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Herbal Teas
Herbal teas, also known as infusions, have become such a familiar drink that we may forget that they are also a medicinal herb. Below I have listed several interesting facts, helpful hints and other little tidbits that I have purposely researched so as not to repeat much of the information commonly found on other tea resource web sites.
GREEN TEA
- Rich in fluoride, so drink after meals to help guard against tooth decay.
- Use as a poultice by placing damp green tea leaves on insect bites to reduce itching and inflammation.
- Or soak a pad with weak green tea to make an emergency first aid treatment to ease bleeding from cuts.
- Boosts the immune system.
OOLONG TEA
- Some types, such as Pu erh are effective at reducing cholesterol levels, so drink after a fatty meal.
- Helps reduce high blood pressure.
BLACK TEA
- Take a strong infusion of tea (2 tsp per cup of boiling water, without milk or sugar) for diarrhea, food poisoning, dysentery, or hangover.
- Reuse tea bags as a poultice and place on tired eyes.
- Damp tea leaves can soothe insect bites.
- Use a weak infusion as a cooling wash for sunburn.
PEPPERMINT TEA
- Drink one to three cups as strong as you like to relieve headache pain.
- Put a few leaves in boiling water and inhale to ease nasal congestion.
- Children may prefer Spearmint tea for its milder taste.
CHAMOMILE TEA
- Drink a cup at night for insomnia, anxiety and stress.
- Add to a baby's bath water at night to encourage sleep.
- Add 2 teaspoons flowers to boiling water and inhale for hay fever, asthma, or bronchitis.
Did you Know?
 That the three types of tea; green, oolong and black are made from the leaves of the same species?
- Young, fresh leaves and leaf buds are pan-fried, then rolled or dried to make green tea.
- For Oolong tea the fresh leaves are wilted in sunlight, bruised slightly, then partly fermented.
- Black tea is a fully fermented variety.
That the active plant growth is known as "flushes"?
- This is when the tip of the leaves are the most aromatic, desirable and just right for picking.
That all herbs used for beverage purposes have some sort of medicinal value?
- Consult a good herbal reference if you are going to experiment extensively with herbs.
That tea should never be frozen or refrigerated?
- Store tea in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
That one cup of coffee contains about 100 to 150 milligrams of caffeine?
- A cup of Black tea contains about 60 to 70 milligrams of caffeine.
- Some mild teas may yield as little as 30 or 40 milligrams of caffeine.
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