Before prescription and over-the-counter medications were commonplace, people frequently drank herb teas to treat ailments and illnesses. Often, they gathered tea ingredients from their gardens, and nearby fields and forests. Additionally, culinary herbs sometimes doubled as remedies. Rosemary and fennel teas alleviated stomachaches while skullcap and catnip calmed nerves. A sore throat called for slippery elm tea or licorice root tea. It is recommended that you use herbs under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Tonic Teas
To treat chronic exhaustion, fatigue and stress, herbalists might advise a tea made of tonic herbs. Tonic herbs usually have anti-inflammatory, anti-stress and antioxidant properties that act as immune system restoratives. They also can increase your stamina, energy, endurance and mental clarity. Plants like ashwagandha, astragalus, ginger and licorice root fall into this category. Teas made of these plants can be drunk regularly to rejuvenate and support your body's overall well-being, according to "8 Weeks to Optimum Health." Please discuss all medical and nutrition questions with your healthcare provider.
Digestive Disorders
An ordinary complaint that responds well to herbal teas is indigestion. Certain carminative herbs, plants that help the intestines release gas, are regularly used as culinary herbs. Rosemary, fennel, anise, bay, caraway and dill can be easily cultivated as garden or windowsill plant and all are carminatives, according to "Growing and Using the Healing Herbs." Other plants that assist digestion are parsley, peppermint, fenugreek and chamomile. It is recommended that you have a physician diagnose οr treat illness.
Headaches
Over-the-counter analgesics for headaches are readily available. Herbs are also effective in relieving headaches. Popular herbal teas for tension headaches include chamomile, catnip and lavender. These herbs relax muscle tension and have gentle sedative properties. Other teas that can alleviate headache symptoms are valerian, passionflower, lemon balm and linden flower. Feverfew has a therapeutic effect on the cerebral arteries involved in migraine, according to Gary Null in his book, "The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing." Consult a qualified healthcare professional if headaches are severe or persistent.
Warnings
Do not drink licorice tea if you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease or are pregnant. If you take certain medications, including insulin, steroids, hormones, blood-thinners or diuretics, you should avoid licorice, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "A Complete Guide to Safe Herbs" advises against excessive use of parsley, as it can cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage. Chamomile, a member of the ragweed family, is contraindicated for those allergic to ragweed.
References
- "8 Weeks to Optimum Health"; Andrew Weil; 2006
- "Growing and Using the Healing Herbs"; Gaia and Sandor Weiss; 1992
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Licorice
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Headache Overview
- "Complete Guide to Safe Herbs"; Chris D. Meletis; 2002
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