Medicinal Teas

                                    Teas for Better Health

Medicinal teas are easy, natural ways to help relieve numerous ailments such as PMS, hot flashes, mood-swings, and fatigue. Here is how to brew your next batch.

For dried herbs and supplies, try Jean's Greens or Mountain Rose Herbs.

Single Ingredient Teas Leaves and FlowersPour a quart of boiling water over 4 tablespoons of the herb, cover and steep for 20 minutes, and strain.

Roots, Berries, or BarkSimmer 4 tablespoons for 20 minutes, then strain.

Tea BlendsFor teas that call for multiple ingredients, you'll save time by making a large batch of dried herbs.

• To make a blend, follow the ratio in the recipe, using 1 ounce of dried herb per "part"; for example, if a formula calls for one part each of nettle and oat tops and 1.4 part peppermint, combine 1 ounce each of the first two ingredients with 1.4 ounce of the last. Mix well, and store your blend in an airtight glass container.
• Teas for Better HealthTo make a quart of tea, a good daily dose for many conditions, pour boiling water over 4 tablespoons of the mixture in a quart-sized heat-proof jar (such as a Mason jar). Cover and steep for at least 20 minutes. Strain the herbs out. Will keep refrigerated for two to three days.

Tea Recipes for Women's Health

PMS Relieving Nettle TeaPour a quart of boiling water over 4 tablespoons dried nettles (plus a tablespoon of spearmint or peppermint for flavor); steep for at least 20 minutes, and strain. Drink 2 cups or more daily.

Cramp-Relief TeaAdd 5 to 6 tablespoons of fresh or dried ginger to 1 quart of water; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add honey and lemon to flavor. Sip hot throughout the day.

Pregnancy-Prep Tea BlendCombine 1 part each of dried tea nettle leaf, raspberry leaf, lady's mantle, and cut-and sifted ginger. Drink 3 to 4 cups daily.

A Fatigue Fixing Tea BlendMix equal parts nettle, raspberry leaf, oat tops, and lemon balm with 1/4 part each of cut-and sifted licorice and ginger. Drink 3 cups daily.

Hot Flash Cooling Tea BlendCombine equal parts sage, blue vervain, and motherwort with 1/2 part peppermint or spearmint for flavor. Drink throughout the day as needed.

Happiness Tea BlendCombine equal parts hawthorn (berries, leaf, and flowers), lemon balm, St. John's wort, blue vervain, and oat tops. Drink 3 to 4 cups daily.

Read about the 10 best herbs for women's health.