Loose Leaf Teas » Herbs

The Benefits of Rose Hip Tea

admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:26:09 +0000

Rose hips are colorful, edible fruits of rose plants. The fruit forms directly below the blossoms, which ripen in the Fall, after the blossoms have died. Many of us do not observe these ornamental fruits because the blossoms are trimmed from the plant as they die during gardening. Roses are in the same family as the crabapple and both fruits have a similar taste and appearance.

HISTORY

Rose hip usage has been documented far back into Chinese and Roman civilizations. One Roman, Pliny, recorded 32 different ailments that responded to rose preparations. In the first century A.D., the species Rosa Canina was used as a dog bite remedy. Ancient Chinese herbalists used them for digestive ailments and Native Americans used them for muscle cramps. Homeopathic physicians still use them for the same purposes in today’s world.

NUTRITION

During World war II the government urged the planting of Victory Gardens and rose hips, from such gardens, were promoted as a good source of vitamin C. The rose hips were harvested and used as side-dishes, jams and preserves. Nutritionally, rose hips contain 1500 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit, while oranges contain only 53 milligrams. Therefore, rose hips have an astounding thirty times more vitamin C than the highly touted orange!

Rose hips are also good sources of vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium and magnesium. Recent analysis has shown they also contain antioxidant flavonoids. Flavonoids are only synthesized in plants and protect the body from free-radicals, which damage cells. Therefore, sources of flavonoids may be used to prevent or delay the onset of diseases, such as arthritis, cancer and coronary disease.

TEA

Rose hips are used fresh in cooking, or can be dried or preserved. The center seeds are removed and the rose hip skins are used as the edible portion. The most popular way to prepare them is as a tea. Any variety of rose hips can be used to make tea, but the most popular species is Rosa Rugosa. It provides a large reddish-orange rose hip, which presents a similar colored tea. The tea sports a tangy, fruity flavor and can be made from either fresh or dried rose hip skins. Drinking this tea can give your body a healthy immune system boost.

The Benefits of Lemon Grass Tea

dpetrva — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 20:55:30 +0000

Lemongrass grows wild in Southeast Asia and Africa. The native people of these countries have been using it for its medicinal purposes since ancient times. Due to its health benefits, this plant has become very popular in the western hemisphere in modern days.

There are many good reasons to drink this wonderful herbal tea. If suffering from insomnia, a cup before bedtime causes relaxation and promotes a restful night of sleep. It is also known to relieve nausea and is an aid in digestion. Drinking a cup after a large meal will take away that full feeling and will aid in digesting the food just consumed along with helping to remove unhealthy food additives, chemicals and excess fats. It also aids in the relief of constipation, keeping the bowels working properly and removing toxins to keep the body healthy and energetic. Acting as a natural diuretic it is known to keep the kidneys and bladder working properly. Its powerful antioxidant benefits help to keep the liver and pancreas healthy and it is also known to help keep cholesterol levels normal.

People of ancient times knew the benefits of Lemongrass when suffering with coughs and colds. Drinking this tea helps relieve those symptoms as well without having to use store bought products that can sometimes have side-effects.

This tea is also a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. If drank regularly, studies have shown that it helps prevent the outbreak of acne and keeps the skin healthy due to its anti-bacterial effects. It can also relieve aches and pains and helps to reduce fever.

Some of our teas containing Lemon Grass:

If suffering from anxiety or nervousness Lemongrass tea can help reduce these symptoms. It has been used in Brazil for centuries to treat digestive problems and nervous disorders. It is known to promote relaxation as the people of the Amazon are well aware of this benefit and have used it regularly as a natural sedative.

Lemongrass may also have effects on cancer cells. A study from Ben Gurion University in Israel concluded that a molecule called “citral” that is found in the Lemongrass plant induces programmed cell death in cancer cells without harming normal cells.

In conclusion Lemongrass tea has many health benefits. From its calming effects to its positive digestive benefits to its acne prevention and its natural cold and cough reliever, this is an herbal tea that all can benefit from.

Contributed By Saif

The Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:54:46 +0000

The Lemon Balm plant is very beneficial and has many useful purposes, and Lemon Balm Tea is a delightful way to experience some of these benefits. When you make tea from loose lemon balm leaves, you can then experience some of the ways in which this remarkable plant can help you. Let’s take a look at seven of the ways in which lemon balm tea can be of assistance.

1. If you have insomnia, you will find that lemon balm tea has a calming effect on the system. It can help you in getting a better night’s sleep. The herb, Valerian, can also be added to Lemon Balm Tea to help even further in creating a calming environment.

2. Lemon Balm Tea is useful for when you have a fever due to colds or the flu. It helps to bring on perspiration, which, in turn, will help your fever.

3. If you are feeling depressed, a cup of Lemon Balm Tea may be of help. It has been known to lighten the mood and help with alleviating sadness. Lemon Balm Tea is also beneficial for helping to relieve tension and stress, and in today’s hectic times, who couldn’t benefit from that.

