HEALING TEAS (PART 2)

As promised, here is the second part of the healing teas series. These provide you with wonderful benefits and positively impact your health in an effective and affordable way!

1. Cinnamon: antibacterial , antiviral and anti-fungal. Increases blood flow improving circulation, reduces nausea, stops vomiting, relieves stomach upset, bloating, gas and indigestion, relieves sore throat, reduces cold symptoms and warms the body when suffering from chills. It has compounds that provide anticoagulant effects, but remember that blood clots are a serious (sometimes fatal) condition, and I recommend you to not use herbal remedies without consulting with your doctor first. It’s anti-inflammatory properties are useful for arthritis and other conditions fueled by inflammation. Helps lower blood sugar, because it contains a water soluble polyphenol compound called MHCP that improves how the body uses insulin. The antioxidants present in cinnamon stimulate the immune system and fights off the damage caused by free radicals. It’s aroma stimulates brain activity, resulting in increased cognitive ability, memory and alertness.

2. Lemongrass: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal. Relieves digestive ailments and fluid retention, improves circulation and dilates blood vessels. It is often served after dinner as a digestive. Used to relieve certain respiratory conditions including sore throat and laryngitis, it has earned a reputation for its antipyretic properties that reduce fever. It’s a potent analgesic that helps relieve muscle spasms, abdominal pain, headaches, joint discomfort, digestive tract spasms, cramps, stomach pain, among other things. This herb has also been associated with increasing the body's ability to repair damaged connective tissue such as cartilage, ligaments and tendons, and therefore is recommended for this type of injury. Some sources claim that has antidepressant properties and is beneficial for calming the nervous system, anxiety and stress. As it inhibits the growth of bacteria and yeast, it’s used to help treat gastrointestinal infections and aids with constipation. Contributes to the health of the pancreas and liver, helping the body eliminate toxins. Because of it’s high contents of vitamin A, citronella helps clarify the skin, contributes to the improvement of acne and fights skin infections.

3. Turmeric: I take this powerful root every day, adding pieces in my smoothies, juices, in my tea and using the powdered version in my meals. Several studies have found that curcumin (a flavonoid in turmeric), has a potent anti-inflammatory effect throughout the body (excellent for arthritis), which is on par with drugs like cortisone (I'm not exaggerating). It’s a blood purifier and because of it’s mild anti-platelet activity, I have read that prevents blood clots, a major risk factor for heart attack and strokes. Increases the formation of red blood cells, reduces bad cholesterol, prevents plaque from building up on artery walls and improves circulation. Stimulates liver and bile production, reduces reflux, heartburn, colon spasms (excellent for those suffering from IBS), gas, indigestion and gallstones. Helps reduce inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s, blocking the substance responsible for the accumulation of plaque (beta-amyloid), delaying symptoms and allowing the brain to maintain their functions. It’s antioxidant, antimicrobial and is related to the prevention of cancer.

4. Rosemary: this tea is stimulating and has properties that soothe pain, commonly used for headaches and rheumatism. It improves circulation and helps focus and concentration, stimulates the digestive system and when cooled, can be used as a mouthwash, as it’s excellent in fighting oral bacteria. Is an antispasmodic, which is beneficial for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems. Also used to soothe sore muscles. Rosemary contains carnosic acid, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects neurons from free radical damage. It’s important that this tea is not consumed regularly by pregnant women or ladies experiencing menstrual problems, since it stimulates the uterus. Also consuming high amounts of rosemary on a daily basis, can cause vomiting, spasms or fluid in the lungs. Rosemary may also interact with certain pharmaceutical drugs such as lithium and diuretics, among other things. So if you take any medicine, please consult with your doctor.

5. Thyme: reduces cough, calms asthma and bronchitis thanks to it’s relaxing effects and bronchodilators. It promotes good digestion and removes gases. Contains high amounts of iron, manganese and vitamin K. It’s also antibacterial and anti-fungal. Some sources claim that gargling with warm thyme tea helps fight inflammation and pus from tonsillitis. It’s not recommended to take more than a cup of this tea a day.

6. Rosehip: one of the best vegetable sources of vitamin C, which is important to strengthen our immune system, skin, tissue and adrenal function. It’s an antibacterial, astringent (when used topically), diuretic and refreshing tea, and has detoxifying properties. On the other hand, is rich in flavonoids, and therefore has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and rejuvenating effects; and according to some sources, it's excellent at preventing cancer. This tea is also very good for headaches, dizziness, fever and cough. It can also have positive effects on the cardiovascular system, lowering LDL cholesterol in the blood. It has analgesic properties, which is ideal for people suffering from arthritis. Helps to have better digestion, soothing colics, diarrhea and stomach pains. It also aids in fighting urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder problems. Improves adrenal function, increases energy and promotes healthy tissues and cells. Don't use if you are taking anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinners.

7. Green Tea: full of antioxidants, this tea may help prevent atherosclerosis, reduces inflammation associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and the two types of IBD; prevents cold symptoms, helps regulate glucose levels, works in the lining of blood vessels helping to withstand changes in blood pressure, and protecting against clot formation. It also lowers LDL or "bad" cholesterol in the body. Increases metabolism and aids with weight loss, mainly because the polyphenol found in green tea intensifies levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which the body converts food calories (helps burn fat). The antioxidant catechin contained in the tea, is a strong antibacterial and antiviral agent that makes it effective in treating everything. Reduces anxiety and increases dopamine levels in the brain. Prevents Alzheimer's and Parkinson 's disease, thanks to the protective effects of catechin on neurons. Unfortunately I have a sensitivity to green tea and cannot drink it regularly but I definitely recommend it. It’s an excellent alternative to coffee and gives you a little stimulation but with great benefits.

8. Fennel: dear fennel, I love you in all your shapes and forms, and could drink you with apple juice forever! Usually I add bits to my smoothies, and drink fennel seed tea when I have episodes of IBS. If there is an area that this fellow has proved effective, is in relieving stomach and intestinal problems, reducing gases and flatulence. Also for indigestion, excess stomach acid and as an antispasmodic. Promotes milk production in nursing women (ask your doctor), increases libido and has mild qualities that simulate estrogen, so sometimes is used to treat hormonal problems in traditional Chinese medicine. Used to treat angina, asthma, high blood pressure, coughs and respiratory infections. It's a fever reducer and pain reliever. Some say that gargling with warm fennel tea reduces hoarseness and throat pain. It also promotes the production of bile, is a diuretic, calms dry coughs, bronchitis and reduces fever.

Remember if you have any medical conditions, are being treated with any drugs or are pregnant, ask your doctor if you can drink any of these powerful herbs.

With Love,

Romina

PS: The photo in this post was not taken by me.