Top 10 Herbal Teas for Medicinal Use

Over 120 chemical components are found in Valerian and although a very complex herb, it has not been found to have any negative side effects with moderate use.

Proven Clinically Effective for:

Sleep Aid (can be used in combination with lemon balm)
At least two double-blind studies have demonstrated that Valerian extract can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes people to fall asleep without changing the normal stages of sleep.

Documented research has noted a mild hypnotic action in both normal sleepers and insomniacs, indicated by a beneficial effect on sleep latency, wake-time after sleep, frequency of waking, nocturnal motor activity, inner restlessness and tension and quality of sleep. Sleepiness and dream recall the morning after were unaffected.

Anxiety
Valerian is also used as a mild tranquilizer for people experiencing emotional stress, much as anti-anxiety drugs are prescribed and has been prescribed for exhaustion. Valerian has occasionally been tried as part of a program to take a patient off antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Dosing Infusion:
0.5 to 1 tsp dried root in 1 cup water.
Sleep aid: Drink 1 cup tea before bed.
Anxiety: Drink 1 cup tea 3 times per day.
* It may take 2-4 weeks before effects of Valerian on sleep are observed. Not intended for short term therapy.

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Cinnamon is a herb traditionally used by many ancient cultures.

True cinnamon, or Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, is the inner bark of a small evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka and was used in ancient Egypt for embalming. It was also added to food to prevent spoiling. During the Bubonic Plague, sponges were soaked in cinnamon and cloves and placed in sick rooms. Cinnamon was the most sought after spice during explorations of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Proven Clinically Effective for:

Blood Sugar:
Lowering blood glucose, LDL, cholesterol, and Tri-Glycerides. Some studies have shown that Cinnamon helps people with diabetes metabolize sugar better. In adult-onset (Type II) diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin, but the body can't use it efficiently to break down blood sugar.

The US Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland found that Cinnamon enhances the ability of insulin to metabolize glucose, helping to control blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains the anti-oxidant glutathione and a type of flavonoid called MHCP (methylhydroxy chalcone polymer). It is believed that cinnamon makes fat cells more responsive to insulin, (the hormone that regulates sugar metabolism) and thus controls glucose levels in the blood.

GI: flatulence, appetite stimulant, diarrhea. Cinnamon extracts have been used to treat gastrointestinal problems and to help calm the stomach. Cinnamon is a carminative, an agent that helps break up intestinal gas that has traditionally been used to combat diarrhea and morning sickness. Both test-tube and animal studies have found that cinnamon may help to relieve mild abdominal discomfort caused by excess gas.

Dosing Infusion:
0.5 to 3 tsp cinnamon bark in 1 cup water for 5 min. Drink 1 cup tea daily. (may steep black teabag with bark for flavor if desired)

Motherwort has been used for centuries in herbal remedies for childbirth and menopausal symptoms.

Proven Clinically Effective for:

Amenorrhea
The herb contains a chemical called leonurine, which encourages uterine contractions. Motherwort is also claimed to be an emmenagogue, or an agent that promotes menstrual flow. It has been used for centuries to regulate the menstrual cycle and to treat menopausal and menstrual complaints.

Hyperthyroidism
Motherwort may correct heart palpitations that sometimes accompany thyroid disease and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Cardiac insufficiency, tachycardia, arrhythmias
Motherwort injections recently were shown to prevent the formation of blood clots, which, of course, improves blood flow and reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other diseases. It is good for hypertension because it relaxes blood vessels and calms nerves.

* Do NOT take with Digitalis

Dosing Infusion:
2 to 3 tsp dried stems, leaves, flowers in 1 cup water for 5-10 min. Drink 1 cup tea 3 times per day.

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According to myth, Hades had developed a lust for a water nymph named Minthe. Hade's wife Persephone found out and angrily transformed Minthe into a plant to be trampled on. Hades could not undo the spell, but he was able to ease it by giving Minthe a wonderfully sweet fragrance, which would be released whenever her leaves were trampled on.

Proven Clinically Effective for:

Digestive Problems
Peppermint is a carminative -- an agent that dispels gas and bloating in the digestive system -- and an antispasmodic capable of relieving stomach and intestinal cramps. Peppermint can be used for too much stomach acid (hyperacidity) and gastroenteritis (nausea and stomach upset), and it is safe for infants with colic.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Enteric coated peppermint extract pills are better tolerated and recommended instead of tea in IBS patients.

Tension Headache
Peppermint can help relieve some headaches, and you can rub peppermint oil onto the temples or scalp for a comforting therapy.

Dosing Infusion:
1 to 2 tsp dried leaves in 1 cup water for 5 minutes. (for IBS, consider tablets, 200mg 3 times per day)

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The Latin name, "Rosmarinus'means "dew of the sea". It was so called because it grew around the Mediterranean and became associated in ancient Rome with Venus, the Goddess of Love, who was supposed to have sprung from sea foam.

Proven Clinically Effective for:

Dyspepsia
Its antispasmodic effects enable it to relax smooth muscle tissue so rosemary is quite good for digestive problems.

Liver and gall bladder complaints
Rosemary Tea stimulates the liver and digestion.

Cough and asthma
Asthma may be relieved by rosemary, which can open the lungs narrowed by a histamine reaction.

Dosing Infusion:
2 to 3 tsp crushed leaves in 1 cup water for 5-10 min. Drink 1 cup tea, 3 times per day.

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