4. You can also use Lemon Balm Tea if you have nerve pain.

5. Lemon Balm Tea can also be soothing to an upset or nervous stomach. It can be taken occasionally throughout the day for maximum benefits.

6. Lemon Balm Tea can be beneficial in improving memory and other functions of the brain.

7. Lemon Balm has also been used to treat other ailments, such as flatulence, asthma, headaches and toothaches.

You may want to use a little bit of honey as a sweetener in your tea. Lemon Balm is also available in other forms, such as capsules, extracts, tinctures and oils. But the tea is the easiest and best way to experience Lemon Balm.

If you are taking medication for hyperthyroidism, you should check with your doctor before taking Lemon Balm Tea, as it can interact with medication for that condition. You should also check with your doctor if you are taking sedatives, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Lemon Balm Tea is a very beneficial and tasty product and can help with a number of ailments. If you would like to experience some of the wonderful benefits of this product, try some Lemon Balm Tea for yourself.

Herbal Loose Tea

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:47:38 +0000

Many people have heard the term herbal tea but not everyone knows what it is. Herbal tea is a tea made from the different parts of herbs and plants other than tea plants (Camellia sinensis). In some herbs only the leaves are used; in others the flowers, roots, stems and seeds can also be used. Where herbal teas are traditionally made by steeping plant parts in hot water; there are herbal tea companies that manufacture herbal tea bags. Herbal teas shouldn’t be confused with flavoured teas. Flavoured teas are regular tea to which different flavours have been added, like Banana Split.

Herbal teas have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. There are several of today’s medicines that started as folk medicine in the middle ages. Today many traditional medicine doctors still prescribe herbal teas for their patients. They have shown to help with various health problems such as easing problems with stomach distress and colds. There are various herbal teas for different conditions that have provided relief for many centuries. Herbal teas are prescribed for many conditions from colds to weight loss.

Herbal teas are also rich in antioxidants. The different types of herbs have different levels of antioxidants but they all have them. This fact makes herbal tea another major factor in fighting free radicals with antioxidants. Most herbal teas are perfectly safe; care should be taken if you have existing medical problems. Consulting with a traditional medicine doctor or a website that is familiar with traditional medicine can assist you in choosing a herbal tea that is both safe and helpful.

Before choosing a herbal tea make sure you understand what the tea is used for. An internet search will provide you with complete details about the usage and dosages of the different herbal teas. It is important to be aware of the properties of the herb used in making the tea and what effect it will have on your body. When choosing herbal teas, make sure that you purchase them from a reputable dealer. Most herbal tea manufactures use great care in ensuring the purity of their product.

By choosing to use the natural products in herbal tea to help you obtain and maintain your health you are following years of tradition that goes back for centuries. Herbal teas are often the safer way to treat minor health concerns. By doing your research you will know what herbal teas to stock in your cabinets to help you live healthier and happier.

Ginger Tea

admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:03:57 +0000

Buying a cup of ginger tea at your favourite tea & coffee shop will cost you on average $1.25. You can pick up the same (tea bags) at your local grocer and make ginger tea yourself at home – your cost will be about a quarter per cup. You are saving a dollar per cup but is it all that matters? If your answer is NO, then keep on reading.

Here are some of the known ginger tea benefits: Ginger tea minimizes symptoms of the common cold, allergies, and other respiratory conditions, relieves nausea, combats inflammation, helps digestive processes.

Drinking fresh ginger tea stimulates your immune system and warms you up. And best part – unlike the above tea bags costs you next to nothing (approx $0.02 per cup). There are many recipes found on the internet. Our favourite one is simple:

Ingredients: ginger, brown sugar

Grate a one-inch piece of fresh ginger root
Put the ginger in the tea pot
Add brown sugar according to your taste
Pour boiling water in the tea pot
Cover it up and let it sit for 15 minutes
Strain and enjoy

Is brown sugar healthier than white sugar? This is a claim however, the reality is that brow sugar and white sugar are not much different. Although brown sugar contains calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium while white sugar doesn’t, these minerals are present in only tiny amounts – the real difference between the two is in the taste. Brown sugar tastes better, that’s all.

This is our favourite tea pot. It’s heat resistant and without the glass insert it can be used for Artisan Tea. Beautiful presentation!

Danish researchers found that ginger can block the effects of prostaglandin – a substance that cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain and can lead to migraines. Many women claim that ginger tea helps rid them of menstrual cramps. To get the best health benefits of ginger tea, wrap fresh ginger root tightly in a towel, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and keep it in the refrigerator.

Chamomile May Ease Colic

admin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:54:30 +0000

Research suggests: Chamomile Can Soothe a Colicky Baby.

Colic — uncontrolled screaming and crying in an otherwise healthy infant — can be one of the most stressful parts of raising a newborn.

While its cause is uncertain, there is evidence that it stems in part from gastrointestinal discomfort. That may explain why chamomile tea, which according to research can ease intestinal spasms, has long been a home remedy for colic. Various studies have examined its usefulness, finding it simple, inexpensive and fairly effective.

