by K. M. Crowley

Created on: October 05, 2009

Herbal teas are among the most popular and simplest of home remedies for a wide range of ills. You can purchase pre-made tea bags of many popular herbs at the grocery store, however there's no way of knowing how long these store-made teas have been sitting on the shelf drying out and losing their medicinal powers. Creating your own tea, especially if you grow the plants yourself, garuntees freshness and therefore effectiveness, and also that there are no extra chemicals or sprays to taint the purity of the tisane.

Remember that herbal remedies are just as much a "medicine" as synthetic and pharmacuetical remedies, and should be treated as such. Ask your doctor about combining certain herbs with any medication you are currently taking, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any health conditions that could be impacted by drinking these teas.

That being said, here is a list of common problems that are easily treated by herbal teas and which herbs to use for each. Most of the herbs listed are easily grown in pots or in your back yard, or you can buy them in dried bulk. The more unusual ones such as meadowsweet and feverfew can be found in health food stores.

Flatulance - Basil leaves, Caraway, Marjoram, Peppermint, Yarrow, crushed angelica seeds.

Nausea - Marjoram, Basil, Peppermint.

Insomnia - Chamomile flowers, Catnip, Lemon Balm.

Fever - Catnip, Meadowsweet.

Headache - Lavender flowers, Lemon Balm, Feverfew (known to be similar to aspirin).

Indigestion - Hops, Sage, Marigold flowers, Mint, Parsley, Rosemary, Fennel, Licorice,

Cough and cold - Cayenne, Sage, Thyme.

Urinary tract issues - Parsley, Dandilion leaves.

Nervousness - Rosemary, Lavender.

Menstrual cramps - Lady's mantle, Crampbark.

Depression - St. John's Wort, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Hops.

Muscle and join paint - Nettle.

To prepare the tea from dried ingredients, pour two cups of boiling water over two teaspoons of the chosen herb in a glass or enamel tea pot (metal pots will ruin the medicinal properties of the concoction). If you're using fresh herbs, use two level tablespoons. Cover the pot and let stand ten to fifteen minutes. Don't make the mistake of letting it steep for longer with the beleif that this will leech more flavour or healing powers from the plant, it will in fact only cause loss of the active oils through evaporation. Do not add milk. Some people do prefer to sweeten with honey, since herbal teas sometimes taste a little off-putting compared to regular tea. It is recommended that you try an herbal tea two or three times daily after meals for up to four weeks.

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