Super Herbs: Facts on Green tea and Peppermint tea

Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 12:25

Drug companies and many practicing health care professionals would like their patients to believe that the only way to health and vitality is through prescribed medications that cost a fortune.  Yet, today, many of the same physicians who once scoffed at the idea of herbs for health are prescribing acidophylis and St. John's wort for their patients.  It is becoming increasing clear that synthetic drugs, while helpful, and in most cases safe, can cause myriad problems for some patients.

Since the dawn of time, there have been those who knew the incredible power of herbs, respected that and learned all that could about them, using them to help heal and strengthen the sick.  Of course, as with any medication, they are not perfect.  They do have side effects...but because of the naturalness of their components, they are so much less severe than that of synthetically made meds.  The body is equipped with ways to handle the disposal of natural waste very effectively.

Before I go on to more of the herbs and their functions, I want to give a quick overveiw of how they are most easily prepared. 

Teas and Infusions:  These are made from loose herbs, the leaves, berries, flowers or roots of the plant.  Drank while warm, they are a comforting source of vitamins and minerals, as well as medicinal aid.

Tinctures:   Made by soaking the herb in a mixture of alcohol and water.  These are a much stronger form than tea, or gel capsules, as I will discuss next.  Usually taken by the dropper, mixed with water or another beverage.  Some people find the addition of alcohol an offensive thing, but as it is for a medical preparation, I find no problems with it.

Capsules:  Purchased gel caps can be used, and the dried herb powder placed inside for taking.  I do not practice this for two reason.  First, it is very difficult to measure the exact amount needed this way and second, it is likely that the herb loses some of its effective qualities in the process.  However, there are many natural brands on the market now that have perfected the art of making capsules and insuring top quality.  I still have so much to learn in this area that I am not comfortable with that process yet.

Ok, now to the fun stuff!

Green Tea:  There is so much hoopla about green tea, it is a wonder many don't just give up, and never try it at all!  But, if they don't, they will be definitely missing out.  Oh, and did you know that green tea consumption is second only to water?  It is such a healthful drink, and it aids the body in so many ways!

Some of the well-established benefits of drinking green tea are that it aids in digestion, it is an anti-infective, an antibacterial agent, and an antioxidant.   Scientists are studing the other effects of green tea as well.  In one of the most recent studies by NIH, green tea has been shown to  have usefulness against heart disease, cancer, viruses and even tooth decay.  In one of the studies, within 30 to 40 minutes after drinking green tea, antioxidant activity in the consumers blood stream rose a whopping 41 to 48 % ! Wow!

Making a good cup of green tea is simple.  Just steep 1 or 2 teaspoons of the dried herb in boiling water for 2 or 3 minutes.  If you like really strong tea, steep for 10 to 15.  But, be forewarned, the longer you let it steep, the more bitter it can become.  Green tea is best taken without sweetners, but if you have to have just a dab of something, try a good honey.  The leaves can be purchased whole or in tea bags. 

 A word of caution: green tea does contain caffiene, and should be drank sparingly by those with heart arrythmias and mother's who breast feed.

Peppermint tea:

Peppermint is easily grown and cultivated.  It has small compact leaves that make a lovely tea.  Simply snip a few leaves from your plants and steep as you would any other loose tea.  Add a little honey, or sugar in the raw, and you have a lovely beverage.  It can be served hot, or cold.  Some of the health benefits of peppermint are that it is an antispasmodic, and antiemetic, as well as being great for opening sinuses.  I like to make regular pekoe tea and add a few leaves to the pitcher for a flavor boost.  It is wonderful served cold and icy on hot summer days.

Peppermint should be handled with care, and used only sporadically, or as a flavoring.  Because menthol is the primary ingredient, it can be toxic in high levels.

Enjoy your tea, Ladies!  God bless!

mint tea sounds good !!!!!

Posted by Shaune on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 10:16 - Link

I have never had peppermint tea .. I will keep a look out for some plants . And try it . You will have to fill me in on how to make a tea with the loose leaves . I am clue-less .Thanks for the great info . Shaune

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Posted by countrylivin on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 06:21 - Link

I'm looking forward to your posts! I like green tea and peppermint tea!

Where are you?

Posted by pinkhorseofcourse on Friday, May 2, 2008 at 12:36 - Link

Are you ever going to make another entry.. ??? I miss reading your blog!

I love tea

Posted by imspecl on Sunday, June 1, 2008 at 04:22 - Link

I esp enjoy mint tea when my tummy is upset or I have a touch of the flu. It really helps settle things down. Ginger tea helps too. thanks for all the wonderful info. I love reading your posts!

Michele

you have been tagged !!

Posted by Shaune on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 06:26 - Link

go to my blog to see the details ,If you want to play ,thanks Shaune