…After a week, “parents reported that the [Chamomile] tea eliminated the colic in 57 percent of the infants,” the researchers reported, “whereas placebo was helpful in only 26 percent”…

euroTcup suggests:

Sage

admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:00:58 +0000

Sage has one of the longest histories of use of any culinary or medicinal herb. Sage Tea or infusion of Sage is a valuable agent in the delirium of fevers and in the nervous excitement frequently accompanying brain and nervous diseases. It has a considerable reputation as a remedy, given in small and often-repeated doses. It is highly serviceable as a stimulant tonic in debility of the stomach and nervous system and weakness of digestion generally. It was for this reason that the Chinese valued it, giving it the preference to their own tea. It is considered a useful medicine in typhoid fever and beneficial in biliousness and liver complaints, kidney troubles, haemorrhage from the lungs or stomach, for colds in the head as well as sore throat, quinsy, measles, for pains in the joints, lethargy and palsy. It has been used to check excessive perspiration in phthisis cases, and is useful as an emmenagogue. A cup of the strong infusion will be found good to relieve nervous headache.

Sage has been used effectively for throat infections, dental abscesses, infected gums and mouth ulcers.

Research has suggested that the presence of volatile oil in Sage is largely responsible for most of its therapeutic properties, especially its anti-septic, astringent and relaxing actions. Sage is also used internally in the treatment of night sweats, excessive salivation (as in Parkinson’s disease), profuse perspiration (as in TB), anxiety and depression. Externally, it is used to treat insect bites, skin, throat, mouth and gum infections.

Ready for a cup of sage infusion? Try one of these, or receive a free sample when you order any other of 50 g tea.

Wellness Blend for Men - blend containing sage and other herbs
Sage – containing sage leafs

Note: Sage should not be used by pregnant or nursing women or by people who have epileptic fits. For more information read the original source here.

Ginkgo biloba

admin — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:02:20 +0000

Ginkgo originates from China but is now cultivated in the USA, China and France. Ginkgo has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 2800 years. Ginkgo is a very old tree. Over the past 200 million years the ginkgo tree has remained basically unchanged. Because of survivability of the ginkgo tree it was believed to promote longevity and has been called The Fountain of Youth.

The following are ginkgo biloba tea’s more well-known health benefits:

Ginkgo biloba tea stimulates blood and peripheral arterial circulation
Ginkgo biloba tea reduces lethargy and improves sense of well-being
Ginkgo biloba tea may help improve the memory
Ginkgo biloba tea is used to treat hearing disorders
Ginkgo biloba tea may improve disturbed equilibrium
Ginkgo biloba tea may help improve mental alertness
Ginkgo biloba tea may be used as supplement for Alzheimer’s disease

Ready to purchase Ginkgo biloba tea? Try these:

Mallow Flowers

admin — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:23:32 +0000

The mallow flowers are very attractive and are pink or purplish coloured with dark veins. Common mallow originates from Asia and Europe and it can be found in fields.

Common mallow has been used traditionally to treat cough – it helps to reduce irritation associated with dry cough. Crushed mallow leaves can be used to treat rashes and burns.

Common mallow contains anti-oxidants, including polyphenols and anthocyanins, which explains its beneficial effect on gastroenteritis. This herb is cooling and demulcent (soothing). Tea made from mallow flowers is believed to ease gut irritations.

The mallow flowers were used for weaving into garlands on May Day. The flowers are sometimes used as ingredients for its colouring property.

The mallow flowers can be found in these great teas:

Slim Line – Wellness Tea
Tisane for Good Digestion – Wellness Tea
Maté IQ – Wellness Tea
Good Morning – Wellness Tea
Easter Tea – Green Tea
Great Temptation – Rooibos Tea
Jamaica Reggae – Rooibos Tea

Graphic and partial text by Top Cultures

Preventing a cold with Echinacea

admin — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:43:55 +0000

Taking the herbal remedy Echinacea can more than halve the risk of catching a common cold, US researchers say.

They found it decreased the odds of developing a cold by 58% and the duration of colds by a day-and-a-half.

The results in The Lancet Infectious Diseases conflict with other studies that show no beneficial effect.

Experts believe Echinacea, a collection of nine related plant species indigenous to North America, may work by boosting the body’s immune system.

‘Marked effects’

Researchers, led by Dr Craig Coleman from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, combined the results of 14 different studies on Echinacea’s anti-cold properties.

In one of the 14 studies the researchers reviewed, Echinacea was taken alongside vitamin C. This combination reduced cold incidence by 86%.

When Echinacea was used alone it reduced cold incidence by 65%.

Even when patients were directly inoculated with a rhinovirus – the most common cold-causing virus – Echinacea reduced cold incidence by 35%.

The researchers’ report said: “With over 200 viruses capable of causing the common cold, Echinacea could have modest effect against rhinovirus but marked effects against other viruses.”

Read more as it was originally published on BBC.