| Some days we can wake up just not feeling quite | | | | know'. So this memory stays imprinted in my |
| right. Unable to put our finger on it, we know we | | | | mind. I wouldn't describe it as having a delightful |
| are energetically out of balance. At other times, | | | | taste or fragrance, but it is what I would consider |
| we may be able to identify precisely the moment | | | | one of the workhorse teas. Useful as a body |
| when something inside us triggers the arrival into | | | | purifier, it assists with promoting healthy liver and |
| the Not Well Zone. It may feel like we just hit the | | | | kidney function. When searching for a tea to |
| bulls-eye and concentric circles of awareness ripple | | | | include in a detoxification process, dandelion tea |
| outward, warning all systems. It is during these | | | | should be high up on the list. |
| times, that a good hot cup of herbal tea may be | | | | Echinacea Tea |
| just what is needed to help get things back on | | | | Is useful in helping to boost the immune system, |
| track and moving in the right direction. | | | | especially in regard to fighting off mild to |
| What is a Herbal Tea? | | | | moderate infections, such as the cold or flu. The |
| A herbal tea is made from either a single plant or | | | | leaves, stems, flowers and roots of the Echinacea |
| a combination of plants. Different teas can be | | | | plant are traditionally used in the formulation of |
| made using various parts of the plant which | | | | this tea. One of my favorite teas containing |
| include the leaves, seeds, fruits, flowers, roots, | | | | Echinacea is Organic Lemon Echinacea made by |
| bark or stems of the plant. The type of plant | | | | Traditional Medicinals, which is very soothing when |
| often dictates which part will be used. For | | | | I have a sore throat. A definite must have for |
| example to make a chamomile tea, the flowers | | | | my tea collection. |
| are used, to make peppermint tea, the leaves are | | | | Ginger Tea |
| used, and to make ginger tea, the roots are used. | | | | Known for its pungent taste, ginger tea is another |
| The herbs can be fresh or dried. They are then | | | | must have for the kitchen pantry. When |
| seeped in a cup of hot water, to create an | | | | experiencing any type of stomach imbalance, |
| infusion which allowed the therapeutic properties | | | | whether we are talking about digestive difficulties, |
| to be released. | | | | nausea, cramping or bloating, one of the first |
| Benefits of Herbal Teas | | | | herbal teas of choice should be ginger. Using the |
| Drinking herbal teas can serve two basic | | | | root of this plant, it is easy enough to make your |
| purposes: to support the body in a therapeutic | | | | own blend. Purchase a fresh ginger root from the |
| manner and to provide a pleasing drinking | | | | grocery store, wash and peel a small section of |
| experience. Depending on the herbal tea that is | | | | the root. Place thinly cut slices into a cup, then |
| selected, a different therapeutic value can be | | | | cover with boiling water. Cover and let the tea |
| derived. Having a few basic herbal teas on hand | | | | seep for about 5 minutes. Strain then drink. |
| can be a good supplement to whatever approach | | | | Peppermint Tea |
| you may be taking to bring your body back into | | | | The fragrant aroma of fresh peppermint alone |
| balance if you are not feeling up to par. There are | | | | lifts the spirits, the scent coaxing one to start to |
| so many good choices of herbal teas available | | | | feel the freshness of life. There is always a mint |
| today. Below is a suggested list of 5 basic teas to | | | | patch growing right outside our kitchen door. |
| have on hand if you are looking to start adding | | | | During the summer months, fresh mint is used |
| herbal teas to your regular health care program. | | | | almost daily. As the season comes to an end, the |
| FIVE USEFUL HERBAL TEAS TO HAVE IN THE | | | | mint is collected and dried so it can continue to be |
| PANTRY | | | | enjoyed throughout the year. Peppermint is |
| Chamomile Tea | | | | another choice when looking to promote digestive |
| Is an aromatic tea known for its calming, soothing | | | | health. In addition it is useful in helping to fight |
| properties. Made from the flowers of the | | | | stress, supporting the immune system and help |
| chamomile plant, this tea is useful in relaxing the | | | | with bringing the mind into focus. |
| nerves, soothing the stomach, relieving muscle | | | | So the next time you are shopping at the |
| tension, as well as helping with inflammation and | | | | grocery store deciding what beverages to put |
| improving liver function. This is a herb I grow | | | | into your cart, leave out the artificially sweetened |
| annually in our garden, so we can have our own | | | | drinks and opt instead for a few new herbal teas. |
| supply of chamomile tea. | | | | Delicious hot or cold, they will add a new |
| Dandelion Tea | | | | dimension to your day without incurring additional |
| This is on my list because dandelions were so | | | | health costs. |
| revered by my grandmother. In the spring one | | | | Now if you will excuse me, the teapot is whistling, |
| could find my grandmother with her small pocket | | | | so I am off to prepare myself a nice, warm, cup |
| knife and basket out in the fields, gathering young | | | | of Herbal Tea! Why not join me? |
| tender dandelion greens..."good for the blood, you | | | | |