Herbal Teas
What Are The Health Benefits of Tea?
People all over the world have been drinking tea for thousands of centuries, and for good reason. Numerous studies have shown that a variety of teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease.
How To Prepare Your Herbal Teas:
Drink 1 to 3 cups anytime during the day (if drinking the DETOX TEA and working during the day, I advise 1 cup at night so that you may have your first bowel movement in the AM).
Directions – Put 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea into your “heart-shaped” tea infuser. Put infuser into a cup and pour 6-8 fl. oz. of freshly boiled water into the cup. Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes. (Add honey or agave with lime or lemon for added flavor; Add ONLY lime juice to the Detox tea)
WOMEN'S HEALTH TEA
Benefits: Premenopausal Symptoms, Weight Loss, Skin Care
Ingredients:
Honeybush - (Cyclopia)
Honeybush's polyphenols (antioxidants) have the potential to be anti-inflammatory and beneficial to heart health. Polyphenols have shown its potential to increase good cholesterol (HDL) and improve the function of the inner lining of blood vessels.
Calendula - (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula may induce menstruation and relieve menstrual cramps; relieves sore nipples during nursing. (Avoid if pregnant or are allergic to plants in the daisy or aster family, including chrysanthemums and ragweed.)
Rose Hips -
Rose Hips have high levels of antioxidants, rosehip tea may boost your immune system, aid weight loss, reduce joint pain, support healthy-looking skin, and protect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes. (Avoid if pregnant or have kidney stones)
Orange Peels & Slices -
Orange peels are rich in important nutrients, such as fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenols. Oranges are full of the antioxidant vitamin C, which can help boost your energy and fuel your weight-loss efforts. The vitamin C in oranges can also help you fight stress.
MEN'S HEALTH TEA
Benefits: Increases Libido & Energy
Ingredients:
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) -
Used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fatigue, arthritic pain, nerve pain, and sexual dysfunction. It is thought to alter levels of certain hormones and is marketed as a dietary supplement for libido. (Should not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have bleeding disorders (horny goat weed might slow blood clotting and thus make bleeding disorders worse; since horny goat weed can slow blood clotting, avoid using it before surgery); have heart disease (horny goat weed may cause rapid, irregular heartbeat); have hormone-sensitive cancers and conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, and endometriosis (horny goat weed acts like estrogen and can increase estrogen levels)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) -
An adaptogenic herb clinically shown to help reduce stress and regulate cortisol levels, enhance focus and mental stamina, and reduce irritability and stress-related cravings. (Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used while breastfeeding. Ashwagandha is not recommended for people who are about to have surgery, or for those who have autoimmune or thyroid disorders.)
Muira Puama (Ptychopetalum) -
used for preventing sexual disorders and to increase interest in sexual activity (as an aphrodisiac). It is also used for upset stomach, menstrual disorders, joint pain (rheumatism), and paralysis caused by poliomyelitis; and as a general tonic and an appetite stimulant. (Should not be used if you are pregnant or breast-feeding).
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) -
Helps to enhance sexual health and treat a vast array of symptoms from diabetes to anxiety. (Children, people with diabetes, or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking it.)
Oat Straw (Avena sativa) -
Soothes and heals the skin, as well as potentially boosts mental and physical performance, reduces blood sugar and cholesterol, improves blood flow, enhances mental health, and reduces inflammation. (Some people with allergies or severe gluten sensitivity should avoid oat straw.)
IMMUNE / RESPIRATORY HEALTH TEA
Benefits: Flu, Throat Pain, Bronchitis, Respiratory Problems
Ingredients:
Eucalyptus -
Eucalyptus helps to relieve symptoms of coughs, colds, and congestion and relieving muscle and joint pain. (People with asthma, seizures, liver disease, kidney disease, or low blood pressure should not use eucalyptus without first talking to their doctors.)
