Herbal Tea Comprehensive Guide
Below is an alphabetical list of herbal teas. Herbal Teas have been used for centuries to aid in well being and to relieve symptoms. Nothing in this guide should be used to suggest that herbal teas are scientifically proven cures. They are used traditionally for specific ailments and while the evidence is anecdotal, may provide relief of symptoms.
Brahmi – is an herb that has antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. Brahmi is known as a cognitive activator, which promotes memory, mental sharpness, and learning while reducing anxiety. It is believed that Brahmi may increase certain brain chemicals which work to protect brain cells. The anti-inflammatory properties may benefit joint or muscle pain. It has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, ADHD, allergic conditions and as a general use to fight stress.
Short answer – used for memory, mental sharpness, anxiety, joint pain, muscle pain, allergies, stress
Chamomile- is a herb that has been used for centuries and is currently included as a drug in the pharmacopoeia of 26 countries. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant and sedative properties. Chamomile is a natural relaxant that helps sooth nerves, insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. It is often used as a mild sleep aid because it calms the mind and body. Some use it to help ween dependencies such a cigarettes and morphine. It also can calm the stomach and ease bloating and indigestion. It may lessen stomach cramping, flatulence, diarrhoea, travel sickness, stomach ulcers and colic. It is also given to relieve colds, flu, and fever.
Short answer – used for nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, mood, addictions, indigestion, colds and flu
Cinnamon Root - is an powerful antioxidant which is known to reduce inflammation in the body. It can calm indigestion and reduce stomach cramps, constipation or diarrhoea. It also may help regulate blood sugar & circulation. Cinnamon boosts brain activity, which can result in increased cognitive abilities, memory skills, motor-response speeds and alertness.
Short answer – used for indigestion, regulate blood sugar, circulation, memory and mental focus.
Echinacea – is an herb that stimulates the immune system. It contains anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antifungal properties. It is widely used to prevent or relieve colds and flu. Echinacea stimulates increased activity of white blood cells, and is used to help fight other viral & bacterial infections, such bronchitis, ear infections, tonsillitis, streptococcus, herpes, candida, urinary tract infections, and assist in wound healing. Echinacea may also reduce pain, side effects from chemotherapy or radiation, chronic fatigue syndrome and migraines.
Short answer – used for colds, flu, bronchitis, infections, herpes, candida, fatigue, and migraines.
Ginger is an energizer and a stimulator of the digestive system. Ginger has been known to aid people experiencing nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, pregnancy, postoperative, chemotherapy, radiation, and colic. Ginger contains one of the chemicals is used as an ingredient in laxatives, anti-gas and antacid medication, and is why ginger tea may mitigate indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, and peptic ulcers. Ginger can stimulate the absorption of food and an appetite. Ginger also contains anti-inflammatory properties and may help arthritic pain, sore muscles, and headaches. Ginger is said to be able to reduce inflammation in the brain causing headaches in about the same time it takes for an aspirin may take. Ginger tea may also lessen menstrual pain and mucous from upper respiratory tract infections, colds and flu.
Short answer– used for indigestion, nausea, flatulence, appetite stimulation, join and muscle pain, headaches, menstrual pain, cold & flu
Ginkgo contains powerful antioxidant compounds which are believed to protect brain cells, increasing both the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain. This protects nerve cells from damage, stimulates immune functions and reduces inflammation. Gingko is most known to promote mental alertness and enhances memory. It is used in treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to lesson or reverse their effects. It is also used for conditions that seem to be due to reduced blood flow in the brain, especially in older people. These conditions include memory loss, headache, tinnitus, vertigo, difficulty concentrating, mood disturbances, hearing disorders, and eye problems. It used as a memory aid, improving short term memory for students as well. Because Ginkgo increases circulation it is also used to boost energy, enhance vitality, and enhance sexual performance. It also may ease depression and anxiety. Gingko is a natural anti-coagulant, which is good for general circulatory health and an anti-inflammatory that may reduce symptoms of altitude sickness and PMS. The list of used of ginkgo is long, probably because this herb is one of the longest living tree species in the world.
