As we enter into these cold and wet months, our body craves for hot drinks, among them the most common is a cup of tea. And if you choose a blend of organic herbs that help your body detoxify and raise your immune system – so much better!
This post is going to be a little different; about herbs, because I often like to research their various benefits. You can use herbs in many different ways; as infusions, compresses, facial steams, in culinary, make teas and many other things. Herbal teas have been used for centuries, because of their healing properties and as tasty and refreshing drinks.
I have a few favorite mixes of herbal teas. One of them is the Blood cleaning tea that I purchase in the slovenian online shop Herbavitalis.net (there is also an english version!). Their herbal mixes are excellent, tasty natural flavors, all organically grown.
The Blood cleaning tea is a mix of nettle, birch and yarrow. Here I want to present you some good effects of these herbs:
Stinging nettle(Urtica dioica):
Is a very well known plant with a long history of use in medicine and foods. You can prepare a cup of herbal tea, make a smoothie from fresh plant, or eat it in soups and other dishes. It’s beneficial because full of minerals and vitamins: iron, calcium, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, beta carotene, vitamin B group, carotenoids and flavonoids. Many of them act as antioxidants in the body. What are the main nettle’s properties? It helps to strengthen immune system, better and cleaner blood, a more efficient metabolism, rich intestinal flora, less excess water that accumulates in the body.
Birch (Betula)
Birch properties are anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. It’s also known for alleviating joint problems, it helps fighting urinary disorders and also some dermatological problems. In general is said that birch tea cleanses the body waste system.
Yarrow(Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow has anti-inflammatory properties, stops bleedings, stimulates appetite, promotes secretion digestive juices in the stomach and contains anti-allergy substances. It’s also used to clean the blood, lowering blood pressure and improving blood circulation. Very useful is the infusion of its flowers that can be used as a restorative facial lotion, to strengthen the scalp or for a relaxing bath.
Making herbal tea is easy. First, boil the water and then put 1 teaspoon/cup of the herbal mix in a teapot. Pour the boiling water over the herbs and let them steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain if needed, then pour hot tea into each cup. Wait a couple of minutes to cold :-). This is just a raw guide, for a detailed one, always read the instructions when you purchase a herbal tea. The preparation may vary depending on the herb you use.
Drinking herbal teas warms up your body and provides many benefits to your health.
I think that the more we approach to the resources that nature provides us with, the better we feel inside and outside.
I’d like to conclude with this nice thought:
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein
(photo: stock.xchng photo)
Catherine Dream
March 26, 2014 at 6:57 pm (9 years ago)I’m recently hooked on lavender and jasmine teas <3
But I love nettle tea, although never tried yarrow nor birch…