Herbal Teas For Healing

CALENDULA

Calendula is a powerful skin healing, anti-inflammatory an antimicrobial properties yet gentle enough for most people. This tea brewed with the whole flowers which are a bright orange it has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.  It can be taken hot or cold and has an earthy slightly pumpkin taste and is often spiced with cinnamon and other natural sweeteners to make the taste more palatable. Despite this, it’s many benefits makes it a popular beverage.

Benefits include improving the appearance of the skin, stimulate healing, boost the immune system, ease menstrual pain and detoxify the body. There are flavonoids and other antioxidants that can help prevent damage of free radicals on our skin which can contribute to wrinkles, age spots and blemishes.  The antioxidants in this tea are helped by natural antibacterial and antiviral compounds which relieve the strain on the immune system and helps prevent infection.  The tea also has diuretic properties meaning the more you urinate the more rapid toxins are removed from the body

This herbal tea has estrogenic properties that help to rebalance hormones during monthly cycles and also helps with common symptoms such as cramps and mood swings.  You can also use this tea cold for topical skin conditions such as wounds, burns, or inflamed skin conditions. A great topical remedy.

CHAMOMILE

Chamomile is one of the most popular herbal teas on the market.  It helps with digestion, prevents nausea, cramping and due to its anti-inflammatory properties it also treats diarrhoea and bloating.  It helps protect the skin, lower stress levels, regulate sleep and soothe menstrual cramps and helps boost the immune system.

Chamomile helps induce sleep especially for people who suffer with sleep apnoea and restless sleep.  Drinking a warm cup of chamomile tea can help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed.  It’s also recommended for women who have given birth as a supplement for better sleep.

If suffering from stomach irritation, from mild bloating to IBS chamomile tea can be a great help as its anti-inflammatory properties that help ease the uneasiness of your gut and allow for the passage of gas and smoother bowl movements. It also cures stomach ulcer pains and spasms. Chamomile also helps flush out accumulated waste from the body.  It also helps losing weight but also improves overall digestion and fights off bloating.

According to research the antioxidant apigenin found in chamomile fights various cancer cells including cancer of the breast, digestive tract, skin, prostate and uterus.  It’s also been found to help prevent thyroid cancer and protects under thyroid disorders.

The strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile are highly effective in treating stomach and intestinal cramps drinking it on a regular basis helps rid of problems like IBS nausea, muscle spasms, stomach flu, and gastroenteritis.

Research has also shown that chamomile tea can be useful for people who suffer from diabetes by helping lower blood sugar levels and regulating the amount of insulin in the blood.  The powerful organic compound in it helps to eliminate massive drops and spikes in the blood sugar.

The phenolic compounds present in chamomile tea helps to strengthen the immune system and ward off infections.  The other compounds present in chamomile tea also fights cold, flu and sinus relieving congestion.

Research also has found that camomile tea helps lower blood pressure making your heart healthy and prevents the occurrence of various cardiovascular issues.

One of the most popular uses of this refreshing tea is that it can treat stress and anxiety. The warm soothing nature of this drink can help increase the levels of serotonin and melatonin in your body.  It also provides instant relief from migraines and headaches while also slowing down your mind and eliminating the classic symptoms of anxiety. 1-2 cups of chamomile tea per day can help against chronic stress.  Chamomile can also treat the symptoms of depression in women who have not long given birth.

Chamomile extract helps to simulate osteoblast, the cells which build bones.  Therefore it can help increase bone density, helping you stay away from the condition of osteoporosis.

The anti-inflammatory nature of chamomile makes this tea a popular choice for women dealing with symptoms of their monthly cycles like bloating, anxiety, sweating, cramping, sleepless nights and mood swings.

Chamomile tea can help control the immune response to allergens in the body.  By working as an antihistamine, it can sooth these allergic reactions throughout the body.

Chamomile tea also has the ability to fight oral health infections, prevent cavities and protect teeth and gums.  Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe toothaches.

 

FENNEL

Fennel Tea helps treat heartburn as they contain phytoestrogen.  This stops muscle spasm, improve digestion and prevent acid reflux.  Drinking a cup of fennel tea when you experience heartburn can help ease the pain and the burning sensations.

