Healthy Nutrition for Life

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins]Lee Dobbins

Herbal teas have been around for thousands of years already but its rebirth in the Western world only happened in recent times. In Eastern countries however, the perceived powers of herbal tea has never waned and many Asians view drinking herbal tea as part of their regular routines.

What are Herbal Teas?
Also known as ptisans and tisanes, herbal teas are either fresh concoctions or packed tea bags produced from the extracted liquids of certain plants. Flowers and leaves are boiled in water. Roots and seeds can either be processed similarly or allowed to simmer on a stove. Herbal teas can also be sweetened if so desired.

Types of Herbal Teas

Persimmon – This herbal tea is often used as a health drink and a supplement of vitamin C. It is not however a good choice for drinkers who are intending to diet as well.

Raspberry – This is a popular flavor for teas and its commercialized version is sold in various establishments. Raspberry herbal tea is said to help in alleviating diarrhea.

Birch – There are several varieties of this particular herb, although all can be consumed safely. Birch herbal tea is usually drunk hot and may aid people suffering from headaches and rheumatic problems. It may also help in treating fever and reduce the painful symptoms of kidney problems. Lastly, birch herbal tea can be used for oral hygiene.

Blueberry – A popular ingredient in cakes, this herb can also be used for brewing tea although it possesses a slightly bitter taste. It’s said to help people with kidney problems as well.

Sassafras – Drink this only for enjoyment. Although many people claim that it has blood-thinning properties and can help cure bronchitis, consult a doctor first before consuming it for medicinal purposes.

Tips on How to Brew Your Own Herbal Tea

Using Flowers and Leaves – Place the flowers or leaves inside a heated tea pot or jar then slowly pour boiling water. Replace the lid of the pot or jar to keep the mixture from evaporating and leave it untouched for fifteen minutes. Afterwards, uncover the container then strain. Each cup of water would require either 3 tsp. of freshly brewed herbs or 1 tsp. of dried herbs.

Using Seeds, Roots, or Stems – Cut roots and stems into tiny pieces and then grain them into powdery bits. Take 1 ounce of the concoction and pour it into a pot of water (approximately containing a pint) before boiling. Allow ten to twenty minutes to pass before straining once more. Add sugar if necessary.

Possible Concerns about Herbal Tea
Taking any herbal tea produced by any unlicensed manufacturer can lead to various complications. The following are possible dangers you might suffer from when consuming herbal tea that hasn’t been declared safe by appropriate regulating bodies.

Containing Harmful Ingredients – There are several herbs that will increase rather than reduce the risks to your health. Comfrey, for instance, when consumed excessively can cause liver problems. Lobelia can be as addictive as smoking, while pineapple weed (and occasionally disguised as chamomile), may cause extreme reactions from individuals with certain allergies.

Misidentification of Herbs – In the above situation, there could be a deliberate attempt to mislead consumers about the efficacy and benefits of the company’s herbal tea products. For homemade herbal tea however, an unintentional misidentification is when a problem arises. The comfrey, for instance, no matter how dangerous, is still comparatively safer than the foxglove, which is similar in appearance but infinitely more dangerous.

If you intend to brew your own herbal tea, make sure that you’re using the right herbs and following instructions to the letter. Research about the properties of each ingredient to ensure that there’s no possible harmful side effects.

Side Effects – Herbal tea can also have dangerous side effects when taken together with certain medications, vitamins, and food supplements. Thus, it’s very important that you consult a doctor first before taking any herbal tea if you’re already under medication.

Herbal tea may an ancient and long-standing custom for many, but this doesn’t mean you can’t partake of its benefits as well. Of course, research well and make sure that you’re drinking a herbal tea product which has the seal of approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If it does, however, then all we’ve to say is “kanpai” to your health!

Lee Dobbins writes for http://tea.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about different kinds of tea including [http://tea.topicgiant.com/Articles/Herbal_Tea.php]herbal tea.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins http://EzineArticles.com/?Herbal-Tea—Tea-Time-for-a-Healthy-Life?&id=380353

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anne_M_White]Anne M White

Herbal tea remedies are healthy, therapeutic and refreshing. Drinking organic herbal tea on a regular basis will help to restore the balance in your body as they are rich in nutrients and accelerate healing as well as preventing the onset of degenerative conditions.

