Herbal Tea  Remedies – What You Should Know and Avoid

All information you should know about herbal teas or tisane, natural herbal tea, the benefits, types of herbal teas and what you  should avoid during pregnancy.

Herbal tea, also known as tisane, is an herbal infusion made from anything but the leaves of the Camellia sinensis (or the tea bush)! Herbal tea is made from flowers (fresh or dried), roots, seeds or leaves by pouring boiling water over them and letting it steep for sometime. Alternatively, they can also be boiled together over a flame in a pot. The herbal tea is then strained and served. It maybe sweetened if required.

Herbal Tea - Tisane

Various varieties of herbal tea are found in the market, some for its medicinal benefits and some for its intoxicating smells. Some firms even market herbal tea in tea bags. The term herbal tea is used mainly in the Americas to refer to linden, or lime leaf tea. Yet, there are many hundreds of varieties of herbal tea which have been quite popular in the regions where they are found. It would do us no harm to get to know about a few of them.

Herbal Teas or Tisanes have varying effects. They can have a mild, relaxing, calming or invigorating effect, depending on the character of the herb. The right herbal tea blend can also help to cleanse the system and clear the mind.

Herbal teas can be drunk as stimulants or even as relaxants. Ginger herbal  tea is drunk to settle the stomach or even for congestion in the chest. Some herbal trees are believed to have anti-cancer properties and are especially good for gastric, esophageal and skin cancers. They may even help in lowering cholesterol.

Some Natural Herbal Tea :

* Some of the popular Asian herbal tea are the Yuen Kut Lam Kam Wo Tea (made in Hong Kong and composed of thirty Chinese herbs), the Mugicha (which is drunk cold in summer and quite similar in flavor to coffee), Cannabis (used in the preparation of Bhang in India), the Sugnyung (or toasted rice from Korea), the Tan Ngan Lo Medicated Tea (prepared in the twentieth century by a Chinese), and the Ho Yan Hor Herbal Tea (made from twenty four natural herbs in Korea).

* Popular herbal tea from America are : the Mate (shrubs grown in Brazil and Argentina), Lapacho (which is the inner lining of the bark of the Lapacho tree found in Amazonian forests and has numerous health benefits), Essiac (a native American herbal tea), Cerasse (a bitter herb found in Jamaica), and the Uncaria tomentosa (a woody vine found in the Amazonian forests and used to treat various ailments).

* Rooibos (a reddish plant native to South Africa), the Honeybush (closely related to the Rooibos, but sweeter), the Bissap (consumed in the Saharas), the Hibiscus (from the Middle East), the Greek Mountain Tea (found in the Mediterranean and used to cure colds), the Chamomile (grown in Germany and used as a sedative), and the Horehound (known for its efficacy in lung troubles and grown in Britain) are quite popular varieties of herbal tea.

My favorite herbal teas :

*Chamomile herbal tea. Chamomile, which is closely related to the daisy, consists of tiny flowers that when brewed yields a very sweet smelling and tasting cup. However, due to allergy concerns, it is wise to consult a proper physician before consuming this tea. After having the green light, expect a very relaxing feeling after taking a few sips. This is because chamomile happens to be one of natures most powerful sedatives. Like rooibos, this beverage also contains no caffeine. This herbal tea is sometimes called “the mother of the gut” and provides many digestive benefits. In ancient times, the Egyptians used chamomile as an herbal remedy, and till this day studies have proven the Egyptians had it right.

*Peppermint herbal Tea. Peppermint tea is also great for treating upset stomachs, and can help aid with digestion also. The brew is also good for treating minor headaches, as well as providing sinus relieve. A 2007 study has revealed that peppermint also helps calm folks suffering with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) as well. What gives peppermint its very minty aroma and taste is the natural menthol property found in this tea.

You can also create your own blend using dried herbs. The standard dose for a cup is one teaspoon of dried herbs. So when you buy herbs from the store, you can combine some of the herbs to get both the health benefits and the pleasure of a certain favourite or unique flavour. Use them in equal parts and experiment with different types. It might be helpful to do a little research on the types of herbs and their beneficial properties and possible side effects before experimenting.

Herbal Tea Health and Caution During Pregnancy

Some herbal teas can be toxic or cause allergies. Comfrey could cause permanent liver damage when used in excess. Lobelia is supposed to have the same addictive effects as nicotine. Pineapple weed is sometimes passed off as chamomile and can cause reactions to those who suffer from hay fever.

If you drink herbal tea during pregnancy, read the labels on the packs carefully before you buy. Strawberry leaf, lemon grass leaf, nettle leaf, alfalfa, fennel seed, rosehips, and lemon verbena are thought to be safe, but do check with a herbalist.

Related posts:

1. Rooibos Tea Health Benefits and Side Effects

Tags: anti cancer, chamomile herbal tea, chinese herbs, ginger tea, herbal infusion, Herbal Tea, herbal tea blend, irritable bowel syndrome, lapacho, lowering cholesterol, mugicha, natural herbs, rooibos, tisane

This entry was posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2009 at 10:37 pm and is filed under Herbal Tisane. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.