Fennel tea has anti-inflammatory and carminative effects.  Drinking this beverage prevents the formation of gas, therefore eliminating bloating and cramping.  It also helps in speeding up the digestive process, ensuring maximum nutrient uptake and preventing constipation. Fennel tea has been used as a digestive tea for thousands of years and can help rebuild damaged tissues and prevent further injury to the digestive tract.

Fennel tea is helpful in relieving symptoms of IBS as it treats the flatulence and stomach muscle cramps. It acts as a muscle relaxant, which helps ease bowel cramps and release trapped gas.

Fennel tea is traditionally given to children in order to calm them down and ward off colic.  It helps prevent colic spasms in babies and prevents flatulence.

NB: It’s not advisable to give fennel tea to infants under 4 months of age. Please check with your Doctor before administering any herbal product to babies.

The natural soothing effects of fennel can reduce spasms in the gut and other parts of the body therefore reducing stress hormones and taking less of a toll on your overall system.  Calming the stomach and other organs can be an important first step in eliminating inflammation and stomach upset.

Fennel has powerful antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal effects making it a great immune system booster.  It’s also known to help keep cold and flu at bay before it can manifest into an infection. Drinking fennel tea is therefore a preventative treatment to keep you healthy.

Fennel can also help in weight loss by promoting urination; it can eliminate water retention and bloating. Also, as a metabolism booster, it can help your body burn fat and calories faster, making your exercise efforts more rewarding.  By regulating your appetite and hormones, it can prevent overeating and obesity.

Fennel tea works as a blood cleanser and a diuretic, keeping your kidneys and liver healthy and working at full capacity.  It also helps eliminate excess toxins extracted from the blood and kidneys and a natural remedy for kidney stones.

When it comes to women’s’ health and wellness, few herbs are as important as fennel.  The compounds found in fennel tea have oestrogen-like qualities, meaning they can alleviate many of the symptoms of menstruation, while also regulating hormones, increasing libido, and stimulating the production of breast milk in lactating mothers.  It also helps soothe menopausal symptoms.

For people who suffer with arthritis, gout and other inflammation issues have found pain relief from fennel tea.  By detoxifying the body, you also help your tissues and muscles function more normally and help lower inflammation.

The rapid anti-inflammatory response of fennel tea can help treat swollen or puffy eyes.  You can dip a cotton ball into fennel tea and apply it on eyelids to soothe tired eyes. Also, the antibacterial and immune-boosting effects can further protect the eyes from other conditions, such as conjunctivitis and glaucoma.

It also can boost heart health based on its mineral content potassium found in this herb.  Potassium acts as a vasodilator, meaning that it can relieve the tension in arteries and blood vessels, thus making it more difficult for plaque to build up inside the arteries to occur.  This can prevent coronary heart diseases as well as lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Fennel tea with its potassium content helps lower high blood pressure and prevents hypertension. Nitrites in the herbal tea also dilate blood vessels, which again helps lower blood pressure.

Fennel has hypoglycemic properties and the tea is considered as a diabetes superfood.  The seeds have a sweetish, anise/licorice taste which helps curb the craving for sweets. This beverage also lowers blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetics.

Not only is fennel great for digestion of a meal but also helps eliminate traces of it on your breath.  The similarity of fennel to anise seed gives it a refreshing and cleansing effect on your breath, while also protecting your gums and teeth, due to its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects.  Drinking fennel tea helps alleviate gum inflammation too.

Drinking fennel tea can provide relief to people suffering from asthma, bronchitis, cough and virus infections.  When it comes to congestion of the respiratory system, fennel is an excellent solution as it works as an expectorant, eliminating the phlegm and mucus where infectious pathogens can reside and multiply.  Also the anti-inflammatory effects help to relieve sore throats and sinus pressure, therefore allowing you to breathe more easily.

Fennel seeds used in the tea are herbal dewormers and can be successfully used to eliminate internal parasites.  The tea has a laxative effect and promotes intestinal movement, which helps flush worms out of the body.

