Herbal Tea
An herbal tea, tisane, or ptisan is an herbal infusion made from anything other than the leaves of the tea bush (Camellia sinensis), which originates from both China and the Middle East.
Herbal tea has been imbibed nearly as long as written history extends. Also known as a tisane or herbal infusion, an herbal tea is simply the combination of boiling water and dried fruit, flower or herb. Documents have been recovered dating back to as early as Ancient Egypt that discuss the enjoyment and uses of herbal tea.
CHAMOMILE TEA
For centuries, people who’ve felt sick or stressed have tried drinking chamomile tea as a medicinal cure-all. Now, researchers in England have found new evidence that the popular herbal tea may actually help relieve a wide range of health ailments, including colds and menstrual cramps.
The herbal plant German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) was used in a study by the American Chemical Society. German chamomile is also known as manzanilla, whose flowers and leaves are brewed as a fragrant, flavorful tea. The study involved fourteen volunteers (seven women and seven men) who each drank five cups of the herbal tea daily for two consecutive weeks. Daily urine samples were taken and tested throughout the study, both before and after drinking chamomile tea.
The researchers found that drinking the tea was associated with a significant increase in urinary levels of hippurate, a breakdown product of certain plant-based compounds known as phenolics, some of which have been associated with increased antibacterial activity. This could help explain why the tea appears to boost the immune system and fight infections associated with colds, according to the researchers.
PEPPERMINT TEA
Peppermint has menthol, as it’s active ingredient. Menthol helps ease diarrhea, headaches and colic in babies. Peppermint also contains B vitamins, calcium, and potassium.
Peppermint essential oil menthol is known to promote digestion and help prevent gallstones. It soothes the stomach lining relieving stomach cramps. The B vitamins in menthol help improve concentration and performance in the brain and nerves.
There are several ways to use peppermint to aid in natural healing of various ailments. Peppermint can be prepared as a tea, to use in baths or drink.
To relieve stomachaches drink one cup of peppermint tea after meals, you can add one quart of tea to a bath to help treat skin ailments. Peppermint tea is also good for sore throats just gargle several times per day.
To Prepare tea to help alleviate stomach cramps, you will need 1/2 ounce peppermint leaves, 1/4 ounce camellia leaves. Use 1 teaspoon of this mixture per one cup of tea. Blend mixture and boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, then strain.
To Prepare Tea to help alleviate stomach aches, you will need 6 ounces peppermint leave, 6 ounces lemon-balm leaves, and 6 ounces fennel seeds. Use 1 teaspoon of mixture per one cup of water. Blend mixture and boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, then strain.
Peppermint tea has been used throughout the ages and has worked in the past and continues to provide excellent results today.
Chamomile and Peppermint are the two most recognized varieties of herbal tea. Most herbs that are used in cooking can be used as an ingredient for tea. Many people are surprised to find that lavender is also brewed as a tisane, known to be good for a sore throat.
Precaution: check individual precautions for herbs and drinking herbal tea during pregnancy.
We are constantly adding to our list of herbs. As of September, 2009, the following are the list of herbs found at our Nashville tea bar –
HERBS
ALFALFA LEAF
Helps in eliminating retained water, relieves urinary and bowel problems, used in treating anemia, fatigue, kidney, peptic ulcers, pituitary problems and for general health.
CATNIP
(A Natural Anti-acid and Anti-stress Herb) Often used to treat colds and insomnia, helps lower fevers, dries up postnasal drip, gets rid of bad headaches and relieves sore aching bones due to colds and flu.
CHAMOMILE
Known for its calming effect on smooth muscle tissue, good for nervous stomach, menstrual cramps, and other common problems often related to stress.
GINKGO LEAF
(Life Enhancer) Effective in nutritionally supporting the body’s systems through its antioxidant properties, A very potent free radical scavenger.
HYSSOP
Hyssop is primarily used to treat respiratory and lung problems
LEMON BALM
(Nature’s Antihistamine) Used to treat fever, colds, flu, headaches, depression, menstrual cramps, insomnia, nervous stomach, herpes simplex, hyperthyroidism, and indigestion.
LEMONGRASS
Known to be good for stomach cramps, flatulence and colic, easing arthritic pain and as a general digestive aid
MARSHMALLOW ROOT
Does much to help, heal and soothe inflamed areas of the body helps with throat inflammation, larynx, laryngitis, bronchitis, and muscle aches and pains sinews. Works well for poor kidneys and bladder and helps to lower blood sugar levels.
NETTLE LEAF
Energy builder, Blood Tonic and Circulatory Stimulant, Good for Respiratory weakness, Helps regulates Moods, High blood pressure, Gout, PMS and good for fever and colds.
OATSTRAW
Contains high amounts of bone-building materials, effective herbal calcium and silica source. Strengthens nerves, and helps correct sugar use imbalances.
ORANGE PEEL
(A Blend Enhancer) In Chinese medicine, used as a diuretic, for digestive properties, & has Vitamin C.
PASSION FLOWER
Passionflower has been used for anxiety, insomnia, restlessness and other conditions of hyperactivity, as well as high blood pressure.
PAU D’ARCO
(The Divine Bark) Antifungal, digestive, antibacterial, used to treat autoimmune diseases, provides energy and strength to the body, build and protects the immune system, and a natural blood builder and cleanser.
PEPPERMINT
Pure Peppermint Leaf. This herb promotes healthy digestion by soothing and comforting the stomach.
PLANTAIN
Used to clear mucous from the body, to neutralize poisons, treat lung problems, treat stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and bladder infections.
RASPBERRY LEAF
Known as the “Woman’s Friend”. Said to strengthen the wall of the uterus and regulate menstrual flow. Nourishes reproductive organs, soothing astringent
ROSE HIPS
The rose hip (or rose haw) is the pomaceous fruit of the rose plant and is high in vitamin C.
ROSEMARY
For stomach upsets, digestive disorders and headaches. Free-radical fighter and antioxidant.
SPEARMINT
(The Flavoring Mint) Aids in colds, flu, gas, colic, and easing morning sickness during pregnancy.
STEVIA
A natural non-caloric sweet-tasting herb. Also known as “Sweet Leaf”. Many people use it as a replacement for sugar in tea. ¼ teaspoon per cup of tea.
ST. JOHN’S WORT
Useful for bronchitis, healing wounds, eases depression, headaches, hysteria, neuralgia, shingles, as well as symptoms that occur during menopause, useful in swellings, abscesses and bad insect sting.
The tea bar is located at:
223 Donelson Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
615-889-0044
Monday – Thursday 10 -5:30
Fridays 10 – 4
Saturdays 10 – 2 ( hours may extend at the demand of customers)
As we always have in this location, you’ll also find essential oils, handmade soaps, candles, gift sets, massage therapy and daily Yoga classes.