Handy Medicinal Teas

By Bek Walker, Naturopath

There’s something so soothing about the ritual of making tea, and taking the time to enjoy a nice hot cup of it, don’t you think?

Well, if you’re not already into it, herbal teas come with some extra benefits and qualities that can be wonderful aids in times of unwellness or general lowness.

Here are some of my favourite medicinal teas that are great to have handy!

Ginger
If you are feeling chilly, try a cup of ginger tea to warm you up!  Ginger root tea is useful for temporary cases of feeling cold, such as if you feel yourself coming down with a  cold, as well as if you suffer from poor circulation generally.  It can also be a great way to start the day, as it gets your whole system going, and stimulates and soothes digestion and nausea.   Regular use of ginger tea can also help to regulate menstruation and alleviate menstrual cramps.

Cinnamon & Raspberry leaf
This is a great one for cases of gastroenteritis.  Sipped regularly through a bout of gastro, not only does this help to maintain hydration, but the tannins in this tea have a direct antiviral action in the gut, with additional astringent properties that help to ease diarrhoea and soothe and heal the gut lining.  Best had without any sweetener or with a natural sweetener such as stevia, as sugar will have an osmotic effect that could exacerbate diarrhoea.

Calendula
A wonderful tea for where there is lymphatic congestion, resulting in such issues as skin problems and menstrual issues.  In fact, Calendula is known to have a particular affinity for clearing pelvic congestion, often helping to regulate menstruation and ease excessive menstrual bleeding.

Yarrow, Elder & Peppermint
A great tea for the common cold.  This combination of herbs is great for helping to clear upper respiratory congestion, and useful for where there is also fever.  It also supports the healing of the mucous membranes that line our respiratory tract.

Nettle
A very nutritive and cleansing tea.  Nettle is full of vitamins and minerals including iron, so makes a wonderful tea for someone lacking in energy and vitality.  It also helps to gently detoxify the system, and so can be beneficial in all sorts of skin conditions.

Roasted Dandelion Root
Dandelion root is a great alternative to coffee.  It has an earthy bitter flavour and can be enjoyed with milk or milk substitute if desired.  Dandelion root tea can help ease indigestion, support good digestion generally and promote good liver health.

So if you are yet to try any of these, why not look into adding one or two of these to your pantry this winter!