Eucalyptus tea is made from the smooth grey-green leaves of eucalyptus trees and shrubs, which are indigenous to Australia, Tasmania, Indonesia and the Philippines, but now commonly grown in many other subtropical countries. The aromatic oils found in eucalyptus leaves are strong antimicrobials and decongestants, which is why they have been traditionally used to combat colds and nasal congestion.
Eucalyptus Tea
The pungent lance-shaped eucalyptus leaves are used to make herbal tea, or more accurately called a herbal infusion or tisane, although sometimes a little eucalyptus bark is added too. The leaves have a strong scent because they are rich in aromatic oils such as eucalyptol. The leaves are usually dried and lightly macerated before adding hot water and steeping for at least 15 minutes in order to draw all the beneficial compounds out of the plant fibers. However, don’t use boiling water because some of the compounds are destroyed with high heat.
Benefits of Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol comprises about 70 percent of the volatile oil in eucalyptus leaves. In addition to being a strong antibacterial, eucalyptol affects the mucus membranes that line the nose, sinuses and lungs, which leads to decongestion and the release of mucus and phlegm. Consequently, eucalyptus products such as oil extracts, teas and lozenges are safe and effective for reducing the symptoms of head colds, sore throats, sinus infections and bronchitis. Eucalyptus oil is toxic if consumed in large doses, which is why the leaves are typically heated and inhaled. Eucalyptus tea, which is much more dilute than oil extracts, has the dual benefit of being able to be inhaled and consumed.
Other Beneficial Compounds
Eucalyptus leaves also contain tannins, which are astringents, and caffeic and gallic acids, which are strong antioxidants also found in green tea. Antioxidants eliminate free radicals, which damage a variety of tissues, especially blood vessels and skin. Other strong antioxidants found in eucalyptus leaves include hyperin, eucalyptrin, quercetin, rutin, alpha-pinene, limonene and alpha-termineol. The combination of these compounds with the volatile oils in the leaves makes eucalyptus tea an effective breath freshener, mouthwash, deodorant and topical antibacterial.
Cautions
Side effects from drinking eucalyptus tea are rare and mild, but eucalyptus oil is toxic and harmful in single doses as small as 3.5 milliliters. It’s virtually impossible for you to consume that much oil in one day from drinking eucalyptus tea, but to be on the safe side, it’s probably a good idea not to allow children to drink it. Consult with an herbalist or practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine before consuming large amounts of eucalyptus tea.
Yellow saffron tea gets its name because of the yellow color it has when brewed. In reality, saffron tea is made from red-orange-colored saffron threads, the same ones you use for cooking. One of the most expensive spices on the market, saffron has a host of health benefits as well as a naturally rich taste and delicate aroma that are imparted to the brewed tea.
Helps With Premenstrual Syndrome
In a study published in a 2008 issue of “BJOG,” researchers found that taking 30 milligrams of saffron a day led to reduced premenstrual syndrome in women with regular menstrual cycles. The study was conducted over the course of two menstrual cycles. While researchers found the study promising, they stated that a study regarding the safety of consuming saffron in such high quantities -- the amount used could make up to 20 cups of tea -- was needed before recommending saffron as an alternative treatment to PMS.
May Help Treat Alzheimer's Disease
In 2010, the “Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics” published a study on saffron and its potential use as an herbal aid for dementia. Study participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease took 30 milligrams of saffron per day for 16 weeks. The study found saffron was safe for use in such high quantities, and those taking the saffron supplement showed improved cognitive function when compared to those on the placebo. While the study suggested saffron may be useful in treating some aspects of Alzheimer’s disease in the short term, longer, randomized studies are still needed.
May Aid Depression
A 2013 issue of the “Journal of Integrative Medicine” included a large-scale analysis on the studies where saffron was used as a potential anti-depressant. Researchers found that when comparing studies conducted on adults and in the presence of a placebo option in the study, saffron showed significant benefits toward relieving the symptoms of depression. They concluded that longer-term trials were needed, however, with greater geographical variety. As well, larger study groups would help further confirm saffron’s safety and efficacy as a natural anti-depressant.