Fennel Tea can help treat skin conditions like acne and rosacea as the seeds contain essential oils, like anethole, myrcene, and limonene, which help reduce inflammation within the body.  It also contains an essential oil called chavicol, which can kill germs and prevent skin infections.  Also, the phytoestrogens in fennel seeds improve skin tone and have an anti-aging effect.

Fennel tea can stimulate and increase sexual desires in both men and women.  For men, it can help prolong orgasms, relieve bladder and prostate issue, and increase sexual endurance. This popular beverage is an excellent night time tea as its rich in melatonin, a chemical which is vital for good sleep.  It is best to drink the tea just after dinner as it aids in digestion, relaxes the body and lowers stress levels.

GINGER

The use of root ginger as a powerful natural remedy goes back thousands of years.  It can be traced back to ancient Greek, Roman, Chinese, Sanskrit and Arabic texts but it’s only been in recent years that we’ve been to uncover exactly why ginger root is so good for you and the powerful effect that it can have on your health.

Ginger contains many valuable compounds like gingerol, shogaol, paradol and zingerone.  Gingerol, in particular, is believed to account for most of the beneficial effects of ginger.

Some studies have found that gingerol can even effectively inhibit inflammation.  While inflammation is perfectly normal immune response, chronic inflammation is believed to be at the root of conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease.  Thanks to its gingerol content, ginger root makes the list of top anti-inflammatory foods and has been used as natural treatment for many inflammatory conditions from arthritis to Alzheimer’s

Ginger root tea has also been found to be effective in fighting against pathogenic strains of viruses, fungi and bacteria that contribute to disease

Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for nausea, motion sickness and morning sickness for centuries. My dear Mum always told me if I had an upset stomach or felt sick always boil a bit of ginger root in a small pan of water for at least 20 mins and drink it hot and it always worked. So if you’re feeling queasy, sipping on a hot cup of ginger root tea may be just what you need. Ginger tea is able to decrease both nausea and vomiting in pregnant women and also found that it reduced nausea severity caused by chemotherapy in adult cancer patients.  To maximise the nausea-fighting potential, try adding some lemon or mint to your tea as well.

Whether you feel under the weather or have a full blown cold, ginger tea may be able to help give your immune system a much needed boost.  In fact, many people use ginger tea for cold symptoms, allergies and infections as an effective natural remedy.

The compounds in ginger help to fight free radicals, reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic disease.  It also has powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.  Research has shown that it may effectively protect against respiratory tract infections, fungal infections and even gum disease.

Thanks to its ability to reduce inflammation, ginger root benefits the health of your brain and could help protect against neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s.  A study published in evidence based complementary and alternative medicine showed that taking ginger extract for two months improved attention and cognitive function in middle aged women.

If you suffer from chronic pain in your joints or muscles, you may want to consider adding a cup of ginger tea into your routine.  Ginger has been show to alleviate inflammation, reduce muscle and joint pain, and even decrease the severity of menstrual cramps.  Studies have shown that ginger extract was able to significantly reduce knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Other studies have found that ginger decreased exercise-induced muscle pain.

Starting your morning with a warm cup of ginger tea to kick start your day will help with weight loss as it helps with fat breakdown, blocking fat absorption and suppressing appetite.  Hot tea consumption was associated with lower waist circumference and decreased body mass index.  These are just a couple of ways ginger tea benefits weight loss Ginger root tea can help promote proper digestion by preventing common conditions like indigestion and stomach ulcers.

Whether you are diabetic or not, you should be concerned with your blood glucose levels.  Luckily, ginger tea can help.  Long term studies of ginger tea drinkers have found that they exert as much as 50% improved blood glucose levels when compared with people who don’t drink the beverage.  People who regularly drink ginger tea also have better insulin tolerance and can clear glucose much more efficiently from the blood.

High cholesterol can build up in the blood, clogging blood vessels and increasing your risk of heart disease.  Some studies have found that ginger may lower cholesterol levels to help protect the health of your heart.

You are unlikely to think of drinking ginger tea when in a bad mood or feeling stressed but it is actually very effective in soothing you and can even help you sleep.  Ginger is believed to have suppressing effect on cortisol and a stimulating effect on serotonin, helping you feel relieved, relaxed and get a restful night’s sleep.

