The World Health Organization states that 80 percent of the world's inhabitants employ botanical remedies for some primary care illnesses, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Herbal teas can provide effective relief from some health conditions, such as colds, coughs, headaches, exhaustion and indigestion. You should discuss all medical and nutrition questions with a qualified health care provider.
Tonics
Exhaustion and debilitation are often symptoms of stress, chronic illness, overwork, mood disorders, poor nutrition, hormone fluctuations and medication side effects. Tonic herb teas fortify the immune system, combat disease and may be able to restore your natural vigor. These plants include ginger, ashwagandha, astragalus, rhodiola and Asian or American ginseng, according herbalist Michael Castleman in "The New Healing Herbs." Tonic teas usually have a mild and subtle effect that you might notice only after weeks of regular use. Consult a qualified health care professional if your condition is severe or persistent.
Colds and Flu
A strong brew of hot peppermint tea may stop a cold in its tracks. If a viral infection does develop, peppermint is an excellent remedy for symptoms like fever, cough and headache, according to "Growing and Using the Healing Herbs." Traditional Chinese herbalists favor ginger root for colds and flu. This warming beverage relieves congestion, nausea and fatigue. Commercial cough syrups and throat lozenges are still made from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree. When mixed with water, the inside of the bark becomes soft and jellylike. Drinking slippery elm tea is soothing to scratchy throats and also aids digestion.
Headaches
Tension headaches arise when the muscles in your neck, shoulders and head tighten and cramp. Calmative herb teas can relax your body, relieve headache pain and alleviate anxiety and insomnia. Lemon balm, chamomile, linden flower, catnip, lavender and passionflower teas are traditional remedies to help you unwind and rest. Migraine headaches may respond to feverfew. Castleman recommends using red pepper, also called capsicum, to treat cluster headaches. Consult a qualified health care professional before using herbal remedies for any health condition.
Digestive Disorders
Tea made from common kitchen herbs like fennel, thyme, rosemary, sage and anise can relieve intestinal gas and assist digestion. Chamomile flowers contain certain phytochemicals, including bisabolol, that relax the muscles of the digestive tract. In one animal study, scientists concluded that chamomile may speed the healing of stomach ulcers, according to Castleman. Peppermint is also effective against stomachache and bloating, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peppermint
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herbal Medicine
- "Growing and Using the Healing Herbs"; Gaea and Shandor Weiss; 1992
Member Comments