Therapeutic Teas & Mixtures

We have tried to select a nice group of teas here for your consumption and use. First, we will begin with single teas and bring to you many blends that you can prepare on your own.

Whether you are interested in brewing teas for medicinal effects or simply because it is your beverage of choice, the following herbs are the ones that are most commonly used in teas. The herb name is followed by the parts that are to be used for brewing.

You can make herb teas with dried or fresh leaves, flowers, or other plant parts. In general, to make an herb tea, places the herb parts into a pot. Usually, you'll start with 1 tablespoon of dried herbs or 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs per cup ( adjust the quantity to suit your own taste). Then add boiling water and steep for 5 10 minutes before straining. Be sure to use a ceramic coated or earthenware or glass pot, and never use Teflon-coated or aluminum. Use pure fresh water that is free of chemicals and heavy water.

Remember these two simple rules when making your tea:
Steep like a tea: leaves, flowers, grasses and powdered spices. Simmer 20 minutes or longer: herbs that are solid ie., roots, twigs, bark, pods, rocks, bones, fungus, seeds, animal product. Always research the tea before making an herb tea as not all herbs are suitable to ingest and can make you quite ill.

CALENDULA TEA
Calendula, also known as "pot marigold," was recognized for its medicinal value as early as the Middle Ages. Throughout history, it has been used to treat abdominal pain, liver and gallbladder wounds. The plant's numerous medicinal components make calendula tea one of the most popular fold remedies; plus, it is generally well tolerated by people with allergies.

Medicinal Uses: promotes healing and the formation of new skin cells, provides relieve from colds, used in treating corns, beneficial for menstrual pain, stimulates circulation and strengthens vascular walls.

Therapeutic Effect: Saponin, mucins and flavonoids give the calendula flower its wound-healing properties. Calendula's essential oils contain antibacterial properties, which is anther reason why this plant is a good treatment for wounds.

Preparation of the tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. Of dried, crushed marigold flowers and steep for 10 minutes. When you make the tea from fresh flowers, check the flower heads to be sure no insects are hiding in them; you can also just pull out the petals. Use 1 tsp. Of the petals in 1 cup of water.

CHAMOMILE TEA
Chamomile has also been very important in alleviating pain and discomfort throughout history. Even today, chamomile tea is one of the most effective medicinal teas known. The gentle action of this herb makes it suitable for both children and adults. Matricaria recutita or German chamomile contains the highest concentration of the essential oils responsible for giving chamomile its healing power.

Medicinal Uses: eye problems, inflammation, restlessness and insomnia, menstrual cramps, flu and cough, intestinal cramps and treatment of gastric problems.

Therapeutic Effect: The healing effect of chamomile is due to the chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol in its essential oil. Chamomile has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antibacterial effects. It also helps calm the nerves and induces sleep.

Preparation of the tea: In a teapot, place 1 tsp. Of chamomile flowers per cup of water. Boil the water, then let it cool slightly. For best results, steep the tea less than 5 minutes.

DANDELION TEA
The word dandelion comes from the French "dent de lion," meaning lion's tooth, which is an allusion to the plant's sharply pointed leaves. Despite its fearsome name, dandelion is actually a friend to the body and is used in many medicinal tea mixtures. In fact, the entire plant, including its strong taproot, can be used to make tea. The root of the dandelion is known to contain countless active ingredients, including potassium and calcium. Both the leaves and roots contain bitter constituents, which have a stimulating effect on the body.

Medicinal Uses: helps to stimulate glandular activity, lowers blood pressures and cholesterol levels, promotes proper digestion and eliminates small kidney and urethral stones.

Therapeutic Effect: The invigorating effect of dandelion is due to its bitter constituents. The root also contains fermenting agents, enzymes and abundant vitamins and minerals. This combination of ingredients can help purify the blood, act as a diuretic and help combat arthritis.

Preparation of the tea: Because it grows wild in most parts of the world, dandelion is easy to collect yourself. Harvest plants growing as far as possible from high-traffic streets and avoid those growing in lawns treated with herbicides. Small, early spring leaves make a less bitter tea. Steep 1 2 tsp. Of dried, crushed leaves in 1 cup of water for about 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup of the tea twice daily.