HIBISCUS

Hibiscus makes a lovely ruby red infusion.  It has the ability to treat hypertension and cholesterol, digestion and immune problems, inflammatory problems and liver diseases as well as cancer.  It can also speed up the metabolism and help in weight loss.  It’s rich in vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants and helps in the treatment of anxiety.

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, hibiscus tea can help reduce blood pressure.  It also has diuretic properties that increases urination and simultaneously lowers blood pressure.

Hibiscus tea is beneficial for weight loss as it lowers the absorption of starch and glucose that may help in weight loss.  It also inhibits the production of amylase, which helps in the absorption of carbs and starch so drinking it prevents absorption from occurring.  Hibiscus extract can be found in many weight loss products on the market.

Hibiscus tea helps to lower the levels of bad cholesterol from the body and helping it to protect against heart diseases and protecting blood vessels from damage.  The hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of hibiscus tea can be beneficial for diabetics.

Research studies have shown that the antioxidants found in hibiscus tea can also help in treating liver diseases.  Antioxidants protect the body from disease as it neutralises the free radicals in the tissues and cells.

Hibiscus Tea contains hibiscus protocatechuic acid which has anti-tumour and antioxidant properties.  A study suggests that hibiscus slows down the growth of cancerous cells and skin cancer cells. However more research and scientific evidence is required to confirm the anti-cancer potential of hibiscus extract.

Hibiscus is also rich in ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C.  It is an essential nutrient required by your body to boost and stimulate the immune system.  It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties protecting you from catching cold and flu.  It is also used to treat discomfort caused by fever, due to its cooling effect.

The health benefits of this tea include relief from cramps and menstrual pain.  It helps in restoring hormone balance as well, which can reduce the symptoms of menstruation like mood swings, depression, and overeating.

Hibiscus tea also contains flavonoids which have anti-depressant properties.  Drinking hibiscus tea can help calm down the nervous system, and it may reduce anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed sensation within the mind and body.

Many people drink hibiscus tea to improve digestion as it regularises both urination and bowel movements.  Since it has diuretic properties, it is also used to treat constipation, which helps you lose weight, improve the health of your gastrointestinal system.

Hibiscus tea is also used as a sports drink in order to quench thirst.  For this purpose, hibiscus iced tea in typically consumed.  Many people include it in their diet since this variety of tea has the ability to cool down the body very fast.

LAVENDER

When you consume lavender tea, it can provide relief from inflamed tissues, arthritis, insomnia, high anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, tension, skin irritation and headaches just to name a few.  Regardless what is ailing you; the benefits of lavender tea will likely be able to help.

The natural soothing qualities of lavender tea and its active compounds make it ideal for people who suffer from chronic stress and anxiety. It can stimulate the release of certain neurotransmitters that can offset the excess stress hormones in your body and help prevent mental exhaustion.  In a similar way, the use of this tea has also shown itself to help relieve pain, making both your body and mind less sensitive to painful parts of the body.

The essential oils found in Lavender tea have digestive qualities that can rid of inflammation, regulate smooth function and promote healthier digestion.  The mineral content also helps improve overall absorption by the digestive tract, ensuring that you get the most out of the food you consume, without suffering from indigestion, constipation, bloating or cramping. There are also anticonvulsant and antispasmodic qualities of lavender that help settle upset stomachs and regulate the contraction and relaxation of the muscles.

This wonderful tea has anti-coagulant and cholesterol-lowering properties, making it a great tonic for the heart.  By lowering levels of cholesterol, which collects as plaque in the arteries and blood vessels, which also thinning the blood to reduce the chance of a blood clot, it also lowers your risk for disease of the arteries, heart attacks and strokes.

The antioxidants and volatile compounds found in lavender are able to seek out and neutralise free radicals in the body, which are the by-products of cellular metabolism. These free radicals can cause chronic disease, premature signs of aging, wrinkles and inflammation, but lavender tea can help relieve these symptoms, leaving your skin feeling and looking young.

Lavender tea has a long list of inflammatory conditions it can help, including headaches, fevers, skin irritation, arthritis pain and the symptoms of certain joint disorders.  Inflammation can come in many forms and can lead to an imbalance but the active compounds in this tea can effectively put a stop to the body’s natural responses.

