How herbs effect your body

I've spoke a lot about using herbs now let me explain how the whole herb thing works. Different herbs effect the body in different ways.  These are called 

Herbal Actions.  

Here are a list of 4 Herbal Actions

(I'll post more at a later date)

♦Adaptogen: Adaptogens help to increase the bodies resistance to stressors.  They are used to help the body cope, stay strong and heal.  Both Astragulus and Licorice root are 

adaptogens.

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Echinacea

 

Burdock

♦Alterative: An Alterative such as Burdock, Dandelion or Echinacea which are also known as blood purifiers, help to restore health to the body by improving healthy function.  

Dandelion

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White Willow Bark

Arnica

Bergamot

♦Anelgesic: These are herbs that help with pain both inside and outside the body. These include Arnica, Bergamot and White Willow.

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Fennel

Red Raspberry Leaf

Chamomile

♦Antacids: Most of us have heard of antacids. These neutralize acid in the stomach.  Some example of the antacid herbs are Fennel, Chamomile, Red Raspberry leaf and Mint. 

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Tea's for Asthma

Chamomile Tea - Helps relax inflamed airways.

♥Chamomile tea's most well-known benefit is as a sleep aid. It is known for its relaxing and soothing properties and is often taken before bed to promote restful sleep. 

♥Chamomile is helpful for a variety of stomach problems. It soothes stomach aches, eases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, promotes elimination, and assists in overall digestion.

♥Menstrual Cramps The ancient Egyptians used it to soothe menstrual cramps and now science is catching up. One study found that drinking chamomile tea raised urine levels of glycine, a compound that calms muscle spasms. Researchers believe this is why chamomile tea helps menstrual cramps.

♥Cold Fighter Chamomile has immune boosting properties and helps in the fight against colds due to its antibacterial properties.

♥Diabetes Management Chamomile tea is being studied for its beneficial effects in the management of diabetes. In one study, daily consumption of chamomile tea was found to prevent the progression of diabetic complications and hyperglycemia.

♥Cancer In-vitro studies show possible protection against several different types of cancer cells.

♦ Precautions Some people have serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) to chamomile. If you are allergic to other plants in the same family such as daisy, ragweed, aster, chrysanthemum, or marigold you should use caution when using chamomile. Chamomile should be avoided during pregnancy because it may act as a uterine stimulant and therefore increase the chance of abortion. People with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners should avoid chamomile, as it contains coumarin and may increase the chance of bleeding.

Elderbery Tea - May help alleviate asthma symptoms.

♥It Reduces Inflammation Elderberries are a rich source of flavonoids '" particularly anthocyanins '" the compounds that give dark red and purple berries such as blueberries their color. Anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory effects which can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Sipping elderberry tea may be a safer alternative to taking prescription anti-inflammatory medications.

Add three tsp. of dried elderberry flowers into 1/2 cup of boiling water. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes.

Elecampane Tea - Long regarded in helping treat various respiratory ailments like asthma. 

Elecampane tea recipe: 1. Simmer 1-2 teaspoons of dried elecampane root for 5 minutes. 2. Strain and drink

Eucalyptus Tea

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Scientific research suggests that the oil extracted from eucalyptus tree leaves has anti-inflammatory properties that may be applicable for those suffering from asthma and other steroid-sensitive disorders as a viable long-term therapy. Dried eucalyptus tea- leaves offer a mild method of ingesting these beneficial properties. One study published in the March 2003 "Respiratory Medical Journal" noted that the findings of a double-blind placebo controlled trial deduced that eucalyptol, a constituent of eucalyptus oil, is a useful mucolytic agent in upper and lower airway diseases, able to aid in dissolving mucus.

♦Here’s the thing about Eucalyptus. It is considered toxic yet beneficial at once. It’s in many creams and cough drops but in large quantities it’s too much. You really want to keep your cats and dogs and children away from it the most. And enjoy it occasionally in a brew.

Ingredients 4 Eucalyptus leaves torn 2 cups water

Instructions Wash the eucalyptus leaves and place them in a pot with water and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and let them steep for 15 minutes. Reheat if necessary and strain into a cup.

Click here for both Hot and Cold Ginger tea  recipes.

Ginger Tea 

Helps minimize symptoms of asthma and other respiratory ailments. 

Lavender tea and it's calming benefits.

Lavender Tea it is too strong to be used alone in a tea. My favorite Lavender Tea recipe is: 1/2 cup Mint Leaf 2 Tablespoons Dried Lavender 2 Tablespoons Stevia (optional) Mix all and store in an air-tight container. Use 1-2 tsp per cup of water to make hot or iced tea.


♥Lavender tea may help ease insomnia.