Short answer – used for memory, mental focus, circulation, headaches, tinnitus & vertigo, hearing and eye problems, boost energy, vitality and sexual performance
Ginseng has been used as a medicine for over two thousand years. It contains vitamins and minerals that fortify the immune system. It is used to aid general good health, anti-aging, and physical and mental vigour. It is believed to stimulate energy and vitality by increasing blood flow and improve physical stamina and athletic endurance. It also revitalizes the body helps recovery after illness or shock. It is also used for a libido boost for both men and women mitigating sexual dysfunction. It has been used to treat a host of ailments including, fatigue, tumours, immune deficiency, chronic disease, diabetes, memory loss, hypertension, indigestion, joint pain, nerve pain, anaemia, and hot flashes due to menopause. Ginseng is an adatogen which is safe to use during times of prolonged stress. It may help combat nervousness and depression. It has been used to lessen the effects of radiation, morphine withdrawal, and chronic illness.
Short answer – used for energy, stamina, vitality, sexual performance, fatigue, tumours, diabetes, memory, hypertension, digestion, joint and nerve pain, stress.
Green Tea is not fermented during processing as black tea, which enables the tea to retain the maximum antioxidants. It is made with steamed tea leaves and has a high concentration of a phytonutrient called EGCG. Green tea’s antioxidants may interfere with the growth of tumours and has been used in the treatment or prevention of cancer. Green tea is also promotes good heart health, reducing cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. Green tea also assists in weight loss because it is believed to increase metabolism, regulate blood sugar, aid in burning fat, and create a feeling of fullness. This tea contains a great deal of catechins, a group of antioxidant polyphenol flavonoids, which aid in fighting colds, flus and infections. Green tea is used to prevent or aid in fighting ailments such as gingivitis, tooth decay, indigestion, headaches, HPV, kidney stones and to promote good general health. The antioxidants may counteract oxidative stress on the brain and may reduce risk of neurological disorders.
Short answer – used to fight tumours, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight loss, cold, flu, infections, tooth decay, gingivitis, HPV, kidney stones, neurological disorders.
Lemon Balm – has mild sedative properties which calm nerves and anxiety. The calming effect may improve mood, restlessness, and rapid heartbeat and elevated blood pressure due to nerves. It also has anti-inflammatory agents which help dull pain. It is used for nerve pain, stomach and intestinal pain, menstrual pain, headaches and toothaches. Lemon balm may assist with brain functions such as memory and concentration. It contains anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties which may help control herpes.
Short answer– used for anxiety, mood, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, nerve pain, headaches, menstrual pain, toothaches, memory, concentration, herpes.
Lemongrass is an herb that soothes digestion. It is known as a muscle relaxant especially for the digestive system, reducing cramps in the stomach and intestines. Lemongrass is antibacterial and anti-fungal in nature, and is used commonly to relieve colds, fever, cough and flu. It also may provide relief for arthritic pain and achy joints.
Short answer– used for stomach cramps, colds, fever, flu, joint pain.
Licorice Root is a natural expectorant and is used to treat colds, coughs,congestion, bronchitis. The chemicals in licorice aid to decrease swelling and thin mucus secretions. The anti-inflammatory properties may ease the pain of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. It is also used for soothing digestion, including peptic ulcers, heartburn, colic, and gastritis. It is a sweet root, much sweeter than sugar and has zero calories, so it can be used as a natural sweetener. It contains glycoside which acts like mild cortisone. The tea can also act as a mild diuretic and laxative. It has been used to treat allergies, headaches, menstrual pain, and immune weakness.
Short answer – used for colds, coughs, congestion, bronchitis, arthritis, digestion, heartburn, colic, sweetner, allergies, headaches, menstrual pain
Oolong Tea is a product made from the leaves, buds, and stems of the Camellia sinensis plant. This is the same plant that is also used to make black tea and green tea. The difference is in the processing. Oolong tea is partially fermented. Oolong tea has been used as a weight loss supplement. It is believed to boost metabolism and contains polyphenols, which aid in blocking fat-building enzymes. It is also used for heart health, lowering cholesterol, improving mental alertness, boosting the immune system and for some skin allergies, such as eczema.
Short answer – used for weight loss, lowering cholesterol, mental alertness, immune boost, and skin allergies.