FENNEL TEA
Fennel is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grow wild in fields and on hillsides. When the flowers are mature, the seeds are harvested and dried and can then be crushed and brewed to produce a highly potent medicinal tea.

Medicinal Uses: antispasmodic and anti-cramping properties, stimulates appetite, promotes good digestion and is great for gas. Is often used as an expectorant for the treatment of whopping cough, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory infections. Use it to treat eye inflammations and to promote lactation.

Therapeutic Effect: Fennel seeds contain an essential oil with the important active ingredients anethole, fenchone and estragole. The tea, made from the crushed seeds, acts as an expectorant.

Preparation of the tea: Pour ¾ cup of boiling water over 1 2 tsp. Of freshly crushed fennel seeds. Allow this mixture to steep on a hot stove for 5 10 minutes, but do not allow it to boil again.

LEMON-BALM TEA
Lemon balm, as known as Melissa officinalis, is a tonic that raises the spirits. The plant emits a fresh, lemony aroma when you rub it between your fingers. The essential oil in lemon balm aldehyde (commonly known as citronella) is responsible for the plant's characteristic lemony aroma as well as its many medicinal properties.

Medicinal Uses: reduces menstrual cramps and calms tension headaches, migraines and gastrointestinal cramps. It is also beneficial for improving concentration and lifting depression.

Therapeutic Effect: The effect of lemon-balm tea is calming and relaxing. Its flavonoids strengthen the heart and circulatory system while the bitter constituents and tannins contained in lemon balm can soothe nausea, diarrhea and flatulence.

Preparation of the tea: The leaves of this herb have long been appreciated for their flavor. Pour a generous cup of freshly boiled water over 1 2 tsp. Of dried lemon-balm leaves and steep, covered, for 10 minutes. Keep the leaves covered to prevent most of the essential oils from escaping. Drink a total of 3 4 cups over the course of a day.

LINDEN-FLOWER TEA
The linden tree or Tilia Americana is said to store the warming rays of the sun in its honey-sweet blooms. When the tea is drunk, it instills the sun's warmth in the body, causing one to break out in perspiration. The tea is given to induce sweating, the body's way of cooling itself, to help reduce fevers. In fact, in folk medicine it is often referred to as "fever tea."

Medicinal Uses: alleviates coughs and colds, reduces anxiety, relieves insomnia, eases cramps and reduces fevers.

Therapeutic Effect: Linden flowers contain the curative plant fiber mucilage, as well as many vitamins and the essential oil farnesol. When ingested as a hot tea,this medley of compounds reduces fevers. It is safe to drink up to two cups of the tea every day.

Preparation of the tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. Of linden flowers, and then steep for 10 minutes. Sip the tea as hot as you can stand it 3 times per day to reduce fever and to promote perspiration.

MALVA TEA
Malva or Althea officinalis grows all over the world and has light pink to purple flowers. The leaves of malva are harvested in the spring, and its blossoms are gathered in the summer and early fall. While both plant parts can be used to make teas, the preparations made with flowers are more common in the United States. The word "malva" is derived from malakos, from the Greek, which means "soothing".

Medicinal Uses: cough and sore throat, skin soother, vaginal inflammation, breast inflammation, soothe an earache, relieve the pain of hemorrhoids and relieve gastrointestinal complaints.

Therapeutic Effect: Because of its high mucilage content, malva tea helps to alleviate inflammation and irritation. The plant is also useful for aidingrespiratory illnesses because of its expectorant and cough-suppressing action. In addition, the malva plant contains tannins in the leaves and blossoms, itcan relieve the pain of stomach upset, relax intestinal spasms and soothe irritated skin.

Preparation of the tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. Of a combination of malva leaves and flowers. Cover the cup or teapot and steep for 10-15 minutes; strain. Drink up to 3 cups per day. To use the tea as a compress, add 2 4 tsp. Of the herb per cup of boiling water; allow to cool. Tea prepared from a mixture of leaves and flowers should be a golden brown color.

MATE TEA
The slightly bitter tea is a good thirst quencher and contains many valuable vitamins, trace elements and enzymes. Caffeine gives the tea an energizing effect, which is beneficial for mental or physical fatigue. Because the caffeine is partially bound to tannins, it is mild and well tolerated.

