The name Lemongrass gives away the fundamentals of the herb. It’s a grassy plant with a lemony flavor, but it tastes milder and sweeter. Lemongrass, also called fever grass, is a perennial plant with thin, long leaves that is indigenous to many Asian countries. This herb is used in various Asian cuisines as a flavoring agent due to its potent flavor. This herb is accessible from just about any ethnic shop, health food store, online marketplace, or even within the aisle of many supermarkets. It contains antibacterial, curative, and antioxidant properties that make lemongrass a great alternative for a broad spectral range of common ailments.
Nutritionally, lemongrass is a good source of vitamins A and C, folate, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and manganese. It also has minute traces of B vitamins.
Along with its culinary uses, lemongrass is useful in alternative or complementary remedies for a wide range of ailments.
1) Its Anti-septic
Some research suggests that the antiseptic properties of lemongrass to be more powerful than penicillin and streptomycin when used as a treatment for staph infections. Kathi Keville of the American Herb Association says that if used as a compress or a wash, that lemon grass combats various kinds of skin infections and infected sores due to these antiseptic properties.
2) Has Plenty of Antioxidants
Unstable free radicals interact together with the DNA and proteins of the cells in your system. These interactions can lead to chronic diseases like Alzheimers and cancer. The antioxidants in lemongrass have been shown to stop these reactions.
3) Fights off Infections
While clinical trials are essential to demonstrate these advantages conclusively, the Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases published an article showing how lemongrass can help to stop the growth of certain infections. The study also shows that lemongrass may treat fungal infections, but says that more clinical trials are necessary.
4) Anti-inflammatory
Research conducted by the Indian Institute of Toxicology found lemon grass extracts to be a successful remedy for inflammation. The powerful anti-oxidants in lemon grass reduced oxidative stress in mitochondrial membranes, investigators in the study claim.
5) It is an Oil Combatant
Lemon grass is commonly used within the cosmetics industry. It is found mainly in deodorants, soaps, and colognes not only for the pleasant and fresh aroma but also for its practical advantages. Mixing in 10-20 drops of the oil into a facial wash or conditioner, for example, would help with acne or oily hair as it helps to cut down on the production of oils. Be aware that some people might experience some skin irritation with this use.
6) Helps Heart Problems
Lemongrass can help to dilate and relax the walls of the body’s blood vessels.This may decrease the risk of hypertension as well as other related cardiovascular diseases.
7) Lowers Cholesterol
Based on a university study, lemongrass tea may possess a cholesterol-lowering effect. Consult with your physician prior to your use of lemongrass to deal with high cholesterol to see if it would work for your particular needs.
8) Deals With Stress
The volatile oils of lemongrass also demonstrate significant anti-stress action by regulating particular neuroreceptors when applied to mental performance. These results were found in lab animals and have not been yet been tested for people. As such, consult a physician before using lemongrass extracts to deal with stress.
9) Fights Cancer
A study published in PubMed states that lemongrass extracts can cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in certain cancer cell lines. Nevertheless, these gains haven’t been analyzed in patients, and much more research is necessary before lemongrass extracts may be used for cancer treatment, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Possible Side Effects of Lemongrass
Lemongrass isn’t connected with any bothersome or significant side effects when taken internally in recommended dosages. Cases are reported, however, by which individuals have developed skin rashes after drinking lemongrass tea. Those with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to lemongrass should be sure to avoid it. Lemongrass, along with other essential oils could cause allergic contact skin responses in certain individuals.
Lemongrass might lower blood glucose levels. Blood sugar levels might have to become monitored with a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments might be crucial if this happens. Lemongrass could cause minor increases in liver function tests, as well. Lemongrass is not to be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Because it tends to raise body heat, most people should avoid drinking lemongrass tea in surplus. Make sure that you consult a physician before you begin taking this herb if you’re experiencing any ailment. Promptly cease taking it in the event that you feel any side effect after using this herb.
Lemongrass is quite popular and should be found in many stores which carry natural health products. It can be found in tea, extract oil, cut/sifted, live plant, seeds, and stalk form.
