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Articles
Here are tips and hints on how to use dried and fresh herbs,
so as to get the most out of plants and flowers.
Dried herbs are versatile and can be
used in many ways. The simplest way is to just make them into
teas to drink.
They can also be made into decoctions, tinctures or
essential oils - stronger concentrations of plant essences.
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Choosing Herb Teas
Herbs contain natural chemical phyto-substances which produce a wide range
of actions on animal physiology.
Most of these substances help our state of health by supporting the body's
biological functions and its natural healing processes. Many of them also help in
improving our mental health and psychological well-being by calming and soothing nerves.
Select a suitable tea according to your preference, for your particular
requirement, or for a health condition.
Teas of the flowers and fruits of plants are very pleasant to drink for
relaxation. They also contain the plants' essences which act on our bodies and minds
to relieve stresses, calm anxieties and encourage good health.
Some universal herbal tea favourites are Lavender, Chamomile, Peppermint,
Rose, Lemon, Orange, Cinnamon, Elderflower, Calendula, Chrysanthemum and Cardamom.
The ever-popular Earl Grey Tea is flavoured with the essential oil of
Bergamot, a citrus fruit native to and cultivated in Italy.
Many herbs taken for health reasons are from the stems, barks and roots of
plants, as these parts contain higher concentrations of the active components.
Common herbs usually taken for health are Thyme, Sage, Peppermint,
Rosemary, Oregano, Clove, Aniseed, Liquorice, Green Tea, Ginseng, Lemongrass, Hawthorn,
Mallow, Verbena, St John's Wort and Feverfew.
Herbal teas are best drunk singly to appreciate their real flavour. This is
especially so if the tea is drunk for relaxation.
You can also mix herbal teas to get the benefits from each of the teas.
However, a blend of 2 or 3 types is recommended in order to achieve the desired effects
and still make for a pleasant drink.
For treating health problems, you can mix several types of herbal teas
together to get a holistic effect. Use about 1 teaspoon of each herb in the mix. Drink
the tea mix 3 times a day for at least 1 week, and up to 1 month for best results.
Certain herb teas should not be consumed during pregnancy, during breastfeeding
or in conjunction with certain proprietary medication. Check for cautionary info, warning
labels or ask your health care provider for guidance.
Stop drinking any herb tea if you experience an adverse reaction to it. Many
herbs provide multiple actions, and it should be possible to substitute the reactive herb
with another non-reactive herb.
© Pat F forHerbalSense Life. All rights reserved.
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How To Brew A Cup Of Fresh Herb Tea
Always make fresh tea to drink, and drink it at one sitting.
Use only china or glass cups and teapots.
Allow one cup or 200ml of water per single serving of herb.
Bring the water to the boil.
Measure 1 rounded or 2 teaspoonfuls of the herb per cup.
Put the herb into the clean, warmed cup or teapot and pour the correct amount of
freshly boiled water over it.
If you wish, you may place the tea into a clean unbleached teabag before
pouring in the boiled water.
Cover the cup or teapot and leave to brew for 5 to 10 minutes.
A little honey may be added to sweeten. Alternatively, add a pinch of salt.
Drink and enjoy the tea while it is still hot.
For a refreshing drink in hot weather, add ice cubes to freshly-made tea.
© Pat F forHerbalSense Life. All rights reserved.
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Drinking Herb Teas For Best Results
Drink herbal teas between meals, or before bedtime.
Make a fresh lot of tea each time it is drunk.
Use only good quality dried herbs which has not gone past its best date. Or
use fresh herbs, preferably organic.
Regular drinking of herbal teas can help in improving our bodies' lymphatic and
circulatory systems, and in supporting the natural detoxifying
processes of our bodies.
Herb teas drunk for therapeutic purposes are usually taken 3 times a day.
To get the best effects of a herbal tea when taken for health reasons, drink
the tea continuously for at least 1 week and up to 1 month.
© Pat F forHerbalSense Life. All rights reserved.
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How To Substitute A Dried Herb With The Fresh Herb
To use fresh herbs in place of the dried herb, use 3 times the same fresh herb as
the amount of dried herb required.
That is, instead of 1 teaspoon of dried herb, use 3 teaspoons of the fresh, chopped-up herb.
Chopping the fresh herb finely will release the oils and components contained within the plant.
Instead of chopping it, the fresh herb can be pounded lightly in a mortar, or crushed or bruised with the hands.
Use the substitute to make a tea infusion in the same way.
© Pat F forHerbalSense Life. All rights reserved.
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When Drinking Herb Tea After A Meal
Herb tea has long been a favourite brew for taking after rich or heavy meals.
Add one of the following to herb tea if drinking it after a meal. These herbs and spices will expel wind,
calm the stomach and aid digestion.
Two or three of the herbs together will give a chai-type tea.
- 1 or 2 slices of fresh ginger, or small pinch of ginger powder
- Several mint leaves, crushed, or pinch of dried mint leaves
- A pinch of cumin seeds, crushed
- A star aniseed, crushed
- A cardamom pod, crushed
- A cinnamon quill or a pinch of cinnamon powder
- 2 or 3 cloves, lightly crushed
- A pinch of dried basil or a sprig of fresh basil
- A stalk of fresh lemongrass root, crushed
© Pat F forHerbalSense Life. All rights reserved.
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How To Store Dried Herbs
Buy enough to last for about 1 month, then get a fresh lot.
Keep any unused portion of dried herbs or teas in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
Portion out herbs from the air-tight container as quickly as possible, and re-seal the container
immediately, to prevent condensation, which will cause the herb to ferment faster.
Herbal teas can keep well for up to 6 months if refrigerated.
Discard any herbs which show signs of fermentation or oxidation.
© Pat F forHerbalSense Life. All rights reserved.
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What To Do With Used Tea Leaves
If you use tea bags to make your herb tea, take the bags out of the cup or pot, let them cool down
and place still damp over your closed eyelids. Relax for 5 to 10 minutes. This is a time-tested way of
freshening up tired eyes.
Used herbal tea leaves also make excellent compost for your house plants. Spread around the plant but not in
contact with it. Mix into the soil lightly.
Wash tea leaves well and strain them. Lay out on a tea towel or kitchen paper towels in the sun to dry thoroughly
and completely, occasionally stirring them.
Add several drops of your favourite essential oil to about half a cup of the dry, clean tea leaves and mix in the oil
thoroughly. Place in cloth bags and sew up to seal. Use as moth repellant or air fresheners in cupboards and drawers.
Washed and dried tea leaves can also be mixed with your favourite essential oil and placed in a saucer or small dish
to use as a room air freshener.
© Pat F forHerbalSense Life. All rights reserved.
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