Medicinal Uses: appetite suppressant, promotes the elimination of intestinal flora, promotes wound healing, helps bladder infections, strengthens the nerves and detoxifies.

Therapeutic Effect: the main component of mate leaves is caffeine, half of which is bound to tannins. It gently stimulates the brain and promotes metabolism and intestinal activity. Saponins, another ingredient, flushes out water that has accumulated in tissues. When applied externally, it has a germicidal effect and promotes wound healing. Mate tea contains vitamins A, B and C, whichstrengthen the body's ability to fight infection.

Preparation of the tea: Pour 1 cup of hot water over 1 tsp. Of dried mate leaves. Allow the tea to steep for 5 15 minutes. If the tea is too bitter, discardthe water after 30 seconds and pour more water over the leaves. The second cupwill contain less caffeine and not taste as strong.

PEPPERMINT TEA
Many people plant peppermint in their gardens simply to enjoy its spicy fragrance on hot summer days. If you plan to grow peppermint for other reasons, be sure to choose the variety with the greatest medicinal effect. True peppermint, Mentha piperita, has the highest number of active agents, including the essential oil menthol, which gives the herb its healing powers.

Medicinal Uses: helps to prevent convulsions and flatulence, useful remedy for irritable bowel syndrome, alleviates headaches, stimulates liver and gallbladder functions, counteracts motion sickness, freshens breath and helps prevent sore throat.

Therapeutic Effect: menthol is the primary active ingredient in peppermint. This essential oil eases nausea, colic, diarrhea, headaches, gastritis and menstrual cramps. In addition, peppermint is rich in the enzymes peroxidase and catalase, which help strengthen the immune system. I t also contains potassium, calcium and B vitamins to combat bone loss.

Preparation of the tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tbsp. Of dried peppermint leaves picked from your garden, or use a commercially available peppermint tea bag. Steep for 10 minutes.

RASPBERRY-LEAF TEA
The common garden raspberry Rubus idaeus - is part of the rose family and grows from late spring to midsummer. Often people choose to cultivate the shrub for its berries, but you can also find it growing wild in woodland areas. While there is no doubt that the sweet berries are the most popular part of the raspberry plant, many herb experts know that the leaves are valuable as well.

Medicinal Uses: helps various intestinal problems, diarrhea, alleviates menstrual complaints and bronchitis. Has also been used to treat wounds, purify the blood and to aid nausea and stomach upset. The tea also helps to eliminate toxins and aide vaginal discharge.

Therapeutic Effect: the tannins in raspberry-leaf tea have an astringent effect, which gives the tea its anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory capabilities. It also helps stop bleeding.

Preparation of the tea: In order to take full advantage of the healing components in raspberry leaves, it is best to steep the dried, crushed leaves in cold water for a few hours, then boil the mixture for 10 minutes before straining. Use 1 tsp. Per cup of water.

SAGE TEA
Sage, also known as, Salvia officinalis,is derived from the Latin word salvus, which means "healthy," and refers to the plant's curative powers. Sages strong scent is particularly noticeable on sunny days, because its essential oils are drawn out by the sun and evaporated into the air. The high levels of these essential oils-its bitters, which stimulate digestive secretions, and its tannins, which improve resistance to infection-give sage its antiseptic and astringent properties. Sage tea has broad medicinal applications.

Medicinal Uses: ideal for stomach and intestinal ailments, menopausal symptoms and irregular bleeding; it makes an excellent gargle for sore throats and gums, agreat breathe freshener, reduces secretions of the sweat glands and milk production in the mammary glands.

Therapeutic Effect: sage contains abundant essential oils with thujone, cineole and camphor. These provide it with the mucus thinning and antiseptic properties that make it ideal for a gargle, wound dressing and vaginal rinse. Sage alsocontains estrogen-like substances that help ease menstrual and menopausal complaints.

Preparation of the tea: Pour 1 cup of hot water over 2 tsp. Of fresh sage leaves or 1 tsp. Of dried sage leaves. Cover and steep for about 10 minutes. Strain. Make sure the water is not boiling when you pour it over the leaves; otherwise, the potent essential oils contained in the sage will vaporize..