This herbs famous in Malaysia. However the information is useful wherever you are located. It is about a herb for cancer, therefore aptly titled “herbal cancer treatment”. Sabah Snake Grass is an herb grown usually in tropical weather countries, like Malaysia and Thailand. This natural herb that is part of acanthaceae family has a scientific name Clinacanthus nuthans. It is a non-toxic edible plant. Traditionally it has been used in south east asia to treat a variety of sickness. In thailand, it is medically proven for treatment of skin rashes, and herpes, and is also used to cure snake bites. Sabah Snake Grass is known as Dandang Gendis in Indonesia and is used locally to treat patients with kidney failure. In Malaysia, it is known as Belalai Gajah or Sabah Snake Grass, and is famous for having good effects on cancer patients, although it is also used to reduce symptoms of dialysis patients.
Elephant Trunk Leaf / Sabah Snake Grass scientific name Clinacanthus Nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau, recently talked to treat a variety of cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, uterine cancer, high blood pressure, uric acid high, diabetes, dialysis patients, kidney and more.Its been viral on media social about this herbs. It is about this local herb that has cured many cancer patients. But please take notes, this herbs not likely that one method or a single herb can cure everyone of cancer. Each individual is different and the condition of the disease is also different. In this article, I merely like to share the information that some cancer patients have been successful in curing their sicknesses by using this herb. Grass Snake consumption has soared since the publication in Kwong Wah Yit Poh Press on Mr. Liu Hui Lian from Taiping about her incredible story after recovering from cancer after the terminal level using Grass Snake. Many others with chronic diseases such as cancer, heart and kidney problems were cured after taking Snake Grass. Many more users have to fully benefit from the use of the Grass Snake and that has helped cure their suffering. Who knows, someone reading this article may also benefit from this piece of information.
RESEARCH OF BELALAI GAJAH
Scientific Evidence？
Research shows that Clinicanthus Nutans is a kind of edible plant, and it contains extremely high levels of Flavonoids. Clinicanthus Nutans also contains a multitude of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that the body requires. Flavonoids is a substance that has anti-inflammatory effects and anti-oxidative effects. Rutin and Quercetin are the most important type of Flavonoids. Rutin is routinely used for the treatment of gum inflamation and shows good effects. On the other hand, Quercetin can inhibit the negative effects of carcinogens. Soy bean is known to have large abouts of Flavonoids and thus soy bean milk is good for health.
And also according to a study conducted by the Research Institute of Vegetable in Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, the leaves of the elephant's trunk SSG has nutritional value as follows:
• It has a high content of flavonoids, which have antioxidant capabilities in preventing and prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease;
• Contains many important minerals, especially vitamins, more than 45% crude protein and 17 amino acids that give the medics;
• Rich in vitamin C, protein, fiber and minerals that have the effect against free radicals which help prevent cancer;
• Contains mineral phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and other high and some trace elements such as iron;
Elephant Trunk leaves (known as Snake Grass [ "SG"] = Clinacanthus mutans scientific name) is a herb that has been used traditionally to treat insect bites and venomous or poisonous animals and help to:
• ~ reduce suffering from various types of cancers such as lung, breast, prostate, uterus and leukemia;
• ~ reduce uric acid, cholesterol and diabetes;
• ~ reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow;
• ~ improve skin problems such as eczema, shingles and psoriasis;
• ~ reduce the discomfort of dialysis and kidney disease;
• ~ detoxify, heal bruises and swelling.
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Some people use this leaves as "ulam-ulaman",
which is can be eaten in raw. |
Rose hips are a perennial plant with thorny branches that give way to pink and white flowers and scarlet fruits, called “hips.” These rose hips are the ripe ovaries or seeded fruit of roses forming on branches after the flower. They are oval in shape and appear fleshy, shrunken, and wrinkled. Inside the hips are 3 or more small yellow-brown seeds. R. canina is native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate areas of Asia. The fruits (hips) are picked in autumn and used medicinally.
