Did you know that herbal teas are good for many things, from insomnia and indigestion to boosting immunity and reducing edema? Tea is one of the oldest and simplest forms of medicine: brewing plants in hot water is a method people have used for thousands of years to feel better or treat illness. Let us look at what the herbal teas you drink are good for.
ECHINACEA. Benefits: one of the most used herbal products to protect against and help treat colds and upper respiratory illnesses; it also has a killing effect on some viruses. How to consume: drink 5-6 times a day after brewing in hot water for 10-15 minutes; 0.5-1 g per large cup.
LINDEN. Benefits: effective in relieving cough; anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and expectorant, helping reduce cold symptoms. How to consume: drink 15 minutes after adding boiling water to 2 g of dried linden; repeat a few times a day.
ROSEHIP. Benefits: thanks to high vitamin C, used in flu and colds; helps pass kidney stones, effective in rheumatism and gout, eases digestion and has diuretic, mild laxative and edema-reducing effects. How to consume: 3 times a day, 2 g brewed in boiling water 10-15 minutes, 30 minutes after meals.
LAVENDER. Benefits: good for tension, anxiety and sleep problems; also for indigestion and appetite loss, and relieves gas. How to consume: before sleep, brew the crushed herb in boiling water 10 minutes in a covered cup; 1-2 g to taste.
LEMON BALM. Benefits: mild calming effect, good for nervous sleep problems and restlessness. How to consume: 3-4 times a day, 1.5 g of leaves brewed 10 minutes in a covered cup.
CHAMOMILE. Benefits: effective for gastrointestinal spasms, gas, indigestion and bloating; mild calming, muscle-relaxing, helps sleep. How to consume: steep 2 g of flowers in a covered cup of boiling water 5-10 minutes; 3-4 times a day after meals.
FENNEL. Benefits: increases stomach and bowel movement, relieves gas and spasms, good for sore throat, expectorant, increases milk in nursing mothers. How to consume: add boiling water to 1.5 g crushed seeds, cover, brew 10 minutes; daily 5-7 g.
ST. JOHN WORT. Benefits: used for mild to moderate depression. How to consume: 3 times a day, 2 teaspoons of crushed herb brewed in boiling water 10 minutes.
SENNA. Benefits: used for constipation as it increases bowel movement; frequent use can irritate the intestines, so support the diet with fiber- and potassium-rich laxative fruits like prunes and figs. How to consume: 0.5-2 g crushed leaves brewed 10 minutes; takes effect after 10-12 hours.
GREEN TEA. Benefits: strong antioxidant; helps lower triglycerides and total cholesterol; diuretic, reduces edema; plays a role in weight and fat loss. How to consume: add 150-250 ml of boiling water to 2-2.5 g of leaves.
***In pregnancy, breastfeeding, when taking medication or with chronic illness, use under specialist supervision.