Power Teas In eighth-century China, people began making healing drinks
of “Leaves of a bush” as described much later by visiting Hollanders.
Tea began as medicine, and we can enjoy using it that way today, as both
a soothing beverage and a healing medicine.
Teas contain active, nourishing agents that can help heal and may actually help to prevent disease. Disease-fighting catechins are found in ordinary green, oolong or black teas. Even mild herbal teas like lemon balm or nettles are rich in nutrients such as bioflavonoids, carotenes, minerals, and vitamins. Mild, herbal teas are the safest form of enjoying herbs and can provide many benefits with no side effects. Herbalist and author Susan Weed describes nourishing herbal teas such as red clover, lemon balm, nettles, alfalfa, and chamomile as “nourishing foods, just as leafy greens, garlic, and carrots are.”
Teas contain active, nourishing agents that can help heal and may actually help to prevent disease. Disease-fighting catechins are found in ordinary green, oolong or black teas. Even mild herbal teas like lemon balm or nettles are rich in nutrients such as bioflavonoids, carotenes, minerals, and vitamins. Mild, herbal teas are the safest form of enjoying herbs and can provide many benefits with no side effects. Herbalist and author Susan Weed describes nourishing herbal teas such as red clover, lemon balm, nettles, alfalfa, and chamomile as “nourishing foods, just as leafy greens, garlic, and carrots are.”
The quality of the teas you brew will only be as good as the raw
materials or packaged product you select. Christopher Hobbs, author and
herbalist, reminds us to “choose products that contain organically grown
herbs.” I usually recommend that people begin exploring herbal teas by
purchasing organic packaged teas and following the brewing instruction
with care. The teas I have recommended as Power Teas are gently
nourishing. Herbs can be potent, and using some of them requires the
help of an herbalist or other professional. None of those types of herbs
is recommended here. Teas can be wonderful tools in improving our
health. They can calm, soothe, revitalize, cleanse, and in some cases,
even offer potent protection against breast and other cancers. This
chapter includes my favorite teas that I rely on – my “power teas.”
Herbal Teas: Rich Sources of Vitamins and Minerals
Phytosterols in herbs balance hormones and are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. In fact, the vitamins and minerals in herbs are assimilated more efficiently than those from supplements.
Phytosterols are plant hormones that provide hormonal building blocks, allowing the body to produce both the amount and combination of hormones needed. It is nor necessary to know the exact amount to consume. Phytosterols also support the liver. Some of my favorite phytosterol rich herbs are red clover, dandelion, nettle, and sage.
Nettles. I am drinking a fortifying cup of nettles tea as I write this. It is pleasantly bitter, and very satisfying. Nettles is one of the most potent sources of calcium and other minerals, and is nourishing and cleansing. It contains silicon, boron, magnesium , and potassium, as well as chlorophyll, carotenes, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B comples, and flavonoids. Nettles is excellent for the adrenal and endocrine glands, and for relieving allergies.
Dandelion. This powerful tea is useful in protecting, cleansing, and regenerating the liver. I love dandelion root tea in the winter, and the lighter, leaf tea during the spring and summer. Modern research has confirmed that traditional use of dandelion is especially effective for preventing and treating breast and other cancers. Dandelion’s roots and leaves are rich in minerals for a liver cleanse, combine 1 part dandelion roots and leaves with 10 parts water. Simmer for 20 minutes, steep for 10, and drink 1 cup two to five times a day. Dandelion root concentrate can be added to a cup of hot water or tea to promote liver health.
Red clover. This tea is rich in anticancer genistein, especially protective for breast and other cancers. It also helps the lymphatic system cleanse the body and bloodstream of toxins.
Flor-essence. Available in health food stores, this tea contains re clover, burdock root, and other cleansing herbs.
Lemon balm. A relaxing, nighttime tea, lemon balm strengthens the liver, is a source of abundant antioxidants, and helps relives headaches.
Sage. Great for alleviating hot flashes, sage also helps depression, nervousness, mood swings, and headaches. It is excellent for women going through menopause. Women report that sage tea at night is effective at relieving night sweats. Make sage tea and drink throughout the day. Also helpful in strengthening the liver, sage is rich in minerals and antioxidants.
Chamomile. Known as a wonderfully relaxing herb, chamomile is also antibacterial, antiseptic, and has antinausea properties. It also has antinflammatory properties, so it may be beneficial for people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism. What I like best about chamomile is that it provides a calming energy in the day, so if I’am under stress, I can drink chamomile tea without becoming sleepy. At night, however, chamomile tea imparts that “ready for a good night’s sleep” feeling, especially when you drink a cup while in a lavender bath.