Scientific names: Commonly derived from Rosa canina, R. rugosa, R. acicularis, or R. cinnamomea. Numerous other species of rose have been used for the preparation of rose hips.
Common names: Rose hips also are known as heps and dog rose (R. canina).
Rose hips are typically colored orange or red and resemble a berry. Rose hips are the fruit of rose bushes and, when fresh, can have more than 60 times as much vitamin C as one orange. The rose hips valued for their medicinal use in folk medicine come from two rose varieties: Rosa gallica and Rosa canina, which are native to Asia, Northern Africa and Europe. The medicinal properties of rose hips can be obtained by using them to make teas, syrups and jellies. They are also used to make oils that are used to help the complexion. Rose hips have many culinary uses. They are used in soups, stews, puddings, apple sauce, tarts, breads, pie, jam and marmalade.
However, what makes Rose hips extra special is that it also serves as an herbal medicine and a holistic treatment for a lot of diseases and conditions. Rose hips provide a robust source of vitamin C and are believed to have more vitamin C than any other citrus fruit.
Modern medical scientists have found out that the Rose hips have an anti-inflammatory property that helps patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis, a known condition that causes the breakdown of important joint cartilages that allows bones to rub against other bones thus causing loss of movement and pain during sudden movements.
The scientists have found out that a powder of a wild variety of rose hip known as Rosa canina can be “three times more effective than standard paracetamol” in pain remedy and also highly effective and powerful than glucosamine.
Researchers based in Denmark also reported their conclusion based on a study, that patients who consumed daily a rose powder made from dog rose enjoyed lesser joint pain and stiffness and an overall improvement in posture, mood and well being within 4 months of rose hips treatment. They also gathered that it is because rosehips contain a high amount of antioxidant flavonoids which is known to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
Rose hips also protects from cardiovascular disease and cancer because it contains a high dose of anthocyanins, catechins and other known phytochemicals and polyphenolics that protects the body from cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Rose hips also contain plant sterols, carotenoid pigments and tocotrienols. Aside from these, researchers later found out that Rose hips also contain pectin, a strong soluble fiber that builds a wall that protects against all sorts of cardiovascular diseases. Clinical trials results show that rose hips greatly reduce the effect of C-reactive protein levels that cause cardiovascular diseases thus lowering the possibility of it to happen.
Being a true holistic remedy, rose hips is also used as herbal teas, by letting the crushed or dried rose hips boil for 8-10 minutes. With the rose hips herbal tea, one can add half teaspoon of dried mint for additional flavor and add 2 tablespoons of berries per pint of hot water. Rose hips herbal tea is very effective as an anti-oxidant and helps cleanse the body system with unwanted chemicals and contributes to a smoother blood stream flow.
Other benefits of Rose hip Tea
Disorders and Diseases
Rose hip tea may be used to help treat disorders such as chronic diarrhea, allergies and asthma as well as bronchitis and stress. It's also thought to benefit those with (as well as help prevent) heart disease. Because the pectin in rosehips binds with intestinal fats prior to absorption, it may relieve constipation, cleanse the intestines and help lower cholesterol.
Urinary Tract
Rose hip tea simulates the immune system. As a result, it can help relieve irritation in the urinary tract, particularly given its mild disinfectant properties. Consequently, sometimes is used to treat urinary tract infections.
Cold and Flu Prevention
Thanks to its high vitamin C content, rose hips can be used to prevent and treat colds and flu. The antioxidants and bioflavonoids in rosehips also play a role in boosting the body's immune system response by causing it to attack free radicals.
Rheumatism and Water Retention
Rose hip tea acts as a diuretic, meaning it helps the body eliminate water within body tissue. It also has been used to relieve mild pain associated with rheumatism.
How to grow Rose Hips
Transplanting
Home gardeners don’t start roses from seed, use cuttings or seedlings. Choose a location that will get a lot of sun, and can handle the plants growing to a height close to 5 feet. Roses will grow into a very dense and thorny shrub, so don’t plan on using it too close to any walkways or paths. Brushing up against the rose bush can be unpleasant and prickly.