How to Make Saffron Tea
You can purchase yellow saffron teabags or make tea from loose saffron threads. Because saffron is expensive, teabags may not contain the best quality or as much saffron. Making it at home gives you more control over the final product. While you can steep the threads in only room-temperature water to make iced tea, using water that's around 180 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended so that the aromatic and health compounds are fully released. Use a 1-teaspoon serving, a little over 1 milligram, of threads for every 8 ounces of water. Let the tea steep for at least 10 minutes. The threads dissolve when exposed to hot water, so give your tea a quick stir before drinking. Saffron tea can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days.
Bitter melon, the fruit of a vine in the cucumber family, has the impressive appearance of a warty cucumber. Bitter melon is grown and eaten as a vegetable throughout Asia and it also prepared and consumed as a tea. Bitter melon has traditionally been used for a variety of purported medicinal benefits, some of which have been proven scientifically.
Blood Sugar Management
Herbalists and natural medicine practitioners often recommend bitter melon to help control blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes, according to New York University Langone Medical Center. Typical doses range from 50 to 100 mililiters of fresh juice divided into two to three doses throughout the day. A study on laboratory animals published in the September 2005 issue of the journal "Plant Foods For Human Nutrition" found that bitter melon lowered blood sugar levels by up to 30 percent and improved kidney function. However, bitter melon may enhance the effects of diabetes medication and cause hypoglycemia, which is a condition in which a person has a dangerously low blood sugar level. Consult your doctor about using bitter melon to manage blood sugar levels.
Cancer Prevention
Bitter melon tea may offer protective benefits against some forms of cancer, according to a study published in the September 2012 issue of the journal "Natural Product Communications". In the tissue culture study, water-extract of bitter melon killed human kidney cancer and colon cancer cells. In an animal study that appeared in the November 2012 issue of the journal "Cancer Letters", bitter melon extract induced early cell death in liver cancer. Researchers concluded that bitter melon shows promise as a safe, natural preventive for liver cancer. Further studies are need to determine whether these preliminary benefits extend to humans, however.
Cancer Therapy
Bitter melon tea may make chemotherapy drugs more effective, according to a study that appeared in the January 2012 issue of the "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry." In the tissue culture study of human cervical cancer cells, treatment with bitter melon leaf extract made the cells more susceptible to the effects of drugs commonly used to treat cervical cancer and increased the amounts of the drugs that the cancer cells absorbed. Researchers concluded that bitter melon leaf extract could possibly offer benefits for preventing drug resistance in cancer patients.
Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-inflammatory properties of a variety of bitter melon known as wild bitter melon may help prevent some forms of acne, according to a study published in the December 2012 issue of the journal "Food Chemistry." In the animal study, bitter melon extract inhibited growth of an acne-causing bacteria. In a study that appeared in the March 2009 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" hot water extracts of wild bitter melon reduced levels of several inflammatory molecules. There was significant antioxidant activity where anti-inflammatory effects were observed.
A cup of chamomile tea soothes a cold and calms stress, but its benefits appear to stretch beyond that.
New research shows a correlation between regular chamomile tea consumption and a lowered risk of death by any cause in older women.
Over a period of seven years, a team analyzed 1,677 Mexican-American subjects of both sexes, aged 65 or older, who were enrolled in the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly.
Of the 14 percent who drank chamomile tea, only the women appeared to benefit from regular consumption.
However, it was a remarkable benefit: Women who drank the tea were 29 percent less likely than their peers to die of any cause during the study.
Right now, the team’s not sure how its results came about.
Study author Bret Howrey offered possible connections, saying in a press release,
The reason for a difference in our reported findings between Hispanic women and men is not clear… This difference may be due to traditional gender roles whereby women manage the day-to-day activities of the household, including family health, and may also reflect greater reliance on folk remedies such as herbs.
Women, the study notes, are also more likely to use chamomile over a longer period of time and at a greater frequency than their male counterparts.
