by Jeanette Mcdonough

Created on: January 09, 2009   Last Updated: March 31, 2011

The quest for natural alternatives to medicine has led many people to the use of herbal preparations. Traditional cultures have long relied on herbs to treat a wide assortment of illnesses and conditions so there is a wealth of knowledge available to people who are interested in using herbal medications including the preparation of herbs into tinctures, supplements and teas to name but a few. Perhaps the simplest of these is to brew a cup of medicinal tea. Like all good teas the process begins in the selection of the best tea according to individual needs.

The right tea, right now - How to buy medicinal teas

*Fresh Herbs bought in bulk- Buying medicinal herbs in bulk may be preferable for people who have experience with herbs. Buying teas in bulk allows the consumer to buy as much or as little of a tea as they want. In addition, herbal tea stores and natural food markets that carry medicinal teas often have books available to reference the herbs.

* Buying prepared tea blends- this option is obviously the most convenient especially for people who are inexperienced using medicinal herbs. Usually these preparations are mixed with an appropriate balance of ingredients.

The teas

Here are a few commonly used herbs for medicinal tea;

*Mint teas such as spearmint and peppermint are used for a variety of ailments. They are often used alone of with other herbs like lemon balm which when combined with mint tea is used to treat stomachaches. Another example is combining peppermint with slippery elm for sore throat. Steep these teas for 5 minutes in a non-metal container.

*Slippery elm is not commonly used alone, but more often it is used with other herbs such as peppermint. It is often used to help digestion, and as an agent to clean the colon. Slippery elm has a viscous texture like mucus when made into a tea. Traditionally it was used by Native Americans topically to treat many skin ailments such as burns.

*Ginger is renowned as medicinal tea as much as it is known as a delicious addition to many foods. Ginger is used for colds, arthritis, and heart conditions to name only a few. It is often used for menstrual pain and headache as well. Slices of fresh ginger can be added to steeping tea and goes well with honey.

*Eucalyptus is associated with reducing fevers, loosening phlegm, reducing inflammation, and to treat skin infections. Frequently used during cold and flu season it has a soothing quality that appears to relieve tightness in the chest.

*Licorice root tea is

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