by Debra Frank

Created on: January 13, 2009   Last Updated: July 29, 2009

Did you know you can create your own healthy tea and herbal brews? My love for tea has expanded into learning a bit more about herbs and their traditional uses in promoting good health. The variety of tastes and aromas, not to mention healthy benefits, keep me brewing every day.

True teas are made when the dried leaves of the plant Camilla Sinensis are steeped in hot water. Young plants with buds are harvested and dried to make the fruity light white teas. Green tea is made with non-fermented, more mature leaves. The robust black teas are allowed to ferment after harvesting. The aromatic Oolong teas process falls between the green and black tea

Teas contain powerful antioxidant properties and have been found to decrease the incidence of cancer, heart disease, some forms of arthritis, and even tooth decay. Tea is felt to be an effective tool in weight control. Experts feel that the antioxidant effects are stronger in the non-fermented white and green teas. Loose teas, those that you brew in a tea ball or tea ball spoon, usually contain more antioxidants as well.

The herbal "teas" or infusions are made from a mixture of dried leaves, seeds, grasses, roots, nuts, bark, fruits, flowers and other plant material; and are a caffeine free alternative to "true teas".

You can buy dried herbs or teas in bulk at most health food stores or on-line and mix your own. You can also grow and/or harvest your own herbs to make your brewing even more economical. I usually do not brew an infusion from only one herb. I add a desired herb, usually just a pinch unless I've read an amount in a recipe, to a loose tea or herbal mix I've purchased

Popular herbalist remedies:

* For cold symptoms: Allspice, Clove, Lemon, Thyme, Echinacea

* For upset stomach: Peppermint, Ginger, Fennel, Marigold

* Calming and relaxing: Chamomile, Lemon Grass, Catnip

* Mood-elevating: Rosemary, Kava Kava

* Fluid retention and urinary tract health: Parsley, Dandelion

* Hormone Balance: Sage, Marigold

* Balance blood sugar levels: Cinnamon

* Calorie-free natural sweetener: Stevia

* Arthritis Pains: Wintergreen, Nettle

Check with your health care professional before drinking these brews, especially if you have serious health problems or take prescription medications. Also, always begin using a new brew by just taking a few sips on the first day. You need to be certain that you do not have allergies to the natural ingredients.

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