea.

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