TEA MIXTURES

CINNAMON HERB TEA (Kuei Chih Tang)
1.Cinnamon 4 grams
2.Ginger 4 grams
3.Peony alba 4 grams
4.Jujube 4 grams
5.Licorice 4 grams

This tea is used for people with headaches, shoulder stiffness and sweating. It is good for people with low blood pressure and weakened digestion.

EPHEDRA HERB TEA (Mao Huang Tang)
1.Ephedra 5 grams
2.Apricot Kernel 5 grams
3.Cinnamon 4 grams
4.Licorice 1.5 grams

This tea helps to relieve the symptoms of the common cold, asthma, congestion and lower back pain.

EARLY MORNING HERB TEA
1.Dried Powered Rosehips 30 grams
2.Dried Hibiscus 30 grams
3.Dried Lemon Balm 15 grams
4.Dried Peppermint 15 grams
5.Dried Dried Meadowsweet 7 grams

Mix and store in a dark, air tight tin.

COLTSFOOT HERB TEA
1.Coltsfoot Leaves 45 grams
2.Marsh-mallow Root 22 grams
3.Narrow-leaf Plantain 22 grams
4.Aniseed 22 grams

This tea is great for dry coughs. Prepare a tea from this blend to coat the mucous membranes of the throat and bronchial passages with a healing, soothing film.

LADY'S MANTLE TEA
1.Lady's-mantle Herb 45 grams
2.Marsh-mallow Root 22 grams
3.Fennel Seeds 22 grams

Make this tea for a tonic to strengthen and balance the female reproductive system. Lady's mantle is a hormone regulator, while the other herbs serve as nutrients.

HAWTHORN TEA
1.Hawthorn Flowers 22 grams
2.Valerian Root 22 grams
3.Lemon-Balm Leaves 22 grams

Use 1 tsp. Of the herb mixture per cup of boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes and then strain. This tea mixture lowers blood pressure and also has a calming effect on the nerves.

FENNEL TEA
1.Fennel Seeds 45 grams
2. Caraway Seeds 30 grams
3. Anise Seeds 30 grams

Use 1 2 tsp. Of the herbs per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, strain. Good for flatulence in adults and colic in infants.

ST. JOHN'S WORT TEA
1.St. John's Wort 40 grams
2.Lemon-balm Leaves 30 grams
3.Valerian 30 grams

Use 1 tsp. Of the herb mixture per cup of boiling water. Drink a cup of this tea before going to bed each night for several weeks to calm overwrought nerves, lift depression and help you fall asleep more easily. Steep for 10 minutes, strain.

RASPBERRY-LEAF TEA
1.Raspberry Leaves 25 grams
2.Elder Flowers 25 grams
3.Chamomile Flowers 25 grams
4.Linden Flowers 25 grams

Use 1 tsp. Of the herb mixture per cup of hot water; strain. This herbal tea will strengthen the bladder muscles and also calm anxiety. For bedwetting, give your child 1 2 cups in the early evening.

LEMON-BALM TEA
1.Lemon-Balm Leaves - 30 grams
2.Passionflower Green Parts 30 grams
3.Chamomile Flowers 25 grams
4.St. John's Wort 25 grams

This tea has a calming effect and is helpful for difficulties in concentration or falling asleep. Mix herbs well. Steep 1 2 tsp. Of the tea mixture in 1 cup of boiled water, covered, for 10 minutes. Strain. Calming tea for children.

DANDELION TEA
1.Dandelion Root 30 grams
2.Dandelion Leaves 30 grams
3.Nettle Leaves 25 grams
4.Spearmint Leaves 25 grams

Steep in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. This tea promotes the metabolism and stimulates the activity of the kidneys, thereby reducing bloating and fluid retention.

LINDEN FLOWER TEA

1.Linden Flowers 45 grams
2.Sage 25 grams
3.Thyme 25 grams
4.Lemon Balm 25 grams

Add 1 tsp. Of the herb mixture to 1 cup of boiling water; steep for 10 minutes and strain. This tea is best drunk in the evening before bedtime. Drink it to relieve nervous tension and promote relaxation.