Herbal Teas: The Basics by Sarah White

For centuries, herbal teas have been used for various maladies by all different cultures. Many of these concoctions have been continuously passed from generation to generation and have therefore been forged into our cultural history. Because of this unbroken tradition, most of the bought teas today are still organically grown and hand cared for. China, India and Japan are just a few tea countries that remain constant with their age-old customs.

But you do not have to rely on the passing down of traditions to brew teas. That is the magic of it. When you experience the new flavors and intensity of homemade teas, you will never again look back at the store bought substitutes. When you make your own teas, you know exactly what goes into them and what to expect of them.

Herbal teas are an infusion made from the leaves, flowers, roots, seeds or bark of plants. They are made by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of the tea material in 6 to 8 oz of lightly boiled water for 3-5 minutes. An infusion like this will keep refrigerated for 24 hours.

Some herbs often used in herbal teas include: Lemongrass, Spearmint, Peppermint, Rose hips, Hibiscus, Angelica, Anise, Basil, Large Sweet Italian Borage, Burnet, Catnip, Chamomile, Cicely, Red Clover, Dill, Fennel, Fenugreek, Horehound, Hyssop Lavender, Vera, Mugwort, Pennyroyal, Rosemary, and Thyme.

Sometimes certain combination's of herbs sharing the same properties can help increase its' effectiveness. The following are just a few suggestions. Keep in mind that one should always read up on the herbs and talk to a professional before using them in infusions.

Upset Stomach: Peppermint, Lemon Balm, Fennel Seeds, Ginger, Cloves, Cinnamon

Monthly Cramps: Lemon Balm, Spearmint, Lemon Grass

Colds and Sore Throats: St. Johns Wort, Thyme, Sage, Fennel

Headache Relief: Anise, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Rosemary, Chamomile

Understanding the herbal properties and the ways of herbal teas can help a lot when you finally decide to make them. There is a tea for everyone, you just have to find it.