Peppermint. This tea has been used since Ancient Egyptian times as a digestive, and for good reason. It is extremely effective at relieving digestive problems ranging from indigestion to stomach cramps from mild food poisoning. Always have peppermint tea on hand in your own kitchen.
TIP: investigate Flora’s line of herbal teas for the highest quality herbs.
Green. When discussing breast health, green tea belongs in special category all by itself. I try to drink one cup of green tea each day because of the extensive research showing how this potent beverage stops the initiation and growth of breast cance. Green tea has been found to be the most protective against breast (and other) cancers, followed by oolong and then black tea. Green tea protects DNA from cell damage and helps to rebuild already damaged DNA. Having powerful anticancer properties, it inhibits tumor promotion and proliferation by reducing the adhesion ability of the tumor cell surface. Green tea is especially effective in preventing and treating esophageal, lung, stomach and skin cancers. It is rich in polyphenols and epigallorachin gallate (EGCG), chemical that can neutralize the free radical associated with cancer. Green tea is also a rich source of antioxidants, and can be measured in the blood us to eight hours after it is comsumed. The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy reported in August 1998 that researchers in London found green tea extracts may boost the activity of antibiotics against bacteria.
TIP:Green tea contains caffeine, so be carful not to drink to much of it during the day, or at all in the evening
Kukicha. This calcium-rich Japanese tea, which is very popular in macrobiotics, contains more calcium per cup than milk. Kukicha tea is made from the twigs of the plant, as opposed to the leaves. Because most of the caffeine in tea is found in the leaves. Kukicha (“twig tea”) is relatively low in caffeine. Be sure to purchase only organic Kukicha tea, because many pesticides are used in the farming of teas in Japan. And throughout the world.
Lotus root. Valued in Asian folk medicine as a tonic for the lungs, it can be helpful in cleansing the lungs when there are respiratory problems of any kind.
Ume extract. Unripe Japanese ume plums are pressed carefully to extract the juice, which is then cooked for about a day to concentrate it. Ume concentrate is salt-free and can absorb and neutralize several hundred times its weight in acid. It also possesses antioxidant properties. Ume extract is wonderful to have on hand for headaches, nausea, or constipation.
Ume was first produced on a commercial basis in Japan in the mid-1920s. At that time, the Japanese Army and Navy officially used it as in antiseptic to guard against food poisoning, dysentery, and other illnesses. Ume extract is effective for both constipation and diarrhea. It increases. Ume extract is effective for both constipation and diarrhea. It increases or decreases bacterial action when necessary to reestablish the proper balance and restore normal bowel movement. It has both the capacity to suppress breeding of bacteria in the small intestine that leads to diarrhea and to promore bacterial growh to aid bowel movements. Simply add ¼ teaspoon of ume plum extract to 1 full cap of tea (I recommend Kukicha tea.) Stir and drink. If you like sweet teas and are used to artificial sweeteners. Stevia contains no calories and is a much healthier choice. Be careful, because this dark green leaf from Paraguay is twenty-five times sweeter than sugar. Use only 1/8 teaspoon of stevia per cup or glass of tea. Amazingly, stevia can be used by people with hypoglycemia. If you use a chemical, calorie-free sweetener, make the switch to natural stevia. The Japanese have researched stevia’s safety and effectiveness, and have been using it since the 1970s
Herbal Teas: Rich Sources of Vitamins and Minerals
Phytosterols in herbs balance hormones and are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. In fact, the vitamins and minerals in herbs are assimilated more efficiently than those from supplements.
Phytosterols are plant hormones that provide hormonal building blocks, allowing the body to produce both the amount and combination of hormones needed. It is nor necessary to know the exact amount to consume. Phytosterols also support the liver. Some of my favorite phytosterol rich herbs are red clover, dandelion, nettle, and sage.
Nettles. I am drinking a fortifying cup of nettles tea as I write this. It is pleasantly bitter, and very satisfying. Nettles is one of the most potent sources of calcium and other minerals, and is nourishing and cleansing. It contains silicon, boron, magnesium , and potassium, as well as chlorophyll, carotenes, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B comples, and flavonoids. Nettles is excellent for the adrenal and endocrine glands, and for relieving allergies.
Dandelion. This powerful tea is useful in protecting, cleansing, and regenerating the liver. I love dandelion root tea in the winter, and the lighter, leaf tea during the spring and summer. Modern research has confirmed that traditional use of dandelion is especially effective for preventing and treating breast and other cancers. Dandelion’s roots and leaves are rich in minerals for a liver cleanse, combine 1 part dandelion roots and leaves with 10 parts water. Simmer for 20 minutes, steep for 10, and drink 1 cup two to five times a day. Dandelion root concentrate can be added to a cup of hot water or tea to promote liver health.
