Discover the Magic of Herbal Tea – Part 2

In our blog, Discover the Magic of Herbal Tea – Part 1, we discovered the benefits of herbal teas and detailed the best way to benefit from them.

Also in that blog, we briefly touched on the different types of herbs, with the promise of more detail in a later blog. Well – here it is!

Let’s recap briefly.

Knowing the different types of herbs can help you choose the best herbs for your intended purpose. Herbs can be classified based on their actions on the body, their taste, or their traditional use. For example, cooling herbs like peppermint and spearmint can be helpful for reducing inflammation and soothing digestive issues, while warming herbs like ginger and cinnamon can be helpful for improving circulation and reducing pain.

Understanding the different types of herbs

Many different types of herbs can be used to make tea, each with its own unique flavors, properties, and benefits.

In addition, different parts of plants can also be used to make herbal teas. Some herbs use the leaves, such as peppermint and chamomile, while others use the roots, such as licorice and dandelion. Some herbs use the flowers, such as lavender and hibiscus, while others use the bark, such as cinnamon and willow. Understanding which parts of plants are used in herbal teas can help you choose the best herbs for your needs.

One important aspect of herbs is their energetics. Energetics refer to the qualities and effects of herbs on the mind and body. Understanding the energetics of herbs can help you choose the best herbs for your specific health concerns.

Another important aspect of herbs is their classification. Herbs can be classified in many ways, such as by their actions on the body, their taste, or their traditional use.  

One common classification system for herbs is based on their medicinal properties. This system categorizes herbs into different groups based on their primary actions on the body, such as diuretic herbs that promote urine flow, nervine herbs that support the nervous system, or adaptogenic herbs that help the body adapt to stress.

Here are some examples of different classifications of herbs that can be used to make herbal teas.

Cooling herbs

These herbs have a cooling and calming effect on the body. Examples include peppermint, spearmint, chamomile, and lemon balm.

Warming herbs

These herbs have a warming and invigorating effect on the body. Examples include ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric.

Nervine herbs

These herbs have a calming and soothing effect on the nervous system. Examples include skullcap, passionflower, and valerian.

Adaptogenic herbs

These herbs help the body adapt to stress and promote overall wellness. Examples include ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil.

Diuretic herbs

These herbs promote urine flow and can be helpful in supporting kidney function and reducing fluid retention. Examples include dandelion, parsley, and nettle.

When choosing herbs for your tea, it's important to consider your individual needs and health concerns. It’s also important to consider how herbs react with modern medicine and what the contraindications may be. That’s why it’s always best to speak to your healthcare practitioner before you take any herbal remedy.

How to Choose the Right Herbs for Different Needs

Choosing the right herbs for your needs is an important aspect of making herbal tea. Different herbs can have different benefits, and knowing which ones to use can make all the difference. Here are some tips on how to choose the right herbs for different needs.

First, identify your needs or goals: 
Are you looking to relax and reduce stress?
Do you need help with digestion, or do you want to boost your immune system?

Once you have identified your needs, you can then choose herbs that have properties that align with your goals.

Next, consider the taste and aroma of the herbs. Some herbs have a strong, bitter taste that may not be enjoyable for everyone. Other herbs have a more pleasant taste and aroma, making them easier to drink. It's important to choose herbs that you enjoy drinking to ensure that you will drink them regularly.

Lastly, consider any potential interactions with medications or existing health conditions. Always speak to a healthcare professional before starting to use herbal teas if you have any health concerns or take any medications.

A quick guide to pairing herbs with different needs

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For relaxation and stress relief, try chamomile (amazon), lavender, or passionflower. These herbs have calming properties and can help promote relaxation.

For digestion, try ginger (amazon), peppermint, or fennel. These herbs can help soothe the digestive system and alleviate stomach discomfort.

For immune support, try echinacea (amazon), elderberry, or ginger. These herbs can help boost the immune system and prevent illness.

For energy and focus, try ginseng, yerba mate, or green tea (amazon). These herbs have stimulating properties and can help improve mental clarity and focus.

For overall wellness, try nettle, dandelion (amazon), or burdock root. These herbs can help support the body's natural detoxification processes and promote overall health.

Remember, choosing the right herbs for your needs is just one aspect of making herbal tea. It's important to use high-quality ingredients and to follow proper brewing methods to ensure that you get the most benefits from your tea. Our recommended source for high quality herbs is from Mountain Rose Herbs.

Pairing herbs to specific needs can be an easy and effective way to create your own personalized herbal tea blends. 

In our next blog in our herbal tea series, we’ll look at the best ways to brew herbal tea and offer some cautionary advice on blending different herbs.