Indeed, chamomile has long been known as a home remedy for almost every illness. According to a 2011 peer-reviewed article, it can be used as anything from a poison ivy aid to a way to ease insomnia.
If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably heard about red raspberry leaf tea and it’s benefits as a uterine tonic. What is red raspberry leaf? As it’s name suggests, red raspberry leaf is a herb derived from red raspberry leaves. It’s been used medicinally for thousands of years, including amongst indigenous Australian cultures. In the 1940s, western medicine practitioners began to use it as a tonic for the uterus during pregnancy and childbirth. So, what are the benefits of using red raspberry leaf and is it safe? Here’s everything you need to know about red raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy.
Health Benefits Of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Red raspberry leaves contains a rich assortment of vitamins including Vitamin B complex, calcium, iron, magnesium and fragarine. Across the world, red raspberry leaf is used to treat flu, diarrhoea and acne. It is used to lower the blood sugar of diabetic women, regulate irregular menstrual cycles, decrease heavy periods and lower blood pressure.
When taken during pregnancy, red raspberry leaf is said to aid the mother’s immune system, ease morning sickness and promote better circulation. Taking raspberry leaf is said to strengthen uterine muscles and tone the pelvic floor in preparation for childbirth, as well as assist with breastmilk supply.
Studies have shown that women who take red raspberry leaf have a reduced incidence of birth interventions. Research has also found that women who drink red raspberry leaf tea regularly towards the end of their pregnancies had shorter second stages of labour than those who don’t.
From a study published by Australian midwives in 1999:
“The sample consisted of 108 mothers; 57 (52.8%) consumed raspberry leaf products while 51 (47.2%) were in the control group. The findings suggest that the raspberry leaf herb can be consumed by women during their pregnancy for the purpose for which it is taken, that is, to shorten labour with no identified side effects for the women or their babies. The findings also suggest ingestion of the drug might decrease the likelihood of pre and post-term gestation. An unexpected finding in this study seems to indicate that women who ingest raspberry leaf might be less likely to receive an artificial rupture of their membranes, or require a caesarean section, forceps or vacuum birth than the women in the control group.”
More extensive research is needed, but with very little in the way of side effects and such great benefits observed and recorded, raspberry leaf is a great option for pregnant women.
How Should I Take Red Raspberry Leaf? Lots of pregnant women choose to drink raspberry leaf tea which can be purchased at most supermarkets, health food stores or online. It is available in tea bags or as loose leaf tea – seek out organic, local raspberry leaf tea from a reliable source. Beware of imported cheap teas which may be contaminated with other items.
If you’re not a fan of fruit teas, you can also take red raspberry leaf in tablet form. It is also available as a tincture that can be added to water, juice or tea but be aware that tinctures usually contain alcohol.
How Much Red Raspberry Leaf Should I Take?
It is difficult to be exact with dosages if you drink raspberry leaf tea, because it depends on how long you steep the tea and the quantity you use. The best way to prepare your raspberry leaf tea is to boil a cup of water, placing it into a teapot. Put in a teaspoon of raspberry leaf tea, stir or swish and then let it steep for ten minutes. When ten minutes is up, pour it into your favourite mug and enjoy! The taste of raspberry leaf is a little bitter, so you may want to sweeten it with some honey.
You can have up to 4-5 cups of raspberry leaf tea in your third trimester, but have at least 2-3. If you’re in your first trimester, one cup per day is fine.
If you prefer raspberry leaf tablets, it is suggested that you take two 300mg or 400mg tablets with each meal, three times a day, from 32 weeks (Parsons, 1999).
Potential Side Effects Of Red Raspberry Leaf
Most women do not experience any side effects from taking raspberry leaf tea, however the following side effects are possible:
Nausea
Loose stools
Increase in Braxton Hicks contractions
Can Anyone Take Red Raspberry Leaf?