Dig a hole large enough for the roots of your rose seedling, and plant it to the same depth as it was in its original pot. You don’t need to add any compost or fertilizer, but give it a generous watering.
Containers
Though they can grow into large shrubs, you can certainly grow roses in containers. You will need a large pot, 5 to 10 gallons in size for each rose bush. Water a potted rose a little more often than a garden-planted one, but don’t let it get water-logged. Your container should have very good drainage. Use regular soil without added compost, and even add a little sand to help with draining.
Pests and Diseases
Roses can also suffer from stem cancer, a fungus that usually attacks the stems but can also effect the flowers. You will first notice brown or reddish patches on the stems of your roses, that eventually dry out and leave a shrunken lesion on the branch. If it goes all the way around the stem, the branch will die off above that point.
Fungicides can help, and you can help prevent it with a bit of care. Prune out any dead branches in the shrub and try to remove any that are rubbing against each other. If you do water your roses, do so at the soil not over the leaves. The water will spread the fungus spores.
Whether you are using fungicide or pesticide, make sure you get one intended for edible plants. Buying products for roses may make your hips toxic because the sprays are not formulated for “food plants”. Any products that are labeled for vegetables or fruits will work fine.
Harvest and Storage
Most rose hips will be ripe for picking, orange hips are not quite ripe, but deep red ones are over-ripe. You have to judge the right color in between to get the highest levels of vitamin C. They should be just slightly soft, not mushy.
Use clippers to snip the rose hips off each stem. Spread them out in the sun and let them dry until you notice their skins starting to wrinkle up slightly. You need to slice each hip in half, and scrape out the little seeds. Once the seeds are out, leave the hips to dry out completely.
After they are dried, you can store them in the refrigerator for several months. If you freeze them, they will keep for a year or longer.
Matricaria chamomilla, commonly known as chamomile, German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, wild chamomile or scented mayweed, is an annual plant of the composite family Asteraceae.
Many have noted that Chamomile has a distinctly apple like taste and aroma and in fact the word Chamomile as we have come to know it comes from the ancient Greek word Kamai-melon or ground apple. In Spanish the name for Chamomile is pronounced Manzanilla or "little apple."
Chamomile is used in many traditional remedies today included but not limited to a cure for the common cold, inflammation of the skin, bronchitis, fever and the liver. It is also an appetite stimulator and is also good for gallbladder complaints. One herbal medicine guide has even claimed that you won't have nightmares if you drink chamomile tea before bed.
Chamomile was called the "Plant's Physician in the past because they claimed that it was such a good companion plant. It's been said that if you plant chamomile near a sickly or drooping plant that 9 out of ten times the plant will recover.
Chamomile Tea is one of the most popular herbs in the world and is available in many different forms. The most prominent way in which this herb is relished is as a tisane, or herbal tea, its non-caffeinated herbal concoction made by pouring hot water over the leaves, stems, and roots of plants. You can make your own chamomile tea with other plants like lavender or tulsi to vary the flavor, or drink it alone.
Chamomile has many health benefits, especially for digestion. Chamomile can be used to treat abdominal pain, inflammation of the intestine, and as a sleeping pill (sedative). Moreover, it can be used to make herbal tea, by adding 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers per cup of tea. To cope with abdominal pain (inflamed), it is recommended to drink a cup of chamomile tea every morning without breakfast for 2 or 3 months.
Chamomile is a popular herbal remedy. Available in two varieties – German and Roman – chamomile is used as an anti-depressant in addition to its use as a disease alleviator.
Here are the top five health benefits of chamomile.
- Muscle relaxant and for menstrual cramps
One of the top uses of chamomile is for muscle relaxation. It can be used as a balm or a tablet. Alternately, one can brew one’s own chamomile tea. Two to three cups a day is ideal to de-stress and keep muscles relaxed. It also calms muscle spasms during menstrual cramps.
