Some days we may wake up feeling totally fine. Unable to identify it, we know that we are energetically unbalanced. At other times, we may be able to pinpoint the moment something within us triggers arrival in the Bad Zone. It may seem like we just hit the target and concentric circles of consciousness expand, warning all systems . It is during these times that a nice hot cup of herbal tea may be just what is needed to help get things back on track and moving in the right direction.

What is an herbal tea?
An herbal tea is made from a single plant or a combination of plants. Different teas can be made using various parts of the plant including leaves, seeds, fruits, flowers, roots, bark, or stems of the plant. The type of plant often dictates which part will be used. For example, the flowers are used to make chamomile tea, the leaves are used to make mint tea, and the roots are used to make ginger tea. Herbs can be fresh or dried. They are then seen in a cup of hot water, to create an infusion that allowed the therapeutic properties to be released.

Benefits of herbal teas
Drinking herbal teas can serve two basic purposes: to help the body therapeutically and to provide a pleasurable drinking experience. Depending on the herbal tea that is selected, a different therapeutic value can be derived. Having a few basic herbal teas on hand can be a good addition to any approach you may be taking to bring your body back into balance if you don’t feel up to par. There are so many great herbal tea options available today. Below is a suggested list of 5 basic teas you should have on hand if you want to start adding herbal teas to your regular health care schedule.

FIVE USEFUL HERBAL TEAS TO HAVE IN YOUR PANTRY

camomile tea
It is an aromatic tea known for its calming and calming properties. Made from the flowers of the chamomile plant, this tea is useful for relaxing nerves, calming the stomach, relieving muscle tension, as well as helping with inflammation and improving liver function. This is an herb that I grow annually in our garden, so that we can have our own supply of chamomile tea.

dandelion tea
This is on my list because dandelions were highly revered by my grandmother. In the spring, one could find my grandmother with her little pocket knife and her basket out in the field, picking young dandelions… “good for the blood, you know.” So this memory remains imprinted in my mind. I wouldn’t describe it as having a delicious flavor or fragrance, but it is what I would consider one of the workhorse teas. Useful as a body cleanser, it helps promote healthy liver and kidney function. When looking for a tea to include in a detoxification process, dandelion tea should be high on the list.

echinacea tea
It is useful in helping to boost the immune system, especially in regards to fighting mild to moderate infections such as cold or flu. The leaves, stems, flowers and roots of the Echinacea plant are traditionally used in the formulation of this tea. One of my favorite teas that contains Echinacea is Organic Lemon Echinacea made by Traditional Medicinals, which is very soothing when I have a sore throat. A definite must have for my tea collection.

ginger tea
Known for its pungent flavor, ginger tea is another kitchen pantry must-have. When experiencing any type of stomach imbalance, whether it be digestive difficulties, nausea, cramps, or bloating, one of the first herbal teas of choice should be ginger. Using the root of this plant, it is quite easy to make your own mixture. Buy a fresh ginger root at the supermarket, wash and peel a small section of the root. Place thinly cut slices in a cup, then cover with boiling water. Cover and let the tea steep for about 5 minutes. Strain and then drink.

Mint tea
Just the fragrant scent of fresh mint lifts your spirits, the scent prompts one to begin to feel the freshness of life. There’s always a mint patch growing right outside our kitchen door. During the summer months, fresh mint is used almost daily. When the season comes to an end, the mint is harvested and dried for continued enjoyment throughout the year. Peppermint is another option when looking to promote digestive health. Additionally, it is useful to help combat stress, support the immune system, and help focus the mind.

So the next time you’re grocery shopping and deciding which beverages to put in your cart, skip the artificially sweetened beverages and opt for some new herbal teas. Delicious hot or cold, they will add a new dimension to your day without incurring additional health costs.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, the kettle is whistling, so I’m going to make myself a nice, warm cup of herbal tea! Why don’t you join me?