2. Lavender for
Sleep Problems
A beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden, lavender has profound relaxing, calming and uplifting effects. A number of studies have shown this violet beauty to help slow the activity of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote relax- ation and lift mood. It’s most popular as an aromatherapy aid, where it’s used in inhalation therapy to treat headaches and reduce stress, as well as a topical aid where its antifungal actions come in handy. But it also makes a wonderful healing tea.
TO MAKE TEA: Harvest lavender flowers when the buds are just start- ing to open for the highest quality, according to Rosemary Gladstar’s
Medicinal Herbs. Steep 4 teaspoons
fresh lavender buds in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes, then enjoy!
3. Peppermint
for Indigestion
Renewing, refreshing and energiz- ing peppermint is the perfect herbal pick-me-up. It’s renowned as a diges- tive aid—use this aromatic herb to relieve nausea and gas. Several stud- ies have shown it to be effective at treating symptoms of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. Its main active agent, menthol, also works as a decongestant and may help loosen phlegm and break up coughs during cold and flu season.
TO MAKE TEA: Steep 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink four to five times per day between meals.
Ginger and peppermint
4. Ginger for Nausea
We naturally associate this pungent herb with winter, thanks to its warming properties. In addition to helping boost circulation during cold weather, the fragrant root is also known to soothe upset stomachs and help ease nau- sea in general, especially from motion sick- ness. It is also known to help with the nausea pregnant women can experience.
TO MAKE TEA: Steep three to five thin slices of ginger root in boiling water for three minutes; strain. You can also grate the ginger root into a tea ball; steep for three minutes.
5. Raspberry for Menstrual Cramps
Raspberry leaf is naturally rich in nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, iron and B vitamins. Thanks to its unique compo- nents, it’s perfect for the female reproduc- tive system. Use it to soothe menstrual cramps, as it can strengthen the uterus and pelvic muscles. Its astringent properties also make it wonderful for alleviating motion sickness and dispelling diarrhea. It helps “dry up” the mucous membrane of the intes- tine. Note: Raspberry leaf should not be taken during pregnancy.TO MAKE TEA: Steep 1 tablespoon dried raspberry leaf in 8 ounces boiling water for at least five minutes. If using fresh leaves, Dr. Andrew Weil suggested first picking leaves off their brambles, hanging them to dry, then steeping them in boiling water. Drink up to 6 cups a day for acute problems as needed.
6. Lemon Balm for Anxiety
Lemon balm is renowned for its treatment of anxiety. It’s also known as a natural relax- ation aid. Researchers reported finding that lemon balm helped nix anxiety in the jour- nal Phytotherapy Research. The herb has also been shown to inhibit viruses, such as the herpes virus that causes cold sores and even HIV. It also can help fight headaches and reduce insomnia.TO MAKE TEA: Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm per cup of boiled water. Let steep until it’s cool enough to drink.
| RECIPE |
CALMDOWN TEA
Herbalist Christopher Hobbs suggests this blend of herbs for anxiety or insomnia. All the ingredients are classic, good-tasting calmatives. If there is one herb you don’t like, feel free to omit it.
1. Blend herbs and store in a capped jar away from heat and light.
2. Boil 2 cups water. Remove it from the heat and add 2 teaspoons tea blend. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain into a large mug and drink 1 cup 3 or 4 times a day or as needed.
¼ cup dried chamomile flowers ¼ cup dried linden flowers ¼ cup dried catnip leaves
¼ cup dried lemon balm leaves ¼ cup dried skullcap leaves
Linden flower
92 THE MOTHER EARTH NEWS GUIDE TO TURMERIC & SUPER HERBS Rose bushes that are not
deadheaded develop rosehips—one of the most wonderful immune-boosting sources of vitamin C.
7. Basil for Bad Breath
Basil is an excellent source of vitamins A and K, plus a good source of vitamin C and manganese. It is also rich in anti- oxidants and has antibacterial properties. Research showed the natural volatile oils in basil inhibited multiple drug-resistant strains of E. coli bacteria. Basil also makes an absolutely delightful breath refresher.
TO MAKE TEA: Steep 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain and sweeten, if desired.
8. Sage for Sore Throats
This garden staple is easy to grow, beautiful in the garden and has the benefit of making a throat-soothing tea. Its antimicrobial properties help you fight off colds, as well as treating the accompany- ing symptoms such as a sore throat. Note: Avoid using sage if you have epilepsy.TO MAKE TEA: Combine 3 teaspoons dried sage leaves or 10 fresh sage leaves and 1 cup boiling water. Let steep five minutes. Then strain and enjoy.
9. Rosehips to Boost Immunity
Rose bushes that are not deadheaded (removing dead flower heads to encour- age more blooming) by a gardenerdevelop rosehips, which are full of seeds and sometimes pulp. They make a won- derful source of immune-boosting vita- min C and have even been used in the past to treat scurvy. In fact, by volume, rosehips contain about 20 times the vita- min C as oranges.
TO MAKE TEA: Combine 4 tablespoons whole dried rosehips with 4 cups water in a saucepan. Cover, bring to a boil, then simmer for five minutes. Strain into a tea- pot, and drink when sufficiently cool.
10. Dandelion for Bone Health
Although it’s generally regarded as a weed, this plant is packed with essential minerals such as iron, potassium and beta-carotene, plus vitamins A, C and D. Combined with a physically active lifestyle, the powerful punch of vitamin D in dandelion tea can help build strong bones and ward off osteoporosis. (To read more about this, visit motherearth living.com/build-strong-bones.) The young, delicate leaves are also delicious in a salad or steamed with garlic and chili pepper flakes.TO MAKE TEA: Boil 1 quart water. Turn off heat and add 4 tablespoons dandelion leaf. Cover and steep 30 to 60 minutes, then strain.
HOW ARD LEE PUCKE T T
Derived from the Chinese
chá, “chai” means tea in much
of the world, including Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of Africa and Brazil.
| RECIPES |
BASIC BLACK CHAI
Chai contains some of the world’s healthiest spices, including cinnamon, ginger and cloves. If you prefer, omit the milk and honey and offer them separately.
1½ cups cold water One 2-inch piece cinnamon stick, broken
2 heaping teaspoons black tea Seeds of 3 cardamom pods One (¼ -inch-thick) slice
fresh ginger 3 whole cloves 2 black peppercorns ¼ to ½ cup milk
1 to 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
1. Bring water to a boil in small saucepan. Add cinnamon, cover, remove from heat; steep 2 minutes. Return pan to heat; bring to a boil. Add tea, spices, milk, and honey; cover, and remove from heat. Steep 3 minutes.
2. Pour mixture through fine wire-mesh strainer into warm teapot, discarding solids. Garnish with cinnamon sticks.
BONEBUILDING TEA
These herbs all work to build stronger bones.
Oatstraw Nettle leaf Dandelion leaf Raspberry leaf
Red clover flowering tops Horsetail shoots
1. Blend herbs in equal parts. Store in a capped jar away from heat and light.
2. Boil 1 quart water. Remove from heat and add 4 tablespoons tea blend. Cover and steep 30 to 60 minutes, then strain. Drink 3 to 4 cups a day.