Healing Herbal Teas by Kimber Flory

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Herbal teas are growing in popularity and are more easily found on grocery shelves now more than in the past. There are several reasons for drinking herbal tea. Many of them have health benefits, many have no caffine in them, and so are a good alternative. Here are some ingredients that you can look for in the teas that can help.

Allspice is said to help soothe the common cold and relieve upset stomachs.

Chamomile is known for its calming attributes said to have a host of anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that help relieve and ward off a variety of maladies.

Chrysantemum provides a sweet tasting briew and is supposed to help reduce body heat resulting from fever. It also is known to help protect against liver damage and
neutralize toxins in the body.

Cinnamon has a calming effect and is thought to support healthy circulation and digestion.

Fennel has been used for centuries as a digestive aid and to soothe upper respiratory problems.

Ginger is a centuries old herbal remedy used to treat a wide range of health concerns from nausea and colds to indigestion and migraine headaches.

Ginseng is believed to stimulate vitality and help the body stay healthy.

Hawthorne has been used to strengthen the heart and increase blood flow.

Hibiscus has shown to help reduce high blood pressure and soothe menstrual cramps.

Lemongrass is used frequently in teas for its calming properties.

Parsley has a diuretic effect and is purported to help with kidney function.

Peppermint is thought to have greater stress-relieving attributes than chamomile tea and help with stomach and digestive issues. It also helps freshen breath.

Rasberry Leaf helps with colds, sore throats, canker sores and diarrhea. In addition, drinking raspberry leaf tea may also keep nails, bones, teeth and skin healthy.

Sarsaparilla is said to promote energy and healthy skin.

Slippery Elmhas properties that help relieve stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal problems.

Hope these give you some ideas of ways that teas can help. Does anyone else know of other herbs in teas that can help and with what?

[Catt Brenton]

Fresh ingredients are much better than dried but if you don't live where you can grow your own or where you can buy fresh the dryed tea bags are better than nothing. This is a very good list.