Chamomile has components that have soothing properties. Take it before going to bed and it will help you sleep better.
Chamomile soothes stomachaches and helps alleviate bowel problems. It also helps with digestion.
A cup of hot chamomile tea will help fight common colds as the herb has antibacterial properties.
Apply a paste of chamomile flowers on wounds to make them heal faster.
In addition to the above benefits, chamomile is considered to be good for preventing the escalation of diabetic ailments. Chamomile oil is a good remedy for skin ailments and also helps improve skin quality. For stomach ailments, muscle spasms, and help in falling asleep, use about one tablespoon of dried herb per cup of water. Pour boiling water over the herbs and allow to steep for about 5 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
Cautions
Some people have serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) to chamomile. If you are allergic to other plants in the same family such as daisy, ragweed, aster, chrysanthemum, or marigold you should use caution when using chamomile.
Chamomile should be avoided during pregnancy because it may act as a uterine stimulant and therefore increase the chance of abortion.
People with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners should avoid chamomile, as it contains coumarin and may increase the chance of bleeding.
Are you interested in drinking herbal tea? If so, you can grow your own herbs garden. More-efficient and easy. Even if you only have a balcony or sunny windowsill, you can grow your own herbs to use for tea. You can dry them for use during the winter, but you can also make great tea with the fresh herbs. If you're going to use fresh, you should tear and bruise the leaves so the aromatic oils can be released into the water. You'll also need to use more fresh herbs than you would of the dried. With most of these plants, you can just pluck off a few leaves throughout the season whenever you want to make tea. If you take off too many leaves at once, you could kill your plant. Grow more than one plant of any herbs you use frequently.
Mint Mi
nt tea is a favourite among herbal tea drinkers and is one of the easiest to grow yourself. The plant is very hardy and may even get out of control in the garden unless you take care to contain it. Mint should get a least a partial day of good sun, but all-day sun might be too much for it. Make sure to water well during the peak of summer heat. There are many varieties to choose from, each with it's own unique taste: spearmint, peppermint, apple mint or even chocolate mint. Mint will grow readily indoors.
Chamomile
Your tea is made with the small white and yellow flowers of the chamomile pl
ant, rather than the leaves. There are two kinds of chamomile (German and Roman) and it's the German variety that makes the best tea. Chamomile likes sandy soils and lots of sun, but you'll need to give it plenty of water during the hottest parts of the summer. Though technically an annual, chamomile goes to seed so readily that you will likely see it every year in your garden. You can grow chamomile in containers on a balcony, but it doesn't do well indoors.
Lemo
n Balm
The lemon balm plant is actually closely related to mint, but has a distinct lemon aroma. It likes somewhat dry soil and partial shade during the day. Besides making a nice herbal tea, you can use lemon balm as a spice when cooking (I like it with fish). Like it's minty cousin, you can grow lemon balm indoors.
Lavender
Lavender ma
kes a lovely addition to any garden, even if you're not using it for tea. Lavender will grow 2 or 3 feet tall which makes it inappropriate for a windowsill, but can easily be grown on the balcony in containers. Your soil should be well-drained and lavender likes plenty of direct sun. Some lavender varities take the cold better than others. You might not think of lavender for tea, but it makes for a floral tasting tea that also blends well with other herbs (like chamomile).
Fennel There are several kinds of fennel, but the type typically grown for tea use 
is the sweet fennel. When dried, the seeds have a very strong licorice flavour. Unlike the other herbs, you don't really harvest fennel periodically through the summer. The plant will go to seed at the end of summer or start of fall. You can let the seed dry right on the plant and then collect for tea. You won't want to grow fennel indoors because it can grow up to 6 feet tall. Also, don't plant it next to it's close relative, dill, because they can cross-polinate. Fennel likes lots of sun and lots of water.
