Watching out my window at the snow and sleet falling, feeling the chill down to my bones, all I can think of is warmth. Warmth puts a big smile on our faces during the winter. Let's face it; we can't survive all winter long without the warmth. So, as you make your homemade soups and stews, hot chocolate and coffees to keep the chill from your bones, there is another way to keep warm and keep healthy as well...

TEAS!

Teas are an excellent source to keep warm and to keep healthy too. Depending on which herbs you blend, you could fight a cold at the same time boosting your immune system. You could calm your mind and soul yet make the body warm. The Asian culture takes great pride in drinking teas and celebrates with extensive and elaborate tea ceremonies. You will find when shopping in Asian stores or markets beautiful china tea sets used for those purposes.

Speaking of shopping, we have our own hand blended teas available in our shop. The recipes were created keeping health in mind and stress at bay. We have made at this time:

Immune Booster Tea:

This was created for this time of year. Made with Echinacea, Astragalus, Red Clover, Nettles and a few other goodies to help with flavor.

Taking It Easy Tea:

Stress is a killer and this was created to keep things balanced and happy. Made with Spearmint, Lemongrass, Lemon Balm, Catnip, Chamomile, Nettles and a few other ingredients to help with a smooth flavor.

Blissful Groove Tea:

made to ease your day and keep things "fluid". Ingredients are Rosemary, Lavender, Peppermint, Chamomile, Cloves and a couple of other herbal goodies.

Pain Reducer Tea:

This was created with the small aches and pains that we get from time to time. Made with White Willow, Peppermint, Chamomile and again some extra goodness added for drinking pleasure.

Nighty Night Tea:

Need I say more? This will help with "those nights" of tossing and turning thinking about the day. Passionflower and Chamomile combined with some Stevia to help you get to sleep.

If there are any symptoms that you may have and would like a tea created just for you, please email us and we can talk about symptoms and such.

Ok, so you know what is in them but do you know what each herb is good for? The following descriptions are the medicinal properties of each herb ... and do keep in mind there are magickal properties of herbs as well. I will cover those in the next update.

Echinacea:

A very potent immune system stimulant, fights inflammation and viruses, mild antiseptic. Great for colds, flus and bronchitis.

Astragalus:

An equivalent of Echinacea, Astragalus fortifies the immune system. An antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

Red Clover:

Helps with cramping and pain. Adds great flavor.

Nettles:

Contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatory, opens up the bronchial and nasal passages. It will ease hay fever and also eases pain with different arthritis, tendinitis and bursitis. When in doubt, use Nettles. It's good for everything.

Peppermint:

Tames smooth muscle spasms in the intestinal tract, relaxes tight skeletal muscles, wonderful for headaches and adds great flavor.

Spearmint:

As in peppermint, relaxes different parts of the body and tastes great. It does have a lesser menthol flavor than peppermint.

Lemongrass:

A great tasting herb that is becoming more popular here in America. It can be used in teas, soups and stews. It's beneficial in strengthening the functions of stomach and promoting its action including treatment of indigestion. Helps with gas too!

Lemon Balm:

The terpene property helps with relaxation; it brings about a natural calming effect over the body. It's valuable for the brain and for strengthening memory. It prevents brain fatigue, sharpens comprehension, counteracts depression and revives the spirit. And it makes a wonderful tea!

Catnip:

Part of the mint family, it contains vitamins A and E, both excellent antioxidants. It's a mild sedative and helps with spasms.

Chamomile:

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic and even anti-body odor! Calms the nerves, relaxes the body, boosts the immune system and helps with sleeping.

Rosemary:

Helps with memory, it's an antioxidant, helps with blood circulation especially through the brain. It picks up the central nervous system naturally. You could pair this with Ginkgo biloba for memory.

Lavender:

Soothes, sedates, calms, and relaxes against nervousness. Reduces irritability and excitement. Not to mention that it is a favorite fragrance among many!

Cloves:

Deadens pain, destroys bacteria and helps with bad breath. Helps with ear aches, toothaches and helps with coughs.

White Willow:

Known as the "Witches Aspirin", this has been used for over 2500 years as a pain reliever. It also helps with inflammation and deters heart threatening blood clots. If you cannot take aspirin, do not take White Willow as it has the same properties.

Passionflower:

The most potent sedative and relaxant in the herbal family. Induces drowsiness, easies muscle cramps, reduces anxiety and overall relaxes you so you can get to sleep.

Stevia:

Simply a natural sweetener. It is starting to gain a following over the past few years.

Usually I will talk about an herb for the month. But this month I want to let everyone know that the International Herb Association has announced its Herb of the Year for 2009 ...and the winner is BAY (laurus nobilis). In being considered for the Herb of the year, the plant must fit into 3 categories; Medicinal, Culinary and Craft or Decorative. Bay certainly does fit into these categories easily. It is native of the Mediterranean region and it's a very popular garden herb in Europe. The leaves and essential oils from the leaves are what is used and can be picked all year round. It's easy to grow and grows best in damp shady gardens. They can grow in pots outdoors or indoors and will also grow when planted right in the ground. You will need to prune because it will turn into a tree if left alone.

Herbal Spotlight Archives