John Myers
The use of herbal tea has a long tradition worldwide. In naturopathy, they have always been used for healing purposes and they have also become indispensable in home medicine. If herbal tea is used as a medicine, however, it must not be consumed in any quantity, because every herb can be both a remedy and a poison at the same time. It always depends on the dosage. Therefore, the recommended drinking amount should be observed when enjoying these teas. But there are also types of herbal tea that are not enjoyed for medicinal purposes, but solely for their good taste. When chilled, they are ideal as a thirst quencher and refreshing drink.
Herbal tea in herbal medicine
Herbal medicine (phytotherapy) is one of the oldest naturopathic therapies of all. She deals with the effect of plant substances on sick people and the use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes. Therefore, manifest diseases naturally belong in the hands of experienced physiotherapists.
Nevertheless, the effects of many plants can also be used by laypeople. For this purpose, the use of special medicinal herbal teas is particularly suitable. They have always been used as proven home remedies for a wide variety of ailments.
Fresh plants are particularly effective
The roots, leaves, blossoms, or fruits (seeds) of the herbs are used to make medicinal herbal teas. Freshly harvested, they contain most of the active ingredients and taste particularly aromatic.
In the past, the required herbs were exclusively collected by hand. Today, dried herbs, which are commercially available in a large number of variants, are used for the most part. The tea is usually offered as a mixture of different herbs and spices in order to convince even the most discerning palate in terms of taste. In contrast to herbal teas, these teas can usually be drunk in any quantity.
The quality of medicinal herbal tea
The active ingredient content of the tea depends on the quality of the herbs, how they are stored and how they are processed. Therefore, you should not buy your herbal tea in the supermarket, but only from your trusted tea retailer. If possible, store the herbal tea in a dark glass or ceramic container.
Do not use plastic jars, as the softeners they contain can severely impair the quality and thus the effect of the tea. In addition, the storage area should be dark, rather cool, and absolutely dry. Since the shelf life of the teas is limited, you should stock up on smaller quantities.
Do you know how the ancient Germans made their medicinal drinks from herbs or roots? They boiled mead (an alcoholic drink made from honey and water) and added herbs or roots.
This type of preparation was not only particularly tasty but also effective, because both the honey and the alcohol act as a means of transport for the healing herbs.
They are already absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth and can thus carry a particularly large number of plant ingredients directly into the blood.
Since alcohol also absorbs fat-soluble active ingredients such as essential oils or plant hormones and transports them into the blood, an alcoholic herbal tincture is superior to herbal tea in terms of healing power.
The medicinal herbal tea and its healing powers
Below we would like to introduce you to a small selection of effective herbal teas. At the same time, we would like to point out that in the case of serious illnesses you should not rely solely on the effects of herbal teas, but rather consult an experienced therapist.
Anise tea
Because of its sweet taste of licorice, aniseed tea is also very popular with children. Its essential oils have an expectorant and antispasmodic effect. They also have an immune-boosting effect. Anise is preferably used for digestive problems. However, it is also excellent for respiratory diseases such as coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. In breastfeeding women, aniseed tea promotes milk flow.
Preparation:
Put 1 teaspoon of crushed anise in a cup and pour boiling water over it. Leave the tea covered for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain.
In the case of acute symptoms, 1 cup of tea can be drunk in the morning and in the evening.
Valerian tea
Valerian is known for its calming effect. Therefore, it is considered an excellent medicinal herb for inner restlessness, nervousness, and sleep disorders. Due to its balancing properties on the nervous system, valerian has an overall relaxing and anticonvulsant effect.
Preparation:
Pour 250 ml of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of chopped valerian root and leave to steep for about 10 minutes. Then strain and drink before going to bed.
Nettle tea
The nettle is one of the oldest medicinal plants on earth. It has a diuretic effect and due to its iron and folic acid content, it plays an important role in blood formation. Nettle also contains silicic acid, which strengthens skin, hair, and nails. When consumed regularly, tea also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Preparation:
Pour boiling water over 2 teaspoons of crushed nettle leaves per cup and let steep for about 10 minutes. Then strain. To clean the urinary tract, it is recommended to drink 8 to 10 cups a day, while the tea should be as warm as possible.
Important: If you have impaired heart or kidney function, nettle tea should not be drunk.
Damiana tea
Damian tea is primarily known as an aphrodisiac. It is said to have a stimulating effect on the libido – in both men and women. Damiana tea owes its calming effect on the nervous system to an essential oil called damianine. It calms and relaxes and is therefore also used in states of exhaustion, depression, anxiety, and mild depression.
Preparation:
Pour boiling water over approx. 1 to 2 teaspoons of chopped damiana leaves per cup of tea and let steep for approx. 15 minutes. Then strain and drink unsweetened (for calming). Sweeten with honey for an aphrodisiac effect. In general, the tea should be drunk in small sips.
