HERBAL TEAS

MEDICINAL HERB TEA GUIDE

Warning: This page presents information on traditional and folk-uses for herbal teas. By no means should this information be taken as a substitute for the advice of your doctor. I am not a physician and can assume no responsibility if you do not follow your doctor's advice.

Many herbs make deliciously flavored teas which are soothing, relaxing, invigorating or refreshing. Herbal teas, apart from being much better for you than the popular Indian or China teas, make delicious drinks and can relieve many a discomfort. These healthy and wholesome drinks can be taken warm in winter and cold in summer.

Leaf Teas: Dried or fresh herbs can be used, but if dried they should be kept in airtight containers to retain freshness. It is preferable to make herbal teas in porcelain or glass containers. Just as ordinary tea suffers from being too long in the pot, so can an herbal tea. Overlong steeping can ruin a delicate flavor. If a stronger tea is desired, add more herb at the outset. For average strength tea use 1 teaspoon dried or 3 teaspoons fresh herb per 1 cup of water. To steep, bring water to a boil, remove from heat, add herbs or place herbs in a cup and pour water over. Always cover the steeping vessel so as not to allow the volatile oil to escape. Approximate steeping time is 5 minutes.

Seed Teas: Teas from dried seeds are made by adding bruised seeds to a pan of boiling water and simmering for 5 minutes.

Root and Bark Teas: Teas from roots and bark are prepared by boiling the cut and dried herb material in water for 10 to 15 minutes.

All teas can be sweetened with a spoonful of honey or a little sugar if desired.

Below is an alphabetical list of herbs used for tea and their uses. Click on the name of the herb for details. IE users will see this list in a window. If you are using Netscape, simply click on the link to view the list.