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Tea Benefits
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PROPERTIES OF TEA INGREDIENTS (SINGLE HERBS ON WHICH TO BASE YOUR BLENDS): There is an entire dictionary of vocabulary words that herbalists apply when trying to describe the actions of certain herbs. For instance, a “carminative” is an herb that contains chemical components which tend to be stomach calming. If you are interested in learning these terms, we have books to help, but the list below has been put into layman’s terms. Much could be said about these herbs. This is a brief overview: Chamomile – Sweet, mellow apple-like smell and flavor. Blends well with bland green herbs or herb leaves that are citrussy (i.e. lemon balm, pineapple sage). Calming effect on nerves (especially nerves that affect the stomach). Effective sleep inducer (especially if blended with lemon balm). Stomach calming. Part of plant to use:Flower heads only. Pick when the white petals have just folded downwards. Dry the entire flower head. Remember this herb is full of pollen and can cause major allergic reaction when taken internally by those who have ragweed allergy. Externally, chamomile tea makes an excellent anti-fungal wash for athlete’s foot, sweaty palm rash and diaper rash. Our best Chamomile Blend is the CALM Tea Dandelion – Bland herb/grassy flavor. This herb is cleansing to urinary tract (bladder, kidneys) and therefore “purifies” the blood. Also contains trace minerals. Used historically as a spring-time health rejuvenator in many cultures. You can also benefit from eating the fresh leaves in salads or soups. Part of plant used: Leaves. Be careful harvesting your own because there is a FALSE dandelion (look alike). Green Tea – (Camellia Sinensis of the Theaceas Family) Slightly bitter green herby taste. Best if blended with mint, orange or floral herbs. Requires less steeping time than other teas. Incredibly anti-oxidant and therefore suggested as a cancer and arthritis preventative. Contains caffeine but also chlorophyll (a natural blood and kidney cleanser). Part of plant used: Young leaves and buds. Does not grow successfully in the U.S. Topically green tea is also anti-aging for the skin. Use tea to rinse face or add green tea to a clay mask. Look for NEW BLUE GREEN JAZZ TEA. Nettles – A crucial herb for anyone with respiratory or skin allergies! The high chlorophyll content improves the oxygen carrying ability of the blood. When the body is able to utilize more oxygen it feels good! Nettles is also full of trace minerals and is therefore important to use both internally and externally for dry, itchy skin and hair conditions. Once the herb builds up in your system it gives allergy sufferers better endurance to ( or a higher threshold against) allergens. In this way, it is like an herbal anti-histamine (keeping the inflammatory response from over-reacting). Part of plant used: Leaves. Easy to give to the whole family, by including nettles tea in your gravies, soups, sauces. Grows wild in VA but is PAINFUL to harvest. Still, many arthritis sufferers have sought out the pain of the stinging nettle plant because small hairs on the leaves emit anti-inflammatory chemicals which actually decrease the swelling caused by arthritis. This treatment is called “urtication” (from the plant’s botanical name: urtica dioica). Nettles is included in HERBAN AVENUES MINERALIZE MIX, VITAMIN C PUNCH, COLD CARE TEA & TEA FOR TWO. Red Clover – Considered a blood tonic. Full of B Vitamins (which helps the body cope with stress). Also red clover is phyto-estrogenic, so helpful for PMS cramps and perimenopausal symptoms. Contains a compound called genistein which has anti-tumor effects (inhibits the growth of blood vessels that would feed tumors). Part of plant used: Flower petals, leaves and stems. An important herb for women and so is included in HERBAN AVENUES MINERALIZE MIX. Rooibos – This South African herb is a true body rejuvenator, so we feel compelled to spread the good news. Red (rooi) bos (bush)grows at the base of the Cedarburg Mountains in rich African soil and is chock-full of minerals like calcium, magnesium, etc. Therefore it is beneficial for dry skin, hair and nails. It is being studied for its positive effects on conditions like diabetes, allergies, digestive complaints, etc. It is anti-spasmodic for stomach cramps and very anti-oxidant. The fact that it is also caffeine-free but tastes a lot like a regular black tea, makes it the herb tea for folks who don’t like herb tea. It can be served warm with milk & honey or cold with lemon. This is a great base for other fun tea blends (add ginger & spices or add orange juice or lavender). HERBAN AVENUES has the best prices on organic SUPERFRESH rooibos (we call it our “AMBER” Tea and also have a blend flavored with peach). |
