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For many of us, coffee breaks are
indispensable. The caffeine in coffee gives us the instant boost to get
through the day. The caffeine is still out on the health benefits of
caffeine, particularly in coffee, but some studies have shown that
moderate amounts of caffeine interspersed throughout the day can help
improve focus and boost energy. Too much, however, can cause you to
crash later. Because we are
uncertain about the effects of coffee in our system, why not go for a
healthier caffeine fix ? For 4,000 years, tea has been a delightful
beverage and a balm for many ailments. The term "tea" was used initially
for its black variety, but now it includes green, white and herbal
infusions, chosen not only for their exotic flavors but their many
health benefits as well.
Teas are such a wonderful way to experience the healing benefits of
plants. But creating the proper herbal blend is part science, part
chemistry, and part art. Below is a list of highly effective concoctions
for everyday ailments. Although teas can be brewed individually,
blending them together greatly enhances their healing powers. But
whatever the blend, remember this basic brewing tip: "Always cover the
cup, mug or pot when brewing herbal teas, if you don't, many of the
valuable aromatics will simply give the room a wonderful smell while the
healing properties of the tea are lost."
Bloating or menstrual discomfort
- Fennel seed, black horehound,
cardamom seed and caraway seed, along with lemon balm and chamomile
to calm the system.
Cold and Flu
- Peppermint, elderflowers and
yarrow, with just a touch of ginger and a hearty slice of fresh
lemon.
Constipation
- Senna (either leaf or pod)
mixed with carminatives such as anise (star), galangal,
ginger, or celery.
Detoxify after
overindulging
- Oregon grape root,
yellow dock root, and boldo to help the liver.
- Include good
diuretics, such as dandelion root with some buchu leaf.
- Meadowsweet, also
known as Queen of the Meadow (the best antacid on the
herbal shelf) and peppermint to counteract flatulence.
- Ginger root stimulates
the system and speeds up the process.
Hangover
- Rehydrate with a
lot of pure water, flavored with a touch of capsicum
(cayenne) or ginger, a large touch of chamomile and
yarrow, or quite a lot of peppermint.
Fatigue
- Russian,
Brazilian and Chinese ginsengs
Insomnia
- A cup of
valerian root tea taken at about 8pm is the
safest and most effective sleep aid. No side
effects.
Muscle
Soreness
- Flush
out lactic acid with large doses of
water and effective diuretics, such as
dandelion root and corn silk tea with
bearberry leaf
Sore
Throat
-
Marshmallow root and slippery elm as
soothing demulcents
-
Bayberry bark and chamomile for
inflammatory irritation
Upset Stomach
-
Chamomile, peppermint, and
centaury herbal teas for mild
problems.
-
Black horehound with ice-land
moss and elderflower for more
severe cases
Now that you have discovered the
hidden wealth of wonders in a
simple cup of tea, shake off
that coffee habit and switch to
the better alternative. Certain
teas have enough caffeine to
perk you up in the morning and
keep you going throughout the
day. But more importantly, it
gives you the bonus of providing
a multitude of antioxidants that
fight off illness and delay
aging. So wake up your senses
and start your tea habit today.
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