They are simple to make, just pour off the boil water 1 to 2 teaspoons over the dried leaves or ground herbs and leave standing for 5 to 10 minutes so that they infuse well, alternatively, you can of course buy herbal tea bags.

Listed below are 10 herbal tea remedies for you to consider when next you feel a little edgy or maybe have a bout of flu or just feel in need of a pick me up.

Sage is often used to help soothe the symptoms of a sore throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis and catarrh. It can also be used to alleviate and treat indigestion, constipation and sickness due to infection.

Rosemary is a pungent and bitter herb which is warming as well as being a natural antiseptic. This is also good for treating the symptoms of colds, flu, fatigue, indigestion, depression, rheumatism and even headaches.

Rosehip also assists in relieving the symptoms of a cold as well as being a mild diuretic and a good all round tonic.

Peppermint a well known aid for indigestion but can also help to reduce a fever and is good for treating travel sickness. Mixed with lavender it has also been known to soothe the symptoms of migraine headaches.

Marjoram has been found to be a useful remedy for the relief of cramps caused by monthly periods. It is also a warming and stringent herb which has been known to be helpful in soothing asthma attacks, coughs and also indigestion.

Lemon Balm has a calming influence and is said to assist in a good night’s rest. It has also been recommended for the relief of pain caused by monthly periods as well as treating fevers and flu. This herb has a long history of use in the treatment of nervous stomachs and relieving the symptoms of wind.

Ginger is known for its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects. It also assists in alleviating the symptoms of arthritis some believe that it also contains anti-blood clotting properties. Considered to be a tonic and a mood enhancer, this herb is also used in the treatment of migraine headaches.

Elderflower is used mainly in the treatment of colds, hay fever, flu and other respiratory disorders. It encourages sweating and reduces catarrh.

Camomile known for its calming effects this herbal tea is also good for treating indigestion, poor appetites and relieving stress and insomnia.

Borage is a sweet cooling herb which can give a lift to the spirit, alleviating a low or depressed mood. It can also be used for the treatment of fevers, colds and coughs.

In conclusion Herbal-Tea-Remedies offer a healthy alternative to over the counter drugs in the treatment of some problems and they can also relax and soothe away any rough edges you maybe experiencing as the result of a particularly testing day.

Anne M White http://www.aloe-vera-guide.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_M_White [http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Herbal-Tea-Remedies-to-Try!&id=1996255 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Herbal-Tea-Remedies-to-Try!&id=1996255

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Teya_Zary]Teya Zary

Tea herbs are used to infuse loose leaf tea, or brew up some herbal tea. Typically herbal teas are made for one of their medicinal attributes making them medicinal tea.

There are many recipes for different herbal teas on the internet today. What is more difficult to find is a great supplier of herbs once you have begun to make your own blends.

You can shop at your local health food store, or bulk bins at the grocer but I find these herbs to be somewhat stale, never mind that they are not organic.

Here are the top things we look for when buying herbs for herbal tea blending:

1.) Is the herb Certified Organic?
2.) Are different quantities of the herb available?
3.) Do I get a discount for ordering in bulk?
4.) What are your shipping rates?
5.) How long for my tea herbs to arrive?

These are our top 5 questions and we have found a couple of suppliers that have been able to meet our criteria, however none of them turned out to be the local health food store!

So if you are looking to make the best herbal tea you can our advice to you is to do your research. There are some pretty shotty suppliers of herbs out there. One product we had purchased was over 50% filler…. needless to say we asked for a refund.

Remember to store your herbs in a sealed container in a dark place. Sunlight and moisture will destroy the integrity and medicinal properties of your herbs.

I often create a variety of blends and store them all together in a ziploc bag in a tea tin by herbal tea type. This way I am always ready to steep what ever type of tea I am after.

I hope these 5 tips help you to find a great supplier of herbal tea ingredients that will deliver you organic herbs in any quantity you are after.

For more information about buying tea herbs and herbal tea ingredients, visit Teya’s website [http://www.crazyfortea.com/herblist.html]Crazy For Tea. You will find 100′s of herbs listed and recipes for each of them to make your own [http://www.crazyfortea.com/herblist.html]herbal Tea.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teya_Zary http://EzineArticles.com/?Tea-Herbs—All-About-Fabulous-Herbal-Tea-Ingredients&id=2301453