Rose Hips
Rose hips will make a nicely citrus-tasting tea that is rich in vitamin C. Any rose plant will create 'hips' but Ru
gosa roses produce the largest ones. The hips are actually seed pods that form at the base of the rose blooms. When making tea with dried rose hips, you should slice them in half before steeping. You may want to remove the seeds before making your tea, but it's not necessary. If you do choose to de-seed your hips, do so before you dry them. Rugosa roses are hardy and cold-tolerant. They grow in bushes between 2' to 6' tall. These roses will grow just about anywhere, but aren't really suitable for a windowsill garden.
Herbal Tea Rosehips are also commonly used to make herbal teas, by boiling the dried or crushed rose hips for10 minutes. About 2 tablespoons of berries are used per pint of water. A half-teaspoon of dried mint may be added to give a different flavor, or the acid-tasting tea may be sweetened. Rose hip tea may also be improved by blending with hibiscus flowers.
Astragalus herb was originally found in Asia. The name of this Chinese herb, huang qi, is translated "yellow leader", for of it's yellow root. The herb is a member of a large genus of over 2,100 types of herbs and small plants, and is part of the legume family. it may also be commonly known as milk vetch, goat's thorn, and sometimes locoweed.
This herb is considered one of the most effective and useful ancient Chinese healing remedies. These ancient remedies are generally produced from the root of the plant.
There are many types of astragalus, with over 2,000 species of the plant. Of the 2,000 species, only two are used for medical purposes.
• Astragalus membranaceus
• Astragalus mongholicus
These two types of astragalus may go under a number of different names including:
• Bei qi
• Huang qi
• Ogi
• Milk vetch
• Hwanggi
• Astragalus
The traditional Chinese medical practice is to boil the plant's root in water, to 
remove any impurities. It is then usually often combined with other herbs, and root plants such as ginseng, and maitake mushroom. Astragalus Herb can be found in many different forms such as supplements, extracts, and teas.
Traditional Uses
- Intestinal Maladies
- Night Sweats
- Energy Drink
- Improve the Immune System
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- Cautions and Concerns
Landscaping and Gardening
You may also find several species used as decorative plants in many gardens.
Cautions and Concerns
There have been very few studies to this point on Astragalus, so please consult with a medical professional before embarking on any vitamin, supplement, or medicinal regimen. People with certain autoimmune problems, such as AIDS, arthritis, Crohn's disease, lupus, or diabetes, as well as transplant patients should not used any supplements unless approved by their physician. Additionally, people using certain medications which effect the immune system, need to consult with their doctor before suing this herb, or supplement derivative.
Recent studies have shown that Astragalus Herb may be beneficial to your health, and help strengthen your immune system.
" Gek Huay " is one of dry flower for tea. This herbal tea is very popular in Thailand, I'm really love it... It can be taken over ice or hot tea - both of them are very great. Let's know more " Gek Huay " with me !!!
Chrysanthemum tea is a flower-based tisane made from chrysanthemum flowers of the species Chrysanthemum morifolium or Chrysanthemum indicum, which are most popular in East Asia. To prepare the tea, chrysanthemum flowers (usually dried) are steeped in hot water (usually 90 to 95 degrees Celsius after cooling from a boil) in either a teapot, cup, or glass; often rock sugar is also added, and occasionally also wolfberries. The resulting drink is transparent and ranges from pale to bright yellow in color, with a floral aroma. In Chinese tradition, once a pot of chrysanthemum tea has been drunk, hot water is typically added again to the flowers in the pot (producing a tea that is slightly less strong); this process is often repeated several times.
Varieties
Several varieties of chrysanthemum, ranging from white to pale or bright yellow in color, are used for tea. These include:
* Hungshn Gngj , literally "Yellow Mountain tribute chrysanthemum"; also called simply Gngj
* Hngbij , originating from Tongxiang, near Hangzhou; also called simply Hngj
* Chj , originating from the Chuzhou district of Anhui
* Bj , originating in the Bozhou district of Anhui
The flower is called " gek huay " in Thai.
Of these, the first two are most popular. Some varieties feature a prominent yellow flower head while others do not.
