3 Herbal Teas and How they Benefit Your Health

If you're not a big fan of green tea (I didn't use to be, but I've come around in recent years, and now I like it), herbal tea (technically an "infusion" - not a tea) also has some great health benefits, and may be more your cup of tea! While herbal remedies have been used in some cultures for centuries, other societies have just begun to accept their benefits.  Even now, some people still rely on modern medicine for problems that can be treated effectively with an herbal remedy because they are leery about them.  A great way to get the benefits of herbs without taking supplements is to brew them into a tea.  You then get the benefits along with a great tasting drink.

Here are three great herbal teas and what they can do to help you. 

Valerian Tea

Tea Inventory (Photo credit: euphbass)

Valerian has been used for centuries to help with a whole host of medical problems.  Most recently it has been used to calm nerves and even soothe severe anxiety and restlessness.  It is a great tea to enjoy at the end of the day when you want to unwind and relax.  Because it acts as a sedative, Valerian is often used to cure insomnia and get a restful night’s sleep.  It is also commonly used to help with menstrual cramps and digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Warning! You should also be wary of continued use because it can become addictive and produce withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it. If drinking valerian tea, do so only occasionally.  
When making Valerian tea, do not use boiling water.  You can decrease its potency; just use hot water. 

Echinacea Tea

Want to be able to strengthen your immune system and better fight off viruses like that flu?  Or course you do.  That’s why you should try to drink Echinacea tea regularly.  This tea stimulates your T cells and helps boost interferon production; both essential parts of immune functioning. Echinacea should not be taken daily, but you can safely drink Echinacea tea whenever you feel a cold coming on, or you just need a boost to your immune system. I love Celestial Seasonings' Echinacea Wellness tea - it tastes great, and is lovely when you have a cold, or are fighting one off.

Note: A few people may be allergic to Echinacea, so if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction or an asthma attack, discontinue use and see a doctor immediately. 

Herbal tea (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hawthorn Tea

If you’re looking for a natural, effective way to help improve your heart function and circulation, you may want to try hawthorn tea.  This herb has been known to help the heart, relieve blood pressure problems, lower cholesterol, and improve circulation.  It’s also an antioxidant which means it helps prevent cancer and improves overall health.

If used properly, herbal teas can be a great way to naturally improve your health and help you live a happier life.  If you benefit from these teas, there are many other options that you can try to maintain good health.

NOTE: Before drinking herbal teas, taking herbal supplements, or taking any medications, you should talk to your doctor.  Herbs can have side effects, complications, and drug interactions; just like prescription meds.  You doctor will be able to tell you if it’s safe for you to use certain herbs or not.   

More Natural Flu Remedies

Every year the flu season comes and goes.  Many hold their breath and hope they don’t get it while others choose inoculation.  Unfortunately, inoculation and hope don’t always protect us from getting the flu.  And if you do get the flu, it can knock you down for up to two weeks.  The good news is that there are several tried and true natural flu remedies.  Let’s take a look at a few of them:

Main symptoms of influenza. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hydrogen Peroxide

Some studies have shown that the flu virus enters the body through the ear canals.  If you’re able to catch your symptoms within the first few hours, try placing a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in each ear every few hours.  The peroxide kills the virus before it has the opportunity to multiply and really take hold.  You may still have flu symptoms for a few days however, that’s much better than the standard two-week recovery period. (I use this regularly anytime I feel like I'm getting sick, and usually I'm better with 3 days or so - not sure if it's due to this remedy or not, but it's a nice change from 1-2 weeks down!) And a bottle of peroxide is pennies compared to flu shots or even most over the counter medications (which only treat symptoms - not the flu itself).

Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver, a liquid suspension of microscopic particles of silver, is used as a natural antibiotic and antiviral.  Practitioners believe it has the ability to essentially eliminate an enzyme that bacteria and viruses need to survive in your body.  Like hydrogen peroxide, the best time to use colloidal silver is right when you first notice flu-like symptoms. 

Elderberry

Elderberry, an antioxidant, is commonly used to boost immunity however, studies also show it may work as an antiviral.  This means during flu season elderberry supplements, such as elderberry juice, syrup or capsules, may be able to help you avoid the flu and if you do catch the flu, elderberry may help shorten your recovery time. 

