Herb Teas

Herb Tea

What it can help with

If not available as T-bags, how to make it

Un-roasted Dandelion root tea

Buy loose dandelion root and simmer in a pan to make tea. You can also grind the root in a coffee grinder and make it in a cafetiere like coffee. Or you can buy the roasted root as an instant drink from health food shops but this is not as good for you as the unroasted root.

* very good for detoxifying the liver and kidneys

* helps in stimulating a sluggish live

* acts as a tonic and support for the liver helps to reduce inflammation in the bile ducts and liver

* acts as a mild laxative

* stimulates the gall bladder and enhances the flow of bile

* acts as a nutrient for the liver because it contains high amount of choline and also acts as a tonic for the spleen, pancreas and female reproductive organs

* is rich in potassium

1½oz (40g) fresh root, with 3 mugs (750ml) of water

Bring to the boil, cover and simmer on a low heat for about 10-15 minutes. The liquid should reduce by about 1/3. Strain and drink

Chamomile Tea

* very good for the digestive system:

* eases indigestion, colic, soothes irritable bowel, contain probiotics (which replenishes flora in the gut)

* gently stimulates the immune system

* helps nervous tension and irritability

* eases period pain and acts as an antispasmodic generally

Available as T-bags or loose flowers which you can make in a teapot

Green Tea

* has very high antioxidant properties

* helps to stimulate the immune system;

* helps to protect the liver from toxin damage

* is thought to inhibit cancer tumours in the body which includes the liver

* helps to stimulate the immune system

* comes from the same plant as black tea is picked when very young and steamed so it does not oxidize and turn black

Available as T-bags or loose tea.

Ginger Tea

* very helpful for the digestive system: relieves nausea, wind, indigestion and bloating or the tight heavy feeling across the diaphragm often experienced in hepatitis C. (You may find it causes belching which relieves the pain and heaviness in the diaphragm area)

* also acts as an anti-inflammatory

* helps stimulate the circulation.

Buy fresh ginger root and either put a few slices in a cup or mug and add boiling water, let it seep for at least 5 minutes.

for a stronger tea, grate or slice a large finger sized piece of ginger into a pan and add 3 mugs of cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain and drink

Peppermint tea

* another herb that helps the digestive system: relieving wind, flatulence, nausea, bloating and colic

* can help to relax the gut muscles thus relieving a spastic colon and soothe an irritated bowel

* can relieve diarrhoea

* helps the flow of bile and digestive juices

* can ease headaches

Available as T-bags and loose leaves.

Fennel Tea

*also good for digestive problems: it acts as an antispasmodic helping spasms and cramps in the intestines, relieves wind, soothes irritable bowel.

* another use is for easing anxiety and mild depression

* acts as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal

Available as T-bags or you can buy the loose seeds and use 1 teaspoon of seeds for a mug of tea (just pour boiling water over them in a mug)

Olive leaf tea

* a strong anti-viral (some herbalists believe it can lower viral load, and can alleviate herpes outbreaks).

* acts as a very good detoxifier for the liver and helps stimulate the immune system.

* acts as a cleanser for the lungs.

* Is a good antioxidant.

Use either 2oz of leaves to 2 pints of water, 4oz leaves to ½ gallon water or 8oz leaves to 1 gallon water

First rinse the leaves in a large pan, add the water, bring to the boil, cover and slowly simmer for 10 hours. Then add enough water to bring it back up to the original amount of water you put in, as the liquid will have reduced, and simmer for a further 2 hours.

Turn off the heat and leave it to cool. Once it is cool, strain off the liquid and discard the leaves. Put the liquid in glass bottle in the fridge and heat it up in a pan when you want some.

Herbalists suggest drinking 3oz or half a cup three times a day between meals. The advice is also not to drink it after around 7pm, as it may keep you awake

Lemon Balm Tea

* helps nervousness, anxiety and depression

* good for digestive upsets and nausea,

soothing for irritable bowel

* good for chronic fatigue syndrome or M.E symptoms and insomnia

* thought to have a wide range of anti-viral activity (particularly in the case of the herpes family of viruses)

* has a balancing effect on the thyroid and a positive effect on memory function.

Available as T-bags or loose leaves

Nettle Leaf Tea

* has an anti-inflammatory action

* acts as a diuretic thus helps fluid retention and is a very rich source of trace minerals

* good for the circulation and acts as a detoxifier

Available as T-bags or loose leaves

Rosehip and Hibiscus

* provides essential vitamin C and antioxidants

* helps tiredness and boosts your immune system.

Available as T-bags or loose herbs