Fennel tea
Fennel tea is known for its excellent effects on gastrointestinal problems. Especially mothers of babies and small children appreciate its effect on flatulence and abdominal cramps. But it has long since proven itself as an antispasmodic tea for coughs and lung diseases. A much less well-known benefit of fennel is its appetizing properties. This is particularly appealing to people in recovery and those with a general lack of appetite.
Preparation:
Pour boiling water over 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds per cup and let steep for about 10 minutes. Then strain and drink a cup 3 to 5 times a day.
Lady’s mantle tea
Lady’s mantle tea is – as the name suggests – THE tea, especially for women. It relieves typical women’s complaints such as menstrual problems, estrogen dominance, period cramps, PMS, menopausal symptoms, white flow, and much more. Listing its effects would go beyond the scope here. So that you can still find out everything about this special plant, we would like to recommend the book: “Alchemilla – A holistic herbal medicine for women”.
Preparation:
There are many special preparation methods that are aimed at specific ailments or illnesses. Therefore, we are presenting you with a preparation that activates the body’s self-healing powers and can be enjoyed every day.
Pour hot water over 2 teaspoons of crushed lady’s mantle per cup and let steep for 8 to 10 minutes. Then strain and sweeten with a little honey if necessary.
Goldenrod Tea
The main area of application of the goldenrod is diseases of the urinary organs and in this area, the goldenrod is almost unsurpassed. Since it has a strong diuretic effect, it promotes an intensive excretion of harmful substances through the urine. Goldenrod tea is also used successfully for inflammation in the kidney or bladder, for urinary stones, kidney gravel, and liver disorders. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, goldenrod also has an antispasmodic effect.
Preparation:
Pour 250 ml of hot water over 2 heaped teaspoons of crushed goldenrod blossoms and leave to steep for about 15 minutes. Then strain. Drink 3 to 4 cups throughout the day.
Tip: There are different types of goldenrod. We recommend using the goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea).
Important: Goldenrod should not be used in the case of edema as a result of restricted heart or kidney function or in the case of chronic nephritis.
Ginger tea
The ginger in ginger tea is combined with various spices so that the proportion of ginger is slightly lower. Therefore we describe the ginger water here, as this best reflects the effect of pure ginger.
The versatile effects of ginger are attributed to its essential oils. Gingerol deserves special mention here. It counteracts complaints of the digestive system by harmonizing the gastrointestinal area. Ginger water is particularly popular to prevent nausea or travel sickness.
Ginger water is just as effective for colds because it helps to soothe coughing and pain and reduce fever. Of course, its pleasant warming effect is also ideal for preventing colds in the cold season. As a very effective remedy, drinking ginger water is also recommended for migraines and period pains, as ginger has pain-relieving and antispasmodic properties.
Preparation:
Cut 15 g (approx. 1.5 cm) ginger from the fresh root, peel, and cut into thin slices, sticks, or cubes. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over it and leave it to steep for about 15 minutes. Then strain if necessary (the ginger can also remain in the water).
Ginger tea made from up to 50 g of fresh ginger can be drunk daily.
Burdock Root Tea
Burdock root tea is particularly valued for its diuretic, blood-purifying, and detoxifying effects. It can even reduce heavy metals in the body. This tea is therefore ideal for relieving and strengthening the liver and bile. In addition, burdock root tea is just as effective for complaints and diseases of the digestive system as it is for rheumatism and gout diseases.
Preparation:
Mix 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of chopped burdock roots with 0.5 liters of cold water and leave overnight for 8 hours. Then strain and drink cold. The tea can also be warmed before consumption; however, it should not be hot.
Burdock root tea is also very effective when applied externally to wash skin problems.
Chamomile Blossom Tea
Chamomile tea can rightly be described as the best-known and most popular of all herbal teas. The healing properties of chamomile have been known since ancient times. Today this old knowledge has been scientifically proven (as a precaution) by a large number of studies.
The essential oil contained in the chamomile flowers has an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antibacterial, and antifungal (against fungi) effect. This makes the use of chamomile tea as a remedy so versatile. It is a tried and tested home remedy for any problems with the digestive system (stomach pain, cramps, inflammation). Chamomile steam baths are highly recommended for irritation of the upper respiratory tract, inflammation of the gums, suppuration of the frontal sinuses, etc.
The calming effect of chamomile flower tea makes it an ideal relaxant and drunk just before bedtime is an excellent sleep aid for many people.
Preparation:
Pour boiling water over 1 tablespoon of chopped chamomile blossoms per cup and leave covered for about 10 minutes. Then strain.
- For diseases of the digestive system: drink 3 to 4 cups between meals.
- To help you fall asleep: 2 tablespoons in 250 ml of water; add 2 teaspoons of honey. This tea is also suitable for children.
- Use for inhalation in diseases of the upper respiratory tract and sinus suppuration.