Medicinal use
Chrysanthemum tea has many purported medicinal uses, including an aid in recovery from influenza, acne and as a "cooling" herb. According to traditional Chinese medicine the tisane can aid in the prevention of sore throat and promote the reduction of fever. In Korea, it is known well for its medicinal use for making people more alert and is often used to waken themselves. In western herbal medicine, Chrysanthemum tea is drunk and used as a compress to treat circulatory disorders such as varicose veins and atherosclerosis.
In traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum tea is also used to treat the eyes, and is said to clear the liver and the eyes. It is believed to be effective in treating eye pain associated with stress or yin/fluid deficiency. It is also used to treat blurring, spots in front of the eyes, diminished vision, and dizziness. The liver is associated with the element Wood which rules the eyes and is associated with anger, stress, and related emotions.
Commercially available chrysanthemum tea
Although typically prepared at home, chrysanthemum tea is also available as a beverage in many Asian restaurants (particularly Chinese ones), and is also available from various drinks outlets in East Asia as well as Asian grocery stores outside Asia in canned or packed form. Due to its medicinal value, it may also be available at Traditional Chinese medicine outlets, often mixed with other ingredients.
Think about an herb tea garden! Wouldn't it be nice to have a little herb area in the sun near the kitchen door where you could snip fragrant pieces of fresh green herbs for tea. This garden would be pretty, fragrant useful and alive about nine months of the year. You can even do this garden in a series of large pots for a deck or patio. It is fun to grow your own herbs to use for tea and you can dry extra at the end of the season to use during the winter. Choose a place and plan what herbs you will plant.
I love to pick a few fresh, pieces of whichever herb I want to use and place the sprigs in a teapot. Some folks like to bruise the leaves so the aromatic oils will more readily be released into the boiling water. With most of the following tea plants, you can just pick off a few leaves whenever you want to make tea. As you pick you will find that a healthy, well cared for plant will constantly grow more new leaves. Having a few of each kind is a good idea, as it will allow the plant to grow in between pickings.
Some herbs are known for their health value and are grown to use for upset stomachs, the onset of a cold or to help one sleep. I know that a tangy pot of lemon balm tea with a slice of lemon on a cold day will really help ward off a cold. Our large patch of lemon balm covers an area under two old holly trees. We pick and pick and pick from spring to late fall and also dry bunches for winter tea.
In fall herbs can be picked to dry. Just tie up 6 –10 inch stems and hang in a dry spot indoors. When they are crisp and dry place them in brown paper lunch bags and write name and date on bag. Store in a cabinet where it is dry so they will not mold. Then just add a sprig or two of the dry to your pot of tea. It is hard to tell one how much to use, this is matter of personal taste and varies. You will soon develop your own tastes and formula for herb tea.
The following list will discuss a few of the favorite herb teas
ChamomileThis sweet and also pretty herb is known as the relaxing herb. It is one of the ingredients in most "night time" teas. Roman chamomile is a low growing perennial and German is the self-seeding annual variety with more flowers to pick. They do need full sun but will grow well in most soils as long as it drains well. You can grow chamomile in containers on a balcony, but it doesn't do well indoors. Chamomile does well in my sandy soils in good of sun, but in order to grow all summer it needs plenty of water during the hottest parts of the summer. For tea, pick the golden flowers any time the white petals appear. Use fresh or place on paper towel or screen for a few days, store in paper bags or clean jars. Just be sure they are really dry before closing in a jar.
Anise hyssop This plant has a licorice flavor and the square of the labiate family. The tall spikes of purple-blue flowers are really nice in any perennial garden and attract butterflies and honey bees. The plants are hardy and also reseed so you will have quite a few if you allow them to come back up. This plant reseeds but is not invasive. It prefers full sun and a rich soil, but here it grown in sand and in the shade. The plants are just not as lush as ones in good soil and sun. Both the leaves and flowers of this plant for delicious licorice-flavored tea.
