GREEN TEA
Although green tea does contain caffeine its other beneficial properties negate this. Green (and white) tea is an excellent source of antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage in the body. It also contains l-theanine, an amino acid that helps the brain produce alpha-waves, which in turn has a calming effect on the body.
CHAMOMILE
May have calming and/or anti-inflammatory effects. It may help to relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies. However, do not use if you know you are allergic to ragweed as commercially produced blends may be contaminated with this and so make your symptoms worse. Often blended with other soothing herbs for a bedtime formulation.
GINGER
Contains essential fatty acids, amino acids, calcium, magnesium and iron. It has been used traditionally for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory, carminative and anti-nausea properties. It can be used safely to relieve morning sickness in pregnancy and to alleviate travel sickness.
CINNAMON
May help to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels in addition to reducing flatulence and diarrhoea. It has a soothing effect on the digestive tract so may be useful in relieving the symptoms of IBS and morning sickness.
View our range of herbal teas HERE.
LEMON BALM
Eases tension without causing drowsiness. It contains polyphenols, which have antiviral properties so it may be useful in alleviating the onset of colds and flu.
LIQUORICE
Has been used to help loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract. It may have a protective effect on the gut and relieve the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. It may also help to support adrenal and immune functions.
NETTLE
Has a high vitamin and mineral content (especially iron). It may be useful in alleviating the symptoms of allergies and in assisting liver detoxification pathways as well as having diuretic properties.
ROOIBOS (red bush)
Is high in polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties.
ROSEHIP
Contains rutin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This can also be found in apple and citrus fruits (available in tea form).
FENNEL
May have anti-spasmodic properties and can help to reduce symptoms of dysmenorrhea and IBS. It could ease congestion, flatulence and bloating and may help to stimulate the appetite.
PEPPERMINT
May relieve symptoms of IBS, dyspepsia and other digestive problems as well as reducing tension and alleviating headaches.
When choosing teas, remember that whole leaf tea is usually less processed than a herbal tea bag so the plant oils (in which the beneficial ingredients are contained) are better preserved.
Of course, both fresh and dried herbs, seeds and roots can be used to prepare your tea instead of using commercially available products but just remember to wash them thoroughly.
Use 1 teaspoon of dried or 3 teaspoons of fresh herbs per cup of boiling water.
For seed teas add the bruised (crush lightly in a pestle and mortar) to a pan of boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes.
For root and bark teas, boil the cut and dried material in water for 10-15 minutes
Wherever possible, cover the steeping vessel to retain the volatile oils.
Finally, if you find the thought of giving up coffee a nigh-on impossible task then you may wish to try DANDELION ROOT coffee as an alternative. It may help to assist in the liver detoxification pathways.
If you simply cannot forgo the true taste of a freshly ground coffee then try and opt for one that has been decaffeinated by a water extraction process rather than by chemical means so that you are not bombarding the body with further chemicals.