Mullein - (verbascum)
helps the body expel excess mucus, usually by helping make your coughs more productive, to bring up mucus that may be settling in the chest or in the throat. It is also a demulcent. Studies show that demulcents create a soothing anti-inflammatory coating over mucous membranes. (Avoid if pregnant or lactating)
Ginger - (Zingiber officinale)
Due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, ginger may boost immune health. (Do not take if Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, and people with diabetes should not take ginger without talking to their doctors. DO NOT take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.)
Olive Leaf (Olea europaea) -
Derived from the olive plant, both olive leaves and the extract have been used to treat infections, inflammation, diabetes, and hypertension. (Olive leaf may lower your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or are taking medications to manage your blood sugar or blood pressure, talk to your doctor before taking olive leaf extract. People with kidney disease should consult with their doctor before taking it, as well.)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera) -
Honeysuckle often has a cooling effect on the body making it great for hot flashes, fevers, and sunstroke. Known to combat pneumonia. (Avoid if pregnant or taking blood thinners.)
Elderberry (Sambucus) -
Elderberry is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. May help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart, too. (People with organ transplants and autoimmune diseases should avoid elderberry.)
Cat’s Claw (Unicaria Tomentosa) -
Cat’s Claw may help boost your immune system and ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. (People with autoimmune diseases, skin grafts, tuberculosis, or those receiving organ transplants; have leukemia, or low blood pressure should not take Cat’s Claw.)
INFLAMMATION / PAIN RELIEF TEA
White Oak Bark (quercus alba)-
White oak bark improves digestion and increases appetite. This herb is used to treat arthritis. It relieves joint pains, difficulty in moving and other associated symptoms. It is also used to treat signs and symptoms of inflammation like pain and swelling of skin, throat, mouth genitals and anal region. (Avoid if pregnant, have kidney disease, cardiovascular disease or liver issues.)
Moringa (moringa oleifera) -
Moringa is an antioxidant, helps protect cells from damage. Moringa might also help decrease inflammation and reduce pain. Moringa is used for asthma, diabetes, breast-feeding, and many other purposes. (Do not consume moringa if you are pregnant, taking the diabetes drug Januvia (sitagliptin) or taking drugs that are substrates of the cytochrome P450 family of enzymes.)
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) -
Nettle has anti-inflammatory activity. Nettles are useful for a variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and chronic myalgia. Nettle tea or herbal supplements have been shown to effectively treat gout, relieve muscle aches and minimize the symptoms of arthritis. (Avoid stinging nettle if you're allergic or sensitive to nettle or plants in the same family; if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. May cause low blood pressure.)
MeadowSweet - (Filipendula ulmaria)-
Meadowsweet is a flowering herb native to Europe that's been used for centuries to treat heartburn, joint pain, colds, and inflammation. (Avoid meadowsweet if you are allergic to aspirin and if you have asthma).
Sarsaparilla (Smilax) -
Sarsaparilla is used for treating psoriasis and other skin diseases and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).; for increasing urination to reduce fluid retention; and for increasing sweating. (Avoid if pregnant or have kidney disease)
DETOX TEA
Papaya Leaf -
Papaya leaves have high levels of phytochemicals like saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids, especially β-carotene, that work together to cleanse your blood and improves circulation to treat GI tract disorders. (Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding; if allergic to papayas)
Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) -
Chamomile is promoted for sleeplessness, anxiety, and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. (Avoid if you are pregnant, have asthma or allergies.)
Senna Leaf - (Senna alexandrina)
Senna herb, a medicinal plant contains natural laxative substances, and is a major function to relieve constipation. (Senna should not be used by people with stomach pain, intestinal blockage, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, appendicitis, stomach inflammation, or hemorrhoids.)
Boldo - (Peumus boldus)
Boldo leaves are antioxidants. Serves as an Anti-flatulent (reduce gas). Eliminates gastrointestinal worms. Promotes urine elimination (diuretic). Used as a laxative. Stimulates the flow of bile in the gallbladder. Promotes digestion. (Should not be taken during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It should also be avoided by people who have obstruction of the liver bile duct, or severe liver disease.)