Oscillococcinum. (Photo credit: Paul Jacobson)

Oscillococcinum

Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic product that's manufactured in France and sold in health food stores around the world – particularly during flu season.  Homeopathic comes from the principle that “like cures like." Oscillococcinum is made from extremely diluted parts of the hearts and livers of ducks, which are believed to be particularly vulnerable to influenza viruses. Oscillococcinum is used to shorten the duration of the flu once you’ve caught it - it does not prevent the flu. 

Echinacea

Echinacea, an herbal remedy most often used to prevent and treat colds and flu, has been shown to shorten the duration for flu sufferers.  There are many types of Echinacea, but the leaves, flowers, stems and roots of Echinacea purpurea seem to have the most effect.  It’s typically recommended to take Echinacea, usually in capsule form, every two to three hours immediately after recognizing symptoms.   See Monday's post for more on Echinacea.

North American Ginseng

 “North American ginseng" is a popular natural flu remedy used to shorten the duration of the flu.  However, Ginseng also comes with some serious potential side effects including negative interactions with many pharmaceuticals, estrogenic properties, which can complicate hormone related conditions and other symptoms, and side effects that may cause heart complications among other things.

With any herbs, it’s important to check with your doctor to make sure there aren’t any adverse reactions with any medications you may be on.  Having the flu is one of the most miserable experiences, so it’s nice to know there are so many natural flu remedies available to lessen the symptoms and help you recover as quickly as possible. Keep an eye on this blog throughout cold and flu season for more tips for boosting your immune system and maximizing your health this winter!

Enhancing Your Immune System with Echinacea

As the cold and flu season approaches and media tries to find a new flu virus to promote drugs for, you may be wondering what you can do to improve your immune system naturally.  After all, no one wants to get sick.  The good news is that there are very simple and natural things you can do to start enhancing your immune system right now.

One of the best ways is to take Echinacea.  In fact, according to a study reported on MayoClinic.com, a 2006 study found that the likelihood of experiencing a clinical cold was 55% higher with placebo than with Echinacea.  Here are some tips on using one of nature’s finest additions to your medicine cabinet.

Echinacea purpurea 'Maxima' (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

#1.  Forms of Echinacea 

Echinacea is a relative of the common coneflower.  Echinacea purpurea herb is considered to be the most potent Echinacea species.  They’re actually quite pretty and can be grown in your home garden.  However, eating the flower isn’t going to give you the immune-boosting effects you need.  It is the root of this plant which is said to hold the powerful properties. 

You can take Echinacea in the form of:

* Tea
* Juice
* Extracts
* Capsule or powder, supplement form

You may also find Echinacea as part of an immune booster supplement

#2.  Be aware of its limitations and side effects

Not everyone can take Echinacea, however.  Some people can be allergic and suffer side effects.  This is particularly the case if you’re allergic to ragweed, marigolds and daisies, and chrysanthemums.  These side effects and complications can include:

* Rash
* Asthma
* Anaphylaxis
* Gastrointestinal side effects

(Photo credit: ktpupp)

#3.  Make it part of a routine - but not TOO routine

To take Echinacea, you might think you should include it in your daily vitamin routine. If you feel a cold coming on and rush to drink Echinacea tea, sometimes it may be too late.  However, it is not recommended to take Echinacea daily indefinitely. Instead, first make sure the supplement is safe for use for you - speak with your doctor if you’re unsure, and then find a form that appeals to you. It may be that you absolutely love the tea or perhaps a simple supplemental capsule better meets your needs.

Try taking it every month just for a few days in a row, during cold and flu season. And of course take it right away at the first sign of feeling something coming on. Sometimes you might not always recognize these signs, so pay attention for times when you feel tired or lethargic for no apparent reason, or notice mild symptoms like a dry throat or night-time congestion, and give your immune system an extra boost at these times with a few days of Echinacea.

Echinacea is an herb that is still being studied for its immune-boosting properties.  In the struggle to stay healthy and cold free this winter, it may be the best natural weapon you have.  Take precautions, plan ahead and stay healthy!