Lemon verbena People all over love this tea with its wonderful fresh, lemony scent. It is most often added to other teas to impart a lemon scent and flavor. Here in the Delaware Valley we have to either bring this one in or treat it as an annual. When I bring them indoors for the winter they most often lose their leaves in January, but I see that all are sending out new leaves from what looked like dead branches. They need full sun and make a wonderful patio plant in a very large pot.
Bee Balm (Monarda)This herb makes a naturally citrus flavored sweet tea and is known as the Oswego tea plant (named after the first botanist who collected it). The colonial people learned of this plant from the natives soon use it. Legend tells us that it was the tea used after the local ‘Greenwich' N J tea party as well as after the Boston Tea Party as a form of rebellion. We often call this plant bergamot since it smells like the fruit from the Mediterranean plant of that name. But since a Spanish botanist named monarda in the late 1500’s found it, is correctly named Monarda. Attractive red, pink, or white flowers that look wonderful in the garden and attract both bees and hummingbirds are another plus for this hardy perennial. It enjoys fairly rich, moist soil that is slightly acidic in full sun to partial shade. You can use both the leaves and flowers for tea but if you leave the flowers behind the hummingbirds and bees will visit! It is best to use the young leaves as the older leaves may give a bitter aftertaste.
Orange mintOrange mint has a pleasant citrus fragrance and flavor. One of the nicest things about this plant is that it isn't as invasive as most mints. If you're worried you can plant it in a container, but it grows much better in the ground. This mint likes partial to full sun, fairly rich soil, and lots of water. It usually grows about 2 feet tall, but can be harvested at any size for teas. It is also very pretty in the garden as it has deep green purple-tinged leaves and stems and spikes of lavender bloom. Butterflies love the nectar in the blooms
Other mints There are many varieties of mint each with it's distinct taste: spearmint, peppermint, apple mint or even chocolate mint. Mint will grow readily indoors in a very cool, sunny window in a large pot.
Lemon BalmThis is probably my favorite of all the tea herbs. It is easy to grow and readily reseeds and makes a very healthy tea with a distinct lemon aroma. Lemon balm likes somewhat dry soil and partial shade during the day. We grow it out back under holly trees where it is the best ground cover ever, keeping out weeds and yielding plenty of foliage for tea. This is truly an immune boosting tea and one that dispels colds when they are just beginning.
Rose HipsColorful rose hips will make a citrus-tasting tea that is rich in vitamin C. Add to any tea for flavor and vitamins ! Most rose plants will create 'hips' but Rugosa roses produce the largest ones. The hips are actually seedpods that form at the base of the rose blooms. To make tea with rose hips slice them in half before steeping. Rugosa roses are hardy and cold tolerant and do not need spray which is important consideration for tea plants. These roses will grow just about anywhere in the sun.
LavenderLavender is useful in any sunny garden and the butterflies like it too. Most Lavender will grow 2 or 3 feet tall in well-drained soil and direct sun. It is not often used for tea, but can be added to Earl Gray for a party tea. It does make a floral tasting tea that also blends well with other herbs (like chamomile).
FennelThis is a large airy looking plant that I plant mainly for the butterfly larvae. But since ancient times the seeds have been used for a stomach tea. People have even given it to babies with colic. The seeds can be dried on the plant and then shook into a paper bag for storage. When dried, the seeds have a very strong licorice flavor. The plant will go to seed at the end of summer or in fall seeds can dry right on the plant and be shook into a bag. This plant can grow up to 6 feet tall so it is useful along a fence or at the back of the herb garden.
There are 100’s more herbs to grow for tea. Take some time to study them this spring.
The name Lemongrass gives away the fundamentals of the herb. It’s a grassy plant with a lemony flavor, but it tastes milder and sweeter. Lemongrass, also called fever grass, is a perennial plant with thin, long leaves that is indigenous to many Asian countries. This herb is used in various Asian cuisines as a flavoring agent due to its potent flavor. This herb is accessible from just about any ethnic shop, health food store, online marketplace, or even within the aisle of many supermarkets. It contains antibacterial, curative, and antioxidant properties that make lemongrass a great alternative for a broad spectral range of common ailments.
