BEYOND IMAGININGS

Herbal Teas With ...

Healing Powers

Peppermint

Other than enjoying its spicy fragrance in gardens, peppermint is grown for a number of medicinal benefits.  Be sure to select 'true peppermint' (mentha piperita) as it contains the highest number of active ingredients, incuding the essential oil 'menthol.'  This essential oil eases nausea, colic, diarrhea, headaches, gastritis and menstrual cramps.  Peppermint is also rich in two enzymes - peroxidase and catalase - which strengthens the immune system.  It helps to improve concentration and performance of the brain, as it contains a wealth of B vitamins (especially when fresh leaves are used), and potassium and calcium to combat bone loss.  Its fresh, spicy aroma can also counteract motion sickness.

Tea Preparation:  Pour 1 C boiling water over 1 tbsp. of dried peppermint leaves.  Steep for 10 minutes.  As a bonus, if desired, you can sweeten with honey, brown sugar or maple syrup.  Drink/sip the tea after meals 3 times per day.

A Word of Caution:  Peppermint can worsen the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and/or heartburn.

Chamomile (also possesses calming properties)

Suitable for both children and adults alike, this gentle herb can be safely used on a regular basis for stomachaches, insomnia, sore throats and cramps.  German chamomile (matricaria recutita) has the highest concentration of the essential oils giving chamomile its healing power.  In addition to being drunk as a tea, chamomile is used in healing compresses and/or added to bathwater.

The germicidal effect of chamomile vapor (covering the head to inhale vapors) helps rid the body of the germs that cause flu and reduces coughing. 

Warning:  Do not use this method if you suffer from cardiovascular disease.

Tea Preparation:  In teapot - use 1 tsp. chamomile flowers per 1 C of water.  Bring to a boil, then let it cool.  (Boiling water will evaporate the various therapeutic compounds in chamomile.)  For best results, steep the tea less than 5 minutes.

Word of Caution:  People who are allergic to ragweed or other members of the daisy family may be allergic to chamomile.  Avoid use of this herb if you have such allergies.

Also known as "gentle balm," "garden balm," and "sweet balm," this plant give off a fresh lemony aroma when rubbed between the fingers. Lemon Balm (melissa officinalis) helps reduce menstrual and gastrointestinal cramps and calms tension headaches, and is also beneficial for better concentration and lifting the spirits. Nervous heart complaints, sich as palpitations, can be soothed with lemon-balm tea.

Tea Preparation: Pour 1 C freshly boiled water over 1-2 tsp. of dried lemon leaves and steep, covered, for 10 minutes. Drink 3-4 cups a day, before meals.

Daily Ritual - Daily washes/bathing with a lemon-balm infusion can remove skin impurities. For best results, let skin air dry after wash. This allows the herb's components to penetrate the skin deeply.

Green Tea

Green Tea is popular in China and other Asian countries, whereas Black tea is more familiar in Western countries. The difference between them is in the processing. Black tea is fermented. Green tea is not allowed to ferment. This minimized processing allows the tea to retain its green color, gives it a fresh flowery flavor, and retains the active ingredients (tannins, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements-fluoride) that provides its health benefits - preventing tooth decay, high blood pressure, heart disease (lowers blood cholesterol levels) and even some forms of cancer. It also detoxifies the blood, revitalizes the body, and enhances concentration.

Green Tea does contain a high level of caffeine. While this can improve concentration, it could inhibit a good night's sleep.

Tea Preparation: In Teapot - place 1 tsp of tea leaves per 1 C of water. Heat water separately until it is simmering; cool briefly (vigorously boiling the water can destroy the tea's gentle flavor). Pour heated water over tea leaves and cover; let stand, covered, from 3 to 6 minutes, depending on strength of flavor desired.

Word of Caution: Contains high caffeine content, which can increase heart rate, restlessness and insomnia.