Natural Herb Teas For Health

A natural herb tea, also known as a tisane, in an infusion made from any plant other than the tea bush (Camellia sinensis). They can be made from any part of the plant, dried out, immersed in boiling water and allowed to steep for a few minutes. Most commonly, the phrase "herbal tea" is used to describe those hot drinks made from parts of the plant believed to have medicinal properties. Infusions that are not drunk are also not normally referred to as natural herb teas. For example, a natural remedy for herpes involves boiling olive oil in hot water and adding bees wax and lavender oil, then smearing it on the cold sore. This would not be considered a natural herb tea.

Common Natural Herb Teas

Some of the most common natural herb teas are as follows. Chamomile tea is the mother of all natural herb teas. My Greek grandmother viewed it in pretty much the same way that Jewish grandmothers stereotypically regard chicken soup – as a cure for all known ailments. Actual herbalists are a little more discriminating, but chamomile is nonetheless noted for its anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used to sooth and relax the nerves, and also for disorders of the digestive system.

Burdock tea is good for blood disorders and for cleansing the liver. It is also a powerful diuretic. It is very important when making burdock tea to ensure that the root is pure, as there have been cases of burdock tea contaminated with belladonna causing serious illnesses in the past.

For a more gentle diuretic, try dandelion tea. It has many of the same properties as burdock, but is not as powerful. The two are sometimes combined – dandelion and burdock was once a popular soft drink in the United Kingdom, though its popularity has declined in recent decades, with most Britons under the age of 40 now viewing it as something their grandparents drank.

Licorice tea is traditionally used to treat coughs and sore throats. It is a cough suppressant and expectorant, helping to clear the lungs of mucus. Even over the counter cough remedies often use it as an ingredient, thus testifying to its effectiveness.

Finally, St. John's Wort, sometimes known as "nature's Prozac" is a well-known herbal antidepressant, but did you know that it can be drunk as a tea as well as coming in the more common pill form? The Oregon firm Yogi Tea markets certified organic St. John's Wort teabags under the name Yogi Uplift. Look for it in your local health food store.