Teas are always a wonderful way of taking care of one’s self; this is especially true in the cold and dreary months of the winter. I have spent many a happy winter evening curled up by the fire with a book and a cup of tea. But there is so much more than that simple soothing that teas are good for. To me, teas are one of the best ways to use all the wonderful herbs I grow or buy already dried.
Always remember when using fresh herbs, you will need at least twice as much, and up to five times as much, by volume, as you would dried. This is because the water in the herbs takes comprises most of their bulk, and therefore takes up the most room!
Sleeplessness: One of the best uses for a good cup of tea is to help with sleeplessness. Obviously, ‘real’ tea wouldn’t help with this, because it contains caffeine, but there are many herbal blends that are ideal for this.
My personal favorite blend for this is Chamomile and Peppermint; in this case, a bit more Chamomile than Peppermint. Just put the two herbs (about a teaspoon of each) into a mug of hot water, let steep for about 5 minutes, strain, and add honey to taste.
My other favorite for sleeplessness, although not strictly a tea, is milk warmed up to not-quite-boiling, then add about two tablespoons of honey (or to taste).
Some other herbs used for this are Lemon Balm, Valerian, Passionflower, Rooibos Tea, Linden Flowers, Dandelion, Skullcap, Mullein, Tarragon, Anise, and Poppy.
Colds/Flu: Teas are age-old remedies for colds and flu-like symptoms, because they are soothing as well as delivering what you need to help kick them, and medicinal value.
The Chamomile-Peppermint blend is quite good for this as well, in equal portions (also quite good if vomiting is involved, as both have anti-nausea properties).
My other favorite tea for colds contains Coltsfoot, Mullein, Hyssop, Rosehips, Mint, Anise, and Fenugreek; you will have to play around to find the right proportions for you. You should always sweeten a cold tea with honey, as it has healing properties of its own.
Some other herbs that are good for these sorts of symptoms are Anise, Cayenne, Calendula, Chamomile, Echinacea, Elderberry, Eucalyptus, Feverfew, Ginger, Green Tea, Honeysuckle, Horehound, Lavender, Lemon, Licorice, Marjoram, Poppy, Radish, Red Clover, Red Raspberry, Rosemary, Sage, Slippery Elm Bark, St, John’s Wort, Tarragon, Thyme, Watercress, Willow and Yarrow.
Borage, Calendula, Cayenne, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Radish, and Tansy are good fever reducers.
Cayenne, Echinacea, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Garlic, Goldenseal, Hyssop, Licorice, Sage, Savory (Summer) are all particularly good for a sore throat.
Menstruation: That ever-unpleasant thing that nearly all women have to deal with on a monthly basis. Teas and herbs can do quite a lot to help us through those unpleasant times.
For cramps, Chamomile, Corn Silk, Feverfew, Honeysuckle flowers, Melissa, Mint, Motherwort, Raspberry Leaf, St. John's Wort, and Tarragon are effective.
To help regulate, Agrimony, Cinnamon, Evening Primrose, Lemon Balm, Morinda, St. John's Wort, Thyme, and Uva Ursi are all helpful.
And of course, the big one... PMS. Alfalfa, Damiana, Licorice, Red Raspberry, Uva Ursi, Evening Primrose, Peppermint, Skullcap and Valerian are all helpful with this.
Headaches: Teas can be quite effective in helping to battle headaches from a variety of causes.
One recommended blend consists of Lemon Balm, Feverfew, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Cinnamon, in proportions fit to your tastes.
Basil, Catnip, Chamomile, Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Lavender, Marjoram, Oregano, Peppermint, Poppy, Rhubarb Root, Rosemary, Scented Geranium, Thyme, Valerian, and Wood Betony are good for general headaches.
For migraines, Bay Leaves, Chamomile, Feverfew, Ginger, Lavender, Tansy, Valerian, and Willow are all particularly helpful.
***The following herbs should never be taken by pregnant women, or women who are trying to become pregnant, because they can cause spontaneous abortion or miscarriage.***
Hyssop
Angelica
Elecampane
Juniper
Sage
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