Herbal Tea Remedy

Herbal teas are a very simple yet elegant preparation which uses the curative value of herbs to treat ailments. It is cheap, and requires only about a teaspoon of each herb per cup of tea. It is to be consumed at least thrice a day for an effective remedy. Also, many herbal teas are best taken when hot. This increases their effectiveness.

Herbal tea remedies can be prepared in various ways, such as: 
- Infusion, where hot water is poured over herbs and is steeped for five to ten minutes using saucepan, teapot and cup. Covered utensils are used to help the herbal tea remedy retain the natural oils. These are made using mostly leaves and flowers. 
- Decoction, where the herbs are simmered in water for fifteen to thirty minutes to prepare the herbal tea remedy. Roots and barks are used to make this kind of herbal tea remedy, because the high heat releases more substances. 
- Cold infusions, where the herbal tea remedy is prepared by soaking the herbs in cold water for eight hours or more. This used for very delicate herbs which would lose their natural oils if heated. 
- Tinctures. This herbal tea remedy consists of concentrated liquid herbal medicinal extracts. The tea can be made instantly by adding about a quarter teaspoon of this to a cup of water. 
Herbs used in herbal tea remedies include: 
- Alfalfa 
- Fenugreek 
- Hyssop 
- Blackberry 
- Lemon Grass 
- Rosemary 
- Chamomile 
- Flaxseed 
- Sarsaparilla 
- Chickweed 
- Ginseng 
- Peppermint 
- Savory 
- Chicory 
- Psyllium 
- Slippery elm 
- Dandelion 
- Hibiscus 
- Raspberry 
- Spearmint 
- Echinacea 
- Hops 
- Valerian 
- Fennel etc. 

Herbal tea remedies exist for a wide variety of diseases and afflictions, including common cold, flu, stress, skin afflictions, headache, stomach upset, obesity, sleeplessness, tress, anxiety, insomnia, etc.

However, herbal tea remedies should not be consumed indiscriminately, as is true of any beverage or medicine. Excessive use may produce the very symptoms they are normally used to treat.

Samuel Oliver has a passion for Herb Know-How and Herbal Remedies http://www.HerbTips.com

Green tea has a long history of healthful benefits and its qualities are significantly more effective than black tea. Both teas come from the carnellia sinensis plant but green tea leaves are steamed rather than fermented like black and oolong teas. This prevents a powerful anti-oxidant, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), from being oxidized and therefore diminished.

Antioxidant Properties

Most of us have heard of the positive effects red wine can have on a fatty diet and its healthful benefits on heart disease. High amounts of catechins polyphenols, particularly EGCG, are present in green tea. And EGCG has twice as much resveratrol as red wine, making it a powerful weapon towards lowering cholesterol, inhibiting blood clots and negating the effects of a fatty diet.

EGCG is also used to treat diabetes and is reported to have glucose-lowering effects. In addition glucose can cause a person to feel hunger and by controlling insulin levels, you control appetite. Try drinking a mug of green tea at the first hunger pain and you are well on your way to managing your appetite.

Thermogenesis

Thermogenesis literally means heat generation. Green tea increases thermogenesis in the body, becoming a potent appetite suppressant and increasing fat oxidation, helping the body to use fat as an energy source. This means the body is preferentially burning fat over protein.

Green tea also raises the body’s metabolism, increasing the rate at which calories are burned. In a recent study, the combination of green tea and caffeine burned more calories than those given a placebo.

Add to its thermogenesis benefits, green tea also has energy-boosting properties, which makes it a perfect breakfast tea or mid-afternoon pick me up.

Other Healthful Benefits

There are many other conditions in which green tea is reputed to be helpful:

Killing cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells untouched Treating Rheumatoid arthritis Lowering LDL cholesterol Preventing thrombosis which causes heart attacks and strokes Addressing cardiovascular disease by inhibiting abnormal formation of blood clots Preventing infection Improving impaired immune function Stopping certain neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s) Treating multiple sclerosis Preventing tooth decay by killing the bacteria that causes dental plaque

When you compare the heath benefits of green tea with the harmful effects of regular and diet soda, coffee and other damaging drinks, it is easy to see why green tea has a long and successful history of benefiting the drinker.

Adding Green Tea to Your Diet

Green tea has become so popular that it can be found in mainstream grocery stores as well as gas stations and convenience stores. There are many flavors and varieties of green teas so you will be sure to find a combination of flavors you’ll enjoy.

Consider also adding green tea water to some cooked foods. Adding tea to a pot of boiling pasta will affect the flavor in a fresh new way. Toss that same pasta with pine nuts, pesto and a dash of olive oil and you have a healthful dish with many antioxidant properties. Challenge yourself to find new and exciting ways to add green tea to your diet.

Are cravings for sugar, salt, junk food, sodas, and coffee running your life? For over 20 years, Diana Walker, the Cravings Coach, has assisted people like you in using natural, safe options for creating vibrant health. Receive Diana’s free Cravings Coach TIPS at http://www.thecravingscoach.com/blog