Many people prefer to drink this tea in the evening as a pre-bedtime drink because it helps reduce anxiety and has relaxant properties.  If you suffer from insomnia or regular sleep disturbances, a hot cup of lavender tea can help you get an undisturbed good night’s sleep and help you feel refreshed in the morning.

ROSE

Adding rose tea to your daily regime can help treat arthritis, menstrual cramps, cancer, flu, cold, digestive difficulties, bronchitis, depression, insomnia and many other chronic diseases.  Unlike rosehip tea which is made from the fruit of the rose plant, this tea is made from the whole blossoms or petals.

One of the best remedies for painful or heavy menstrual cycle is rose tea, as it can not only help regulate hormones and ease uterine congestion, but also helps rid of cramping and mood swings.

It contains naturally uplifting compounds which makes rose tea an excellent choice for those who are feeling down, depressed or stressed.  The effect that this tea can have on the hormone levels is well known, which is closely related to how the neurotransmitters in our brain are regulated.

As with many different plants, flowers, roots and seeds to make herbal teas, rose tea is high in vitamin C, one of the most important vitamins in our body.  It is an essential part of our immune system as it stimulates the production of white blood cells and functions as an antioxidant, effectively lowering stress.

One of the major causes of chronic disease within the body e.g cancer and cardiovascular disease is stress.  This is caused by free radicals, the natural by-products of cellular metabolism that can cause healthy cells to mutate.  By increasing the amount of antioxidants in our body by consuming rose tea it is possible to lower your risk of contracting this chronic disease.

The natural sedative compound in rose tea makes it a lovely night time beverage; it reduces inflammation, eases stress, and helps to regulate hormones related to your body clock and sleep patterns.  If you suffer from insomnia or have regular disturbed or interrupted sleep, try rose tea before going to bed.

Rose tea is commonly prescribed or recommended for soothing the respiratory tract, lungs and throat; it is an excellent choice if you have a cold, flu, bronchitis, or other conditions that affect the respiratory system.  It also helps to loosen and get rid of mucus and phlegm which is where bacteria and other viruses can live and thrive.

The anti-bacterial properties of this tea quickly work on any infection in the gastrointestinal tract or gut.  It can help to rebalance the microflora in the intestines and relieve digestive issues like constipation, cramping, bloating or diarrhoea.  It can also act as a laxative, if you drink more than 2 cups per day, so consume in moderation.

The active ingredients in rose tea can help to improve liver function and increase urination as it is a natural diuretic.  It can relieve fluid retention, in case you are holding water, while also speeding the release of toxins from the body.

SAFFRON

Saffron Tea sounds so indulgent and it’s one of the most expensive herbs in the world.  Thankfully you only need the smallest amount to make a very powerful infusion. Saffron is a wonderful treatment for colds, coughs, stomach issues, uterine bleeding, insomnia, flatulence and heart trouble.  It’s rich in manganese which helps regulate blood sugar and aids the formation of bones, tissues, and sex hormones.  It also contains vitamin C that fights infections and helps with iron absorption.  It also contains 150 volatile compounds.  Most of this flower’s healthful qualities can be attributed to the crocin compound.

Saffron is known as the sunshine spice as it contains mood boosting properties. A study found saffron to be as effective as Prozac in treating mild to moderate depression.  Several studies have been examined involving the use of saffron for treatment of depression in adults over 18.  Research found that saffron did improve symptoms for people with major depressive disorder.  This may make the spice a good alternative for people who can’t tolerate antidepressant medications.

Saffron has many different components.  Some of these may help reduce blood pressure and provide protection against heart disease

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, from mood swings to physical discomforts.  For those who want relief but don’t want to rely on medications, saffron tea may be a good alternative.

Saffron tea is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids.  Antioxidants help protect the body from harmful substances.  Flavonoids are chemicals found in plants that help the plant protect itself from fungus and disease. Studies have shown that the chemical compounds of saffron may be effective in preventing and treating several different cancers but more studies are needed.

NB If on any medication always consult your Doctor before use.