The Magic of Herbal Teas

There are few things more comforting than a cup of tea. Whether its black, green, chamomile, mint, or a beautiful artisan blend, teas evoke a sense of self nourishment and care that few, if any, other beverages can rival. But herbal teas are so much more than a comforting hot beverage. Herbal teas are an ancient and powerful medicine that can be deeply healing, a form of medicine that is so often overlooked in today’s world of powerful synthetic drugs. What’s more, herbal teas are a widely accessible and affordable form of medicine suitable for the home, whether you grow and dry your own herbs or purchase them from a nearby health food store.

The History of Herbal Tea

Herbal tea, sometimes also known as a tissane or infusion, is a truly ancient form of medicine, practiced by cultures around the globe throughout history. Early written records of herbal infusions date as far back as 3rd century CE China and Ancient Egypt, though their use would of course far precede this - even graves of Neanderthals dating back some 60,000 years are decorated with herbs and flowers that are still used medicinally today, including such plants as marshmallow and yarrow. In the Western herbal medicine tradition, Ancient Greek and Roman scholars and healers such as Dioscorides and Galen document the medicinal uses of hundreds of herbs, including their use in herbal infusions as simples (one herb only), or in combinations of two or three herbs in a blend.

Types of Herbal Tea Preparations

There are two main methods of preparation when it comes to herbal teas - infusion and decoction. The type of plant material you’re using for your beverage will determine the best type of preparation to use.

1. Infusion: An infusion is used for softer, aerial plant parts such as leaves and flowering tops. This is the most common home preparation for herbal drinks. Hot water is added to the dried or fresh herb and steeped for 5-10 minutes. Examples of herbs that might require an infusion include mint leaf, chamomile flowers, and lemon balm leaf.

2. Decoction: A decoction is used for hardier plant materials, such as bark, seeds, and roots. This type of brew is made on the stove top and brewed for much longer - often 20-30 minutes. This type of method is needed for these plant material because it takes much longer to draw the healing constituents out of these tougher plant parts. Examples of herbs that might require a decoction include liquorice root, cinnamon sticks, or dried ginger root.

Common Herbs for Home Tea Preparations

Here are just a few potential herbs that you can use to make your own herbal tea. There are hundreds of herbs that can be used in herbal teas, so this list is by no means exhaustive!

For digestive complaints or for a post-meal digestive boost, try:

• Mint leaf

• Fennel seed

• Lemon balm leaf

• Cinnamon stick

• Liquorice root

• Yarrow leaf

For a calming tea on a stressful day, try:

• Chamomile flower

• Passion flower

• Lavender flower

• Nettle leaf

• Mother wort leaf (though beware it is quite strong tasting - best to mix with other sweet herbs like chamomile!)

For a brain boost, try:

• Rosemary leaf

• Lemon balm leaf

For a relaxing bed time tea, try:

• lavender flower

• Passion flower

• Valerian root (another herb that is best combined with a sweet-tasting herb)

For mild coughs and colds, try:

• marshmallow root

• Calendula flower

• Echinacea root

• Liquorice root

• Sage leaf

• Elder flower

• Thyme leaf

• Ginger root (fresh is better than dried for this purpose)

• Yarrow leaf

As a general tonic, try:

• Dandelion root

• Nettle leaf

• Cleavers leaf

Herbal Tea Combinations

Here are some simple and popular combinations you might like to try:

YEP Tea

YEP tea is a combination of yarrow, elder flower and peppermint tea, brewed in equal parts. This tea is a fantastic traditional remedy for warding off minors head colds.

Lemon, Ginger and Elderflower

For the common head cold, this another great option. Ginger is warming and antimucolytic, while lemon and elderflower are both powerful antibacterial herbs. You may also add a small amount of honey, which is antimicrobial and wonderfully soothing on a sore throat. Simply mix one part fresh grated ginger with two parts dried elderflower and the juice of a lemon.

Nettle, Rose and Chamomile

One of my personal favourite combinations! Good for an afternoon relaxing in the sun reading a book, or for when you want a moment of relaxation in a hectic day. Simply combine equal parts dried nettle leaf, rose petals, and chamomile.

A Note on Herbal Safety

The herbs I’ve listed above are common herbs found in spice cabinets, health food stores, and home gardens and are safe to use for most people. However, not all herbs are safe for all people or during all stages of life. If you are pregnant/breastfeeding, have a medical condition, are taking medications, or have allergies, please check with your healthcare provider or herbalist first before using any herbal medicine, to make sure you are using herbs safely. Likewise, please check with your healthcare provider or a reputable herbalist before giving herbal medicines to children or pets.

Top Tips for Effective Home Herbal Teas

• Put a lid on it! Always put a lid on your herbal tea while it is brewing. This will help to keep the healing constituents from evaporating in the steam while it brews.

• If you are using a mixture of both roots/bark and leaves/flowers, brew your decoction first, then add your aerial plant parts in the last 5-10 minutes. This will avoid bitterness from over-brewing aerial ingredients, while ensuring you are getting the most out of your roots and bark ingredients.

About the Author

Lizzie Stow is a degree-qualified naturopath from Newcastle, Australia.

To find out more about Lizzie, click here.

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