Red clover. This tea is rich in anticancer genistein, especially protective for breast and other cancers. It also helps the lymphatic system cleanse the body and bloodstream of toxins.
Flor-essence. Available in health food stores, this tea contains re clover, burdock root, and other cleansing herbs.
Lemon balm. A relaxing, nighttime tea, lemon balm strengthens the liver, is a source of abundant antioxidants, and helps relives headaches.
Sage. Great for alleviating hot flashes, sage also helps depression, nervousness, mood swings, and headaches. It is excellent for women going through menopause. Women report that sage tea at night is effective at relieving night sweats. Make sage tea and drink throughout the day. Also helpful in strengthening the liver, sage is rich in minerals and antioxidants.
Chamomile. Known as a wonderfully relaxing herb, chamomile is also antibacterial, antiseptic, and has antinausea properties. It also has antinflammatory properties, so it may be beneficial for people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism. What I like best about chamomile is that it provides a calming energy in the day, so if I’am under stress, I can drink chamomile tea without becoming sleepy. At night, however, chamomile tea imparts that “ready for a good night’s sleep” feeling, especially when you drink a cup while in a lavender bath.
Peppermint. This tea has been used since Ancient Egyptian times as a digestive, and for good reason. It is extremely effective at relieving digestive problems ranging from indigestion to stomach cramps from mild food poisoning. Always have peppermint tea on hand in your own kitchen.
TIP: investigate Flora’s line of herbal teas for the highest quality herbs.
Green. When discussing breast health, green tea belongs in special category all by itself. I try to drink one cup of green tea each day because of the extensive research showing how this potent beverage stops the initiation and growth of breast cance. Green tea has been found to be the most protective against breast (and other) cancers, followed by oolong and then black tea. Green tea protects DNA from cell damage and helps to rebuild already damaged DNA. Having powerful anticancer properties, it inhibits tumor promotion and proliferation by reducing the adhesion ability of the tumor cell surface. Green tea is especially effective in preventing and treating esophageal, lung, stomach and skin cancers. It is rich in polyphenols and epigallorachin gallate (EGCG), chemical that can neutralize the free radical associated with cancer. Green tea is also a rich source of antioxidants, and can be measured in the blood us to eight hours after it is comsumed. The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy reported in August 1998 that researchers in London found green tea extracts may boost the activity of antibiotics against bacteria.
TIP:Green tea contains caffeine, so be carful not to drink to much of it during the day, or at all in the evening
Kukicha. This calcium-rich Japanese tea, which is very popular in macrobiotics, contains more calcium per cup than milk. Kukicha tea is made from the twigs of the plant, as opposed to the leaves. Because most of the caffeine in tea is found in the leaves. Kukicha (“twig tea”) is relatively low in caffeine. Be sure to purchase only organic Kukicha tea, because many pesticides are used in the farming of teas in Japan. And throughout the world.
Lotus root. Valued in Asian folk medicine as a tonic for the lungs, it can be helpful in cleansing the lungs when there are respiratory problems of any kind.
Ume extract. Unripe Japanese ume plums are pressed carefully to extract the juice, which is then cooked for about a day to concentrate it. Ume concentrate is salt-free and can absorb and neutralize several hundred times its weight in acid. It also possesses antioxidant properties. Ume extract is wonderful to have on hand for headaches, nausea, or constipation.
Ume was first produced on a commercial basis in Japan in the mid-1920s. At that time, the Japanese Army and Navy officially used it as in antiseptic to guard against food poisoning, dysentery, and other illnesses. Ume extract is effective for both constipation and diarrhea. It increases. Ume extract is effective for both constipation and diarrhea. It increases or decreases bacterial action when necessary to reestablish the proper balance and restore normal bowel movement. It has both the capacity to suppress breeding of bacteria in the small intestine that leads to diarrhea and to promore bacterial growh to aid bowel movements. Simply add ¼ teaspoon of ume plum extract to 1 full cap of tea (I recommend Kukicha tea.) Stir and drink. If you like sweet teas and are used to artificial sweeteners. Stevia contains no calories and is a much healthier choice. Be careful, because this dark green leaf from Paraguay is twenty-five times sweeter than sugar. Use only 1/8 teaspoon of stevia per cup or glass of tea. Amazingly, stevia can be used by people with hypoglycemia. If you use a chemical, calorie-free sweetener, make the switch to natural stevia. The Japanese have researched stevia’s safety and effectiveness, and have been using it since the 1970s
