Herbs have been used for hundreds of years to treat all manner of ailments; from gout to headaches. Let's look at the benefits of consuming these different herbs while we enjoy some wonderful tea blends.
Anise Hyssop (Hummingbird Mint) - Leaves and flowers are excellent for tea. The flowers are edible flowers and good in salads. Anise hyssop is an aromatic digestant and can be taken as a tea for respiratory problems such as coughs. Sip a cup of tea with a meal to prevent gas and bloating.
Bergamot - Abscess, acne, anxiety, boils, bronchitis, cold sores, colds, colic, fevers, flatulence, halitosis, insect bites, intestinal parasites, nervous tension, oily complexion, respiratory tract infections, sore throat, varicose veins.
Calendula - Calendula flower is used to prevent muscle spasms, start menstrual periods, and reduce fever. It is also used for treating sore throat and mouth, menstrual cramps, cancer, and stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Calendula is applied to the skin to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation) and to treat poorly healing wounds and leg ulcers. It is also applied to the skin (used topically) for nosebleeds, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the rectum (proctitis), and inflammation of the lining of the eyelid (conjunctivitis).
Chamomile - Recent and on-going research has identified chamomile's specific anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-allergenic and sedative properties, validating its long-held reputation. Chamomile has been used for centuries in teas as a mild, relaxing sleep aid, treatment for fevers, colds, stomach ailments, and as an anti-inflammatory, to name only a few therapeutic uses.
Hibiscus - The fruit acids in hibiscus may work like a laxative. Some researchers think that other chemicals in hibiscus might be able to lower blood pressure; decrease spasms in the stomach, intestines, and uterus; and work like antibiotics to kill bacteria and worms.
Lavender - It does indeed appear to have antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsive, and last but certainly not least, anti-depressant properties. Lavender is believed to be of benefit for a multitude of problems, including stress, anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression, colds, digestion, flatulence, upset stomach, liver and gallbladder problems, nervousness, loss of appetite, and as a breath freshener and mouthwash.
Lemon Balm - Is considered useful with intestinal issues or cramps is due to the fact that it contains special oils which can help relax the muscles in the uterus, stomach, and bladder.
Marjoram - Tea made from the leaves or flowers is used for runny nose and colds in infants and toddlers, dry and irritating coughs, swollen nose and throat, and ear pain. Marjoram tea is also used for various digestion problems including poor appetite, liver disease, gallstones, intestinal gas, and stomach cramps.
Some women use marjoram tea for relieving symptoms of menopause, treating mood swings related to menstrual periods, starting menstruation, and promoting the flow of breast milk. Other uses include treating diabetes, sleep problems, muscle spasms, headaches, sprains, bruises and back pain. It is also used as a “nerve tonic” and a “heart tonic,” and to promote better blood circulation.
Rose Hips - In folk medicine, rose hips have a long history of being recommended for respiratory and digestive conditions, as well as a natural flavoring for teas and jams. Recent clinical studies show that rose hips might be beneficial for arthritis, diabetes and to prevent constipation and fluid retention; however, more research is needed to fully confirm these findings.
Rose hips are particularly high in vitamin C content, one of the richest plant sources available.
Rose hips contain plenty of lycopene, an important and strong antioxidant that is an integral part of low density lipoprotein (LDL) as well as of many cellular membranes. Lycopene in rose hips differs more in its isomer distribution than in other sources (tomatoes, pink grapefruit.
Rose hips also contain some vitamin A and B, essential fatty acids, and antioxidant flavonoids. A study of a rose hip preparation for treating rheumatoid arthritis concluded that there was a benefit, apparently due to both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects.Rose hips are used to help prevent colds and influenza.
Rosemary - Used for heartburn, intestinal gas (flatulence), liver and gallbladder complaints, and loss of appetite. It is also used for gout, cough, headache, high blood pressure, and reducing age-related memory loss.
Rosemary is used topically (applied to the skin) for preventing and treating baldness; and treating circulation problems, toothache, eczema, and joint or muscle pain. It is also used for wound healing, in bath therapy, and as an insect repellent.
Spearmint - used for digestive disorders including gas, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, upper gastrointestinal tract spasms, irritable bowel syndrome, bile duct and gallbladder swelling, and gallstones.
It is also used for sore throat, colds, headaches, toothaches, cramps, cancer and inflammation of respiratory tract. Some people use it as a stimulant, germ-killer, local pain-killer, and anti-spasm medication.
Spearmint is applied directly to the skin for swelling inside the mouth, arthritis, local muscle and nerve pain, and skin conditions including pruritus and urticaria.
Stevia - A popular herb that is a great substitute for sugar: 1 teaspoon of dried leaves is equivalent to 1/2 cup of sugar! Plants grow 1 to 2 ft. tall. Can also be brought indoors as a houseplant.
Sweet Woodruff - Medicinal Properties: Anodyne, antispasmodic, calmative, cardiac, diaphoretic, diuretic.
Uses: Beneficial for jaundice and recommended where a tendency toward gravel and bladder stones exists.
Yarrow - Yarrow Tea is a good remedy for severe colds, being most useful in the commencement of fevers. The infusion is made with 1 oz. of dried herb to 1 pint of boiling water, drunk warm. It may be sweetened. It is also said to relieve melancholy. Fresh leaves are chewed to relieve a toothache, but be aware that it has a bitterish, astringent, pungent taste.
A compress of yarrow has been used to staunch the flow of blood for hundreds of years. The Highlanders still make an ointment out of it to apply to wounds.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is not intended to replace the diagnosis, treatment, consultation and services of a qualified Medical Practitioner. All information presented is in summary form and intended only for informational purposes. Always seek immediate medical attention for any illness you may have and never disregard the advice from qualified Medical Practitioners as something you have read on this site (or related sites) could be misinterpreted.