There is lots of confusing, conflicting information about red raspberry leaf’s contraindications. BellyBelly’s naturopath Nicole Tracy from Nurtured by Nature says that there are no known contraindications for raspberry leaf when used in the third trimester at an appropriate dose, except if previous labour/s have been really fast. You should only use red raspberry leaf under the care of your naturopath or herbalist.
What About Red Raspberry Leaf and VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section)? There is also some confusion over raspberry leaf and VBAC. Rest assured, raspberry leaf is safe for VBAC women. Nicole says: “There is often some confusion around raspberry leaf being contraindicated in VBAC births. This is most certainly not the case, and it does not increase the risk of premature labour or rupture of caesarean scars. It is wise for all women (especially those planning a VBAC) to take raspberry leaf in tea, tincture or tablet form from the beginning of the third trimester in gradually increasing amounts. This nutrient-rich herb should be continued for two weeks postnatally to assist with reducing blood loss, toning the uterus and supporting breast milk production.”
When Can I Start Taking Red Raspberry Leaf?
It is generally recommended not to start taking red raspberry leaf until you are at least 32 weeks pregnant, but if you wish to take it sooner, simply check with a good naturopath. You can then continue to take it until the end of the pregnancy. Raspberry leaf tea takes several weeks to accumulate in the body and take effect.
You should start by drinking one cup a day, and gradually increase this up to three cups. If you choose to take capsules, follow the recommended dosage instructions on the label. If you experience strong Braxton Hicks contractions after taking raspberry leaf tea, speak to your healthcare provider.
You can continue to drink red raspberry leaf tea after the birth to help your uterus shrink back down, boost your immune system, assist with milk supply and fight infection.
When people think of a Dandelion, they usually think of it as a weed. But anyone who knows anything about herbs will tell you this awesome plant has so many health benefits that treating them as pests is such a waste.
The yellow flowered plants we frequently see on lawns, aren’t true dandelions, they are part of the dandelion family but they are not the ones to drink as tea, so please don’t go and start drinking those okay :)
Dandelion Root Tea
Dandelion root has been used for centuries for many different medicinal purposes. Today you’ll discover a few of the benefits of drinking dandelion root tea because drinking the root tea is one of the most common ways to consume it.
It’s also referred to as dandelion root coffee too, probably due to the fact that it makes a dark brown coloured tea and tastes good with honey and milk. I prefer to drink it black on most occasions but it does make a wonderful winter warmer in the form of dandelion chai too, using cinnamon, cloves and cardomon pods.
Anyway let’s get on with some of the benefits.
6 Great Benefits of Dandelion Root Tea
1. Vitamin and Mineral Power
Dandelion roots contain a surprising amount of nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin B complex, C, D, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc. The benefit of the vitamins and minerals alone makes this plant a powerful addition to any diet.
2. Best Hangover Cure
One of dandelions major medicinal uses is in treating liver ailments. It has a cleansing effect on the liver. Alcohol floods the liver and lets just say the next day after a big night out, your liver and other organs are going to feel sluggish, making you feel terrible! Drink a few cups of dandelion root tea and believe me you will be springing back into action quick smart. It’s best to drink it black and unsweetened in this situation but if you can’t stomach it this way, drinking it with milk and honey will work effectively too.
3. Relieve Digestive Issues
Your digestive system is a complicated place with many organs performing their various functions. Many people experience discomfort in the digestive region than any other part of the body. Gas, bloating, constipation and indigestion are just a few of the common ailments that come from this area. If you are prone to this type of discomfort, drink some dandelion root tea right after you eat. The tea stimulates digestive enzymes from your mouth all the way down to your small intestine giving you quick relief.
4. Ease Premenstrual Symptoms
Women have been dealing with premenstrual symptoms way before there were drug stores. Water retention, anxiety, irritability and insomnia are some symptoms of PMS that can be helped by herbs. The estrogen levels are at an all-time high for some women at this time of the month. Dandelion is a detoxification herb that helps the liver rid the body of unwanted hormones. In order to reduce the build up of hormones, it is recommended that women drink three cups of dandelion root tea every day during their cycle for effective reduction of symptoms.
