Healing with Herbal Teas

 

Wanting to give a new herbal tea a try but not sure what to get? Taste, price and country of origin all come in for me when choosing a new brew, but what is more important is often the medicinal properties the herbs have.

I've seen a fair few new tea brands around, both loose leaf and in tea bags, and I've gotta say plenty of them are looking pretty darn amazingly yummy. A blend of herbs at times is deliciously nourishing, but on other occasions, one specific herb can prove just as powerful.

Here I've listed a few of my fav's (some of which are a little left of field) so you can pick which suits you, and go out to try a new flavour for yourself (coz you can never have too much tea in the tea cupboard right ladies?)

+ Nettle

I've got one word for this tea - Nourishing. I don't know how else to describe it? It literally nourishing you from top to toe. Nettle also eases issues associated with joints (arthritis, tendonitis, knee pain), reduces skin conditions, and is one herb known to gradually increase a womans iron levels. It tastes a little like genmaicha tea (green tea with roasted brown rice) if you know that one. Delicious on its own or with peppermint for an added pick-me-up.

+ Damiana

Relaxing and restful. Some say it's like smoking a joint - without the high - just the chill factor. Perfect in the evenings. My partner loves it for both flavour and for (in his words) the c-h-i-l-l.

+ Tulsi

An adaptogenic herb; so it helps the body adapt to stress. Revered in India for over five thousand years as a healing balm for body, mind and spirit, tulsi also helps the body balance stress hormones and has a relaxing quality. As the same time, it is said to increase energy and stamina, boost the immune system, promote a healthy metabolism, support healthy thyroid function, support healthy adrenal function, and improve sleep. (Source)

+ Siberian Ginseng

I love this. I drink it 2-4 times daily because (sorry to say it again) it's so nourishing. Now how can I best describe this... Ginseng's are often used in tonics to help the functioning of the adrenal glands, and to help the individual deal better in daily life pretty much. They also provide a nice steady stream of energy (no caffeine or sugar highs and lows here). There are quite a few types of ginseng available and they all help with something a little different. Siberian ginseng is great fpr people who are stressed, exhausted, fatigued and burnt out. Like nettle, it's nourishing from top to toe, and you will definitely feel the difference with this one.

+ Licorice

Great for when you're trying to cut back on the sweet stuff as this tea is naturally super sweet. It also slows the breakdown of adrenal hormones so great if you're stressing out of your brain! Licorice also raises blood pressure which is helpful in people with chronic low BP, but cannot be taken by those with high BP. It also soothes sore throats and enhances healing of stomach ulcers.

+ Rose Petal

I think total luxury, indulgence and beauty when drinking this one. Not a bad reason in of itself to consciously sip this tea. Rose petal tea eases insomnia and fatigue, strengthens the immune system, and help to rids the body of toxins. I also love them with some lemongrass for a caffeine-free morning wake up cuppa.

+ Passionflower

 Anti-anxiety herbal relaxant. Promotes sleep. And it;s said to be very good for menstrual pain - I'm yet to try it for this however. Note to self.

+ Dandelion

A real gem and a favourite of many peeps I know. You can buy dandelion root, dandelion leaf, or roasted dandelion.

Dandelion roots are more commonly used to aid digestion, increase appetite and improve the functions of the gall bladder and the liver. Dandelion leaves are most commonly used as a natural diuretic to help the body get rid of excess water from bloating or swelling.

And roasted dandelion has the same properties as the roots as this is what gets roasted, however the taste is completely different and people drink it more as a coffee substitute (but be pre-warned - sub a cup inplace of a coffee by all means, but don't expect this to taste like coffee. They are two totally different things)

So there you go. These are the teas I am drinking more of at the moment, and the reasons why. Have you tried any of these before? What is your regular tea of choice? I'd love to hear in the comments below on over on Facebook

Christie xx