Peppermint Tea is a fragrant and soothing to drink. It is used for digestive problems, including nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, motion sickness, stomach cramps, colic, menstrual cramps, and flatulence. Peppermint tea is a laxative and provides relief for constipation. It contains menthol and is often used to ease a cold, cough, sinus and respiratory infections. Peppermint is often prescribed to people with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and gallstones. Peppermint is used to lessen the symptoms of herpes and other viral infections. It is a calming drink, with mild sedative properties, and is also used for bad breath.
Short answer - used for digestion, nausea, cramps, colic, menstrual pain, flatulence, constipation, colds, coughs, sinuses, ibs, gallstones, herpes, calming, and bad breath.
Rooibos is a South African herb that is fermented. Rooibos Tea, also known as red tea or red bush tea, is abundant with flavonoid antioxidants. Rooibos also contains the vitamins and minerals zinc, copper, calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C. Flavonoids have anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties which may benefit those who suffer with allergies, hay fever and asthma. Flavonoid antioxidants are also known immune boosters, which helps battle disease, infections and age-related changes in the brain. Medical studies are limited and inconclusive but Rooibos tea has been used in the treatment of cancer and HIV.
Short answer – used for allergies, hay fever, asthma, immune boost, infection, aging of brain.
Siberian Ginseng is an herb widely used to increase general resistance to stress and boost the immune system. It has been used to give relief to conditions nervous exhaustion and conditions of the heart and blood vessels. It also promotes mental focus and stamina and has been used by athletes to improve performance and concentration. It also may give relief from those undergoing the side effects of radiation or chemotherapy as it builds immunity and increases appetite
Short answer used for exhaustion, circulation, mental focus, stamina, side effects of chemo or radiation.
Spearmint tea is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It contains niacin, potassium, vitamins A and B6, riboflavin, foliate, calcium, iron, copper, magnesium and manganese. It is known to help sooth stomach-aches, asthma, diarrhoea, nausea, colds, aches and cramps.
Short answer – used for indigestion, asthma, colds, aches, cramps.
St. Johns Wort Tea is used to treat mild to moderate depression and related symptoms such as anxiety, tiredness, loss of appetite, moodiness and trouble sleeping. In Germany is us used extensively and has been well researched. The scientific advisory panel to the German government maintains that St. Johns Wort contains several chemicals, including hypericin, hyperforin, and pseudohypericin, which are thought to be the major sources of antidepressant activity. It appeared to delay or decrease re-absorption of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin by nerve cells. St. Johns Wort may also be used to treat PMS, menopausal and pre-menopause, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), exhaustion, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), headaches, muscle aches, and nerve pain
Short answer – used for depression, anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, menstrual pain, menopause, OCD, SAD, CFS, and aches and pains.
Tulsi is a powerful adaptogen, meaning it helps the body resist stress and a natural sleep aid. It boosts the immune system and rich with free radical fighting anti-oxidants and beneficial phytochemical compounds. It can assist in maintaining a healthy metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties which can aid joints and digestive disorders.
Short answer – used for stress, insomnia, digestion, joint pain
White Tea is from the same plant as black, green and oolong tea, the difference is it is uncured and unfermented. This means that white tea has more of the antioxidant and anticancer properties than more processed tea. White Tea is also used for weight loss (similar to Oolong) and reducing signs of aging. It may lessen the growth of tumours and is used for general well-being.
Short answer: used for tumours, weight loss, aging and well-being.
Yerba Mate is a South American tea and contains a number of other nutrients, including antioxidants, amino acids, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. It has immune boosting properties which helps detoxify the blood and reduces stress. It is used to increase mental energy, clarity and focus. It can aid your metabolism to make your body use carbohydrates more efficiently, getting more energy from the food you eat.
Short answer : mental clarity, focus, energy
Sources:
Herbs & Natural Supplements: An evidence based guide by Lesley Braun and Marc Cohen
Nutrients A-Z, A user’s guide to food, herbs, vitamins, minerals, & supplements, by Dr. Michael Sharon.
The Little Herb Encycolopedia, a the handbook of Nature’s Remedies for a Healthier Life, by Jack Ritchason,
WebMD – www.webmd.com
www.bristen.com/teasChart.htm
www.herbwisdom.com/herblist.html
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