Tea for all your troubles!

We often forget just how powerful a cup of tea can be.

All around the world herbal teas are known to enhance our mood, induce sleep, relax our nerves, reduce inflammation and infection and treat a number of ailments.

If you are not familiar with the world of herbs – I invite you to read through the following information and be blessed.

Who knows you might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

In a previous article a few months ago I wrote about thyme and all of its properties.  Now I wanted to focus on some other incredible herbs.  As with all things its best to use organic herbs.  I love using fresh herbs but because we do so many cups of tea per day we would need a whole farm of herbs to keep up with us.  So I use organic dried herbs instead.  We cook and bathe with them.  We also use a variety of herbs to treat sty’s, diaper rash, dandruff, colds, coughs, and many other ailments.  I grew up taking teas and tonics for all sorts of things.

I remember with joy and sadness the lovely aromatic teas my sweet daddy used to make for me.  I must pause for a moment, to contemplate my dad’s smile.  Oh how I miss him, it will be two years since his tragic death due to medical malpractice.  I miss you dad – and I am trying to fill in your shoes!

OK, tears are done and we are back on track.

So yes we were talking about teas.  It’s crazy but most people don’t even realize the healing power of herbs.  For this article, I will just list 5 herbs and what they are commonly used for.  All of these herbs have been used in our home by everyone including our new baby.

Chamomile:  antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial,  antispasmodic, aids in digestion and has a calming sedative effect.  Makes a great wash for the face and treatment for stys.  Has worked great for our children of all ages.

Lemon Balm:  nervine (it calms the nerves), tranquilizer, antispasmodic, fever reducer,  antiviral.  Good for colds, flu, colic in little ones, sleeplessness, flatulence.  This herb is used almost daily in our home.

Rosemary: digestion, menstrual cramps, diarrhea, antispasmodic effect on upper intestine and gallbladder ducts, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory.  Used as a wash for hair, diaper area, psoriasis, dandruff and lice prevention.  We use in our home to disinfect and do vapor treatments during flu season.

Lemon Grass: used to treat depression, fight fever used locally over rheumatic joints and sprains as well as nervous and digestive disorders.  Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties reduce flatulence, promotes relaxing sleep. This herb is one of my favorites.  I cook with it all the time and always add a pinch to my homemade herbal tea mixes.

Rose Petals: Fantastic gargle and tea for sore throat and mouth sores, relieves uterine issues and heavy periods or irregular periods.  Assists with clearing up runny noses and fighting chest infections with congested bronchial tubes. Used to help sufferers of insomnia, depression and extreme fatigue.  We use it in a mix with other herbs to bathe the baby and our older children.  I exfoliate with rose petals several times a week for beautiful skin without using toxic washes and scrubs.  We also make cinnamon and rose petal preserves, and oh is it good!

Hope you enjoyed this brief class on herbs.  I will be discussing the benefits of other herbs in future articles.

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth… Psalms 104:14

Blessings
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