CARDIO HEALTH TEA
Benefits: Helps to Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Ingredients:
Moringa (moringa oleifera) -
Moringa is an antioxidant, helps protect cells from damage. Moringa might also help decrease inflammation and reduce pain. Moringa is used for asthma, diabetes, breast-feeding, and many other purposes. (Do not consume moringa if you are pregnant, taking the diabetes drug Januvia (sitagliptin) or taking drugs that are substrates of the cytochrome P450 family of enzymes.)
Olive Leaf (Olea europaea) -
Derived from the olive plant, both olive leaves and the extract have been used to treat infections, inflammation, diabetes, and hypertension. (Olive leaf may lower your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or are taking medications to manage your blood sugar or blood pressure, talk to your doctor before taking olive leaf extract. People with kidney disease should consult with their doctor before taking it, as well.)
Toad Grass (Juncus bufonius) -
Toad Grass is shown to be helpful in treating fatigue and stress, as well as lowering cholesterol. (Children, Pregnant women, and those with allergies should consume toad grass).
Motherwort(Leonurus cardiaca)
Motherwort is used to prevent or stop bleeding. It is also used for heart failure, symptoms of menopause, high blood pressure, wound healing, and many other conditions. (Avoid motherwort if you're pregnant or have a history of miscarriage. It can cause uterine bleeding and increase your risk of miscarriage. Motherwort may affect your heart rate. Avoid having motherwort products if you're taking heart medications, such as beta-blockers.)
Gingko (Ginkgo biloba) -
Ginkgo’s health benefits are thought to come from its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also increase blood flow and play a role in how neurotransmitters in the brain operate. (Avoid if you have a bleeding disorder, on blood thinners or are pregnant.)
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) -
Alfalfa may help lower cholesterol and may also have benefits for blood sugar management and relieving symptoms of menopause. (Avoid if you are pregnant, on blood thinners, have an autoimmune disorder, or a compromised immune system.)
GUT HEALTH TEA
Benefits: Promotes Digestive Health. Eliminates Gas and Discomfort and Helps Get Rid Of Unwanted Bacteria. Helps Provide Good Vitamins and Minerals.
Ingredients:
Ginger - (Zingiber officinale)
Due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, ginger may boost immune health. (Do not take if Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, and people with diabetes should not take ginger without talking to their doctors. DO NOT take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.)
Rose Hips -
Rose Hips have high levels of antioxidants, rosehip tea may boost your immune system, aid weight loss, reduce joint pain, support healthy-looking skin, and protect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes. (Avoid if pregnant or have kidney stones)
Cascara Sagrada - (Frangula purshiana)
Cascara sagrada contains organic plant compounds called anthraquinones which have powerful laxative effects. (Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as intestinal obstruction, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, stomach ulcers, or unexplained stomach pain: People with any of these conditions should not use cascara sagrada.)
Tumeric - (Curcuma longa)
The active ingredient in turmeric is a natural compound (polyphenol) called curcumin, which has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. turmeric is rich in phytonutrients that may protect the body by neutralizing free radicals (pollution, sunlight) and shielding the cells from damage. (People who should not take turmeric include those with gallbladder problems, bleeding disorders, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infertility, iron deficiency, liver disease, hormone-sensitive conditions, and arrhythmia. Pregnant women and those who are going to undergo surgery should not use turmeric.)
Peppermint - (Mentha × piperita)
peppermint is promoted for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), other digestive problems, the common cold, sinus infections, headaches, and other conditions. Peppermint oil is promoted for topical use (applied to the skin) for problems like headache, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching. (Never apply peppermint oil to the face of an infant or small child, as it may cause spasms that inhibit breathing. Peppermint may make gallstones worse. Large doses of peppermint oil can be toxic. If you have experienced indigestion due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, you should avoid peppermint. )