5. Lower High Cholesterol
The liver has been long recognised as playing a big part in high cholesterol levels. The body makes it’s own cholesterol via the liver so if your liver is over producing cholesterol or your digestive system isn’t processing it properly, you may get high cholesterol levels. As mentioned above, dandelion root is helpful to the digestive system and it is actually most helpful in cleansing the liver, so it makes perfect sense that drinking dandelion root tea will help your body purge itself of cholesterol or at least help balance things out.
6. Caffeine Detox
Dandelion root tea makes a great coffee substitute, its rich, dense flavor is so delicious making it the perfect beverage to help you eliminate or reduce your intake of caffeine. Try replacing your coffee with dandelion root tea to help overcome your addiction and cleanse your liver at the same time. Start with just one day at a time and when you get use to that routine, eliminate another coffee day and replace it with the tea. Follow this plan until you are completely off it and your overall health will improve as well. or if you want to quit quickly, try this caffeine remedy that will help you get off caffeine without headaches, thanks to dandelion and a few other key ingredients!
These are just a few of the benefits of drinking dandelion root tea, make sure you have it handy after your next big night out. It really is the best hangover cure ever!
Stinging nettle is a plant in the genus Urtica that originated as a native shrub in colder regions of Europe and Asia and is now found worldwide. It gets its name from the fine hairs on its leaves and stems that release irritating chemicals when they contact your skin. The plant has been part of herbal medicine for centuries. Tea made from stinging nettle contains a number of biologically active compounds with possible health benefits.
Stinging Nettle
For hundreds of years, practitioners of herbal medicine have recommended stinging nettle as a treatment for the pain of arthritis and gout, for anemia, allergies and urinary problems or as a topical treatment for eczema, insect bites and painful muscles. The root and leaves of the plant contain several identified compounds that are biologically active, including flavonoids such as quercetin that have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help remove free radicals from your body; these unstable chemicals can damage your cellular membranes and DNA. Nettle also contains several other compounds, including beta-sitosterol, a plant chemical with a structure similar to cholesterol that can benefit your heart by lowering absorption of dietary fats by your blood.
Allergies
Consuming stinging nettle tea may help prevent seasonal allergies, or improve symptoms such as sneezing and itching caused by allergic rhinitis if you already have this problem. The results of a clinical trial of stinging nettle as a possible aid for allergies was published in the journal "Planta Medica." After consuming a dried preparation of stinging nettle for one week, subjects with allergic rhinitis experienced a lessening of symptoms compared to a placebo group. Although this study suggests that nettle tea might be beneficial for allergies, this was a small trial and larger studies are needed to confirm its benefit.
Prostate Benefits
Preparations made from stinging nettle are traditional remedies for urinary tract disorders, especially benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, in men. This non-cancerous condition causes enlargement of the prostate gland that can interfere with urination. Today, stinging nettle is widely used in Europe to treat the problem. Clinical research supports the herb's usefulness for relief of BPH symptoms. For example, in a trial published in "Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy" that lasted six months and involved more than 600 subjects with BPH, 81 percent of subjects who consumed a nettle preparation experienced lessening of symptoms compared to a placebo group. In addition, Memorial Sloan-Kettering says that nettle may slow growth of prostate cancer in laboratory animals. However, clinical studies with human subjects are needed to confirm this possible benefit.
How To Use
Stinging nettle preparations are available at most health food stores, as dried leaves, tincture or extract made from leaves or roots. Prepare a tea by steeping 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes; to obtain benefits from both the leaves and root, add a few drops of a tincture or extract from its roots to your tea. Stinging nettle is generally considered safe, although it might cause mild stomach upset in some people and it could interact with certain medications. Exercise care when handling nettle since it might cause an allergic rash on your skin. Do not consume nettle tea if you are pregnant and do not use the herb to self-treat for any condition. Discuss its use with your doctor to determine if it might be helpful for you.
The article The Benefits & Side Effects of Nettle Leaf Tea first appeared in SFGATE Healthy Eating.
