Tea is one of the oldest methods that herbs have been used in medicine as well as quenching thirst. Whether you use fresh herbs directly from your garden or windowsill, or use dried herbs is entirely up to you. Most herbs store well for up to a year if properly dried. Have a look at these 7 herbal teas!
1. Chamomile
Matricaria recutita
Chamomile is used to relieve stress and anxiety, helps against an upset stomach, diarrhea, gas and helps against insomnia.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers, cover and steep for 5 minutes.
2. Rose Hips
Rosa canina
Rose Hips are high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, and can alleviate arthitic pain.
Combine 1 tablespoon of mashed fresh (or dried & crumbled) rose hips and 1 stick of cinnamon. Steep in a large cup of hot water for 6 minutes.
3. Ginger
Zingiber officinale
Ginger reduces flatulence and aids digestion. It also improves appetite and can help alleviate morning sickness.
Cut about a finger-sized piece of fresh ginger into 1/4″ slices. Drop them in 2 cups of boiling water, cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
4. Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Coneflower gives your immune system a powerful boost and is widely used to relieve colds and the flu.
However, don’t use it while pregnant of if you have asthma.
Pour a cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of Coneflower leaves, roots or flowers. Cover and steep for 15 minutes.
5. Sage
Salvia officinalis
Sage helps with sore throats and relieves stomach pains. It is said to improve your memory and alleviate depression.
Don’t use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Add 1 cup of boiling water to 1 teaspoon of sage, cover and steep for 10 minutes.
6. Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Thyme is antiviral, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and antibiotic. It fights infections like no other herb, and is very good to help with coughs.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of thyme leaves and flowers, cover and steep for 8 minutes.
7. Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
Valerian has been used to relieve stress and anxiety for centuries. It combats insomnia and depression.
The strong smell might put some people off, and it has a catnip-like effect on cats.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of valerian flowers, leaves or roots. Cover and simmer for 7 minutes.
