From Canadian health and lifestyle
winter 2008/09

Second only to water, tea is the world's most consumed drink. Tea provides us with natural fluoride, manganese, potassium, calcium and vitamins B1, B2, B6 and folic acid.

Find your own cup of tea.

FENNEL

For centuries, this perennial herb with a mild, licorice-like flavour has been used as traditional medicine in Europe and Chiuna for relief of flatulence, infant colic and other digestive disorders. Use a teabag or add one to two traspoons crushed seeds per cup of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes.

PEPPERMINT

With a deceptively strong aroma, this herbal tea has a sweet, refreshing flavour that can be enjoyed hot or cold. Peppermint is effective in reducing abdominsl psin, flatulence and diarrhea with irritable bowel syndrome. For an at-home brew, bring natural spring water to a boil, cool slightly, and pour over fresh peppermint leaves in an infuse. Steep for 7 minutes. A teabag works too.

TAHEEBO

This tea is also known as Pau D'arco, ipe oxo and lapacho. Made of the inner bark of Soth American lapacho tree, this herbal tea provides immunostimulating action that rivals Echinachea and ginger. Taheebo is known for its potent antimicrobial effects and is often used for Candida or yeast infections.

GINGER

This spicy root has been used for centuries as therapy for nausea and tummy trouble, as well as congestion and sore throat. To calm an upset tummy or at the first sign of a cold, place 1/2 inch of ground ginger root in an infuser with boiling water(or use a tea bag)and steep for several minutes. Sweeten with honey, and enjoy the quick relief of your symptoms.

CHAMOMILE

A relative of the Daisy grown in Europe and western Asia, sweet tasting chamomile has traditionally been used for digestive disorders, menstrual cramps and as a natural sedative. Drinking Chamomile tea daily with meals could prevent the progress of hyperglacemia and diabetic complications.

YERBA MATE

An infusion made from holly leaves. Yerba Mate has been used for centuries in South America as a remedy for physical and mental fatigue, but without the nervousness and jitters associasted with coffee. The reason for the different caffeine effects is unclear.

ROOIBOS

This sweet beverage comes from the Aspalathus linearis plant, a red bush native to South Africa. Traditional medicinal uses of rooibos include soothing colic, alleviation of allergies and asthma, and promoting skin health. Rooibos is rich in antidant flavonoids and is caffeine-free, making it a perfect bedtime beverage.

VALERIAN

Made with the dried root of the valerian flowering plant, this herb was a favourite of Hippocrates and is used for promoting relaxation. It is effective for inducing sleep and improves sleep quality. Valerian tea may also help ease menstrual discomfort. Because of it pungent flavour, it is often mixed with Camomile. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Thank you Sue for all this information.
I did not know that some of these teas even existed.

Love,
Vicky

Thank you for the post Sue.



Enjoy the tea that is best for you

Thank you Sue.

I have ginger tea when I get a cold, and it seems to help; camomile or lavender tea when I am stressed,
but, other than that, I still love my coffee...SORRY

Sincerely,
Gisele

Thank you for the post Sue.

May I add green tea as well.
I find that green tea helps me to keep awake when I am tired.



Let us enjoy the variety of teas available to us, for whatever our needs may be.

Love,
yoko

Thank you all for your replies.

Enjoy the tea when you need it.

I have to admit that I also prefer my coffee, but now and again, certain types of tea are very beneficial to cure some ailments. Personally, I find ginger very helpful.

Love,
Sue

Hello everyone,

Here are a few more teas that might be beneficial
when you need them:

Peppermint tea is thought to have greater stress-relieving attributes than chamomile tea and help with stomach and digestive issues. It also helps freshen breath.

Parsley has a diuretic effect and is purported to help with kidney function.

Cinnamon has a calming effect and is thought to support healthy circulation and digestion.

Ginseng is believed to stimulate vitality and help the body stay healthy.

http://www.learn-about-tea.com/herbal-tea-benefits.html