♥Lavender tea may help calm nervousness and anxiety. It may also be used to alleviate stress and uplift flagging spirits. 

♥Lavender tea may help treat an upset stomach, as well as flatulence and colic. It may also be used to treat stomach and bowel infections.

♥Lavender tea may help alleviate depressive and migraine headaches.

♥Lavender tea, when applied topically, may help alleviate colds, cough, asthma, bronchitis and similar problems in the respiratory system.

♥Lavender tea may help induce sweating and consequently reduce the body temperature during fever.

♥Lavender tea, when applied topically, may help heal cuts, wounds, ulcers and sores.

♥Lavender tea is also useful as a mouthwash to combat halitosis.

Basil Tea Helps with your digestives system, eyesight, healthy hair and skin and more!

Recipe For Healthy Homemade Basil Tea

Ingredients: (makes 2 cups of tea)

2 cups water
3 tbsp chopped fresh leaves
OR
2 cups water
1½ tbsp dried basil

tbsp = tablespoon

Directions:

Fresh: Add the chopped leaves to a cup, and pour on some just *boiled water and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. If you chopped them finely enough, you can chew and eat the fresh leaves without straining.

Dried: You can use it just like loose tea leaves and just do the same as above, or, add the dried herb to a teapot and pour in some boiling water. Let steep (sit) for about 5-10 minutes before pouring through a strainer.

Mint Tea Helps sooth digestive upset.

Homemade Mint Tea Recipe

Ingredients: (makes 2 cups)

2 cups of water
1½ tbsp fresh mint leaves
Agave nectar or honey (optional)
OR
2 cups water
1 tbsp dried mint
Agave nectar or honey (optional)

tbsp = tablespoon

Directions:

Fresh: You can use whole leaves or finely chop them first. I find by chopping them you get a stronger flavour.

Add the leaves, chopped or whole, to 2 cups and pour on some just *boiled water.

Let steep (sit) for 5-10 minutes before serving. If you like your drinks a little sweeter add the agave nectar, honey or any other natural sweetener.

You can remove the whole leaves or strain the tea if you chopped them. Alternatively you can drink the herbs.

Dried: Divide the dried mint into 2 cups and pour on some just boiled water. Let steep for a few minutes before drinking.

Or add the dried herb to a saucepan of just boiled water before letting steep (sit) for about 5-10 minutes. Making it this way makes it easy to pour through a strainer prior to serving.

*Boiling herbs and spices too long may negate some of the health and well-being benefits.

Reminder: When using herbal teas it's never good to drink in excess. 

Oregano Tea for Colds, Fever, Menstrual pain and more.

Note: You shouldn't drink this if you're pregnant. May cause uterine stimulation, miscarriage or premature labor.

Homemade Oregano Tea Recipe

Ingredients: (makes 2 cups)

2 cups of water
1½ tbsp fresh oregano leaves
1 tsp orange juice (optional)
OR
2 cups water
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp orange juice (optional)

tbsp = tablespoon
tsp = teaspoon

Directions:

Fresh: Finely chop the leaves and add to 2 cups. Pour on some just boiled water and, if using, the orange juice.

Let steep (sit) for 5-10 minutes before serving.

You can remove the chopped leaves by straining first. Alternatively you can drink around the leaves.

Dried: Divide the dried oregano into 2 cups and pour on some just boiled water. Let steep (sit) for a few minutes before drinking. Strain first if required.

Or, add the dried leaves to a teapot before pouring. Doing it this way makes it easy to pour through a strainer prior to serving.

Parsley Tea an aid in Bloat, Balancing Hormones and Boosting the immune system.

Health Benefits of Parsley Tea

Parsley Parsley is a natural diuretic. It aids the circulatory system and the normal functioning of the kidneys and helps to excrete the excess fluids and the toxins from it in the form of urine thereby preventing any buildup of water. Add two teaspoons of dried parsley to a cup of boiling water and steep for ten minutes. Strain and drink the warm tea at least three times a day. You can also eat two tablespoons of fresh parsley leaves in salads everyday.

Recipe For Homemade Parsley Tea
Ingredients: (makes 2 cups of tea)

2 cups water
2 tbsp chopped fresh leaves
OR
2 cups water
1½ tbsp dried parsley

tbsp = tablespoon

Directions:

Fresh: Add the freshly chopped leaves to a cup and pour on some boiled water. Let steep (sit) for 5-10 minutes before serving. You can drink the herbs.

Dried: Use like you would loose leaf tea leaves and do the same as above. Or, add the dried herb to a teapot and pour in some boiled water.

Let steep (sit) for about 5-10 minutes before pouring through a strainer.

That's it! A refreshing, healthy drink in no time at all