- Use as a mouthwash for gingivitis.
Important: The chamomile flower tea is not suitable for people with hypersensitivity to composite plants. This tea is also unsuitable as a long-term drink.
Rosemary tea
This intensely aromatic rosemary tea has a stimulating effect that stimulates blood circulation in the brain and can thus promote mental performance. At the same time, it also has a calming effect on the nervous system and is just as helpful in stressful situations and fears as it is with muscle tension or other types of cramps.
Rosemary tea has a diuretic effect, increasing the elimination of acids and toxins through the urine. This relieves and strengthens the liver at the same time. Rosemary generally has an antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, and blood circulation-promoting effect, which makes its wide range of possible uses clear.
Preparation:
Pour 250 ml of boiling water over 1 heaped teaspoon of chopped rosemary leaves and leave covered for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain. Two cups a day are recommended, but not before bedtime, as rosemary tea tends to wake you up.
Important: Do not drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Sage tea
Sage tea is known for its idiosyncratic, bitter taste and therefore it is not one of the most popular herbal teas, although its numerous healing effects are absolutely convincing.
If you want to benefit from its disinfecting, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antiperspirant effect, you should definitely use sage tea, as meadow sage only has a weak effect.
Rinsing with sage tea is extremely effective for inflammation of the mouth and throat and gum inflammation. For stomach and intestinal problems, the tea convinces with its disinfecting and anticonvulsant effect. In addition, its areas of application are so diverse that it can rightly be called a panacea.
Preparation:
- For inflammation: Pour boiling water over 2 teaspoons of chopped sage leaves per cup and leave covered for 10 minutes. Then strain and gargle twice a day with the cooled tea.
- For gastrointestinal problems: Pour boiling water over 1 teaspoon per cup and leave covered for 5 minutes. Then strain and drink 2 to 3 cups daily.
Important: Do not drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Herbal tea blends – simply delicious
There is a large number of excellent herbal tea blends that should not be mentioned for healing purposes, but because of their gently invigorating, balancing, or calming effect. In particular, the alkaline effect of these teas makes them ideal companions for all deacidification and purification measures. They taste mildly fine, unobtrusive, and very pleasant – simply delicious.
These herbal tea blends include, for example, the following.
Nettle morning tea
It consists of a mixture of nettle leaves, licorice root, spearmint, ginger, fennel, anise, and cinnamon. This tea is an excellent pick-me-up and is therefore particularly recommended for people who need a little jump-start in the morning.
Nettle evening tea
It consists of a mixture of anise seeds, fennel seeds, caraway seeds, and nettle leaves. This tea is particularly suitable for the evening, as its calming effect is very relaxing.
Hemp tea
It consists of a mixture of hemp leaves, raspberry leaves, pieces of apple, rosehip, and hibiscus. You can enjoy this tea at any time. It also tastes greatly chilled as a soft drink.
Basic morning tea
A mixture of apple pieces, birch leaves, bean peels, nettle leaves, blackberry leaves, verbena, fennel, daisies, raspberry leaves, elderflowers, ginger, cherry stalks, linden blossoms, dandelion leaves, lungwort, lemon balm leaves, yarrow herb, ribwort herb, pansy herb, liquorice root, woodruff, vine leaves, lemongrass, cardamom, rosemary, rosehip peel, lovage leaves, and thyme accelerates the elimination of acids that have accumulated during the night in the morning.
Basic evening tea
A selection of mugwort, speedwell, strawberry leaves, fennel, raspberry leaves, cornflower blossoms, orange blossoms, buckhorn, liquorice, spoonwort, agrimony, chicory, cinnamon, lime blossom supports your elimination organs during the night.
Basic detox tea
The mixture of anise, birch leaves, nettle leaves, blackberry leaves, curds, savory, speedwell, verbena, fennel, lady’s mantle, cloves, goldenrod, rose hips, elderflower, caraway, bedstraw, linden blossom, lovage, lungwort, marjoram, mallow leaves, balm leaves contained in this tea, parsley, marigold, rosemary, plantain, sweet clover, pansy leaves, thyme, walnut leaves, liquorice, horsetail and lemongrass support intensive deacidification of your body.
Conclusion
Nature gives us a wealth of wonderful herbs. As a herbal mixture, they have a beneficial, slightly stimulating, metabolism-activating, or calming effect. However, the effect of medicinal herbs is different, because their use can have a preventive, soothing, or, at best, even healing effect on our organisms. As a tea preparation, they can not only be drunk. In the pharynx, they unfold their effect through vigorous gargling of the tea.
In the case of nasal and frontal sinus problems, they can be used by inhalation, in which the vapor of the herbs scalded with boiling water is inhaled. Cloths soaked in herbal tea can be placed on painful areas of the body as a poultice. Larger quantities of herbal tea (strain beforehand) can also develop their full effect as a bath additive.
