Herbal Tea - The Info You Want To Know

Today, tea is increasingly becoming a drink of the health conscious. Although, consumed for centuries in China, it was introduced to the world only in the late eighteenth century and its consumption spread rapidly as people were intoxicated by its exotic aromas and subtle, mellow flavors. Today, a new breed of tea drinkers are growing, who are consuming it for its medicinal properties. Though its medicinal benefits were documented in Chinese history for centuries, only recently have studies confirmed some of them. Green tea, white tea and herbal tea are being promoted as the best health drinks. Yet, the herbal tea is not really a tea at all!

That's right! Herbal tea, also known as tisane, is an herbal infusion made from anything but the leaves of the Camellia sinensis (or the tea bush)! Herbal tea is made from flowers (fresh or dried), roots, seeds or leaves by pouring boiling water over them and letting it steep for sometime. Alternatively, they can also be boiled together over a flame in a pot. The herbal tea is then strained and served. It maybe sweetened if required.

Various varieties of herbal tea are found in the market, some for its medicinal benefits and some for its intoxicating smells. Some firms even market herbal tea in tea bags. The term herbal tea is used mainly in the Americas to refer to linden, or lime leaf tea. Yet, there are many hundreds of varieties of herbal tea which have been quite popular in the regions where they are found. It would do us no harm to get to know about a few of them.

There are many herbal tea which are specific to a region and some which are found all over the world. Herbal tea has been quite popular in Asia over the centuries, especially in China and Japan. Some of the popular Asian herbal tea are the Yuen Kut Lam Kam Wo Tea (made in Hong Kong and composed of thirty Chinese herbs), the Mugicha (which is drunk cold in summer and quite similar in flavor to coffee), Cannabis (used in the preparation of Bhang in India), the Sugnyung (or toasted rice from Korea), the Tan Ngan Lo Medicated Tea (prepared in the twentieth century by a Chinese), and the Ho Yan Hor Herbal Tea (made from twenty four natural herbs in Korea).

Herbal tea is, and was, quite popular in the Americas as well, especially amongst the native tribes. Some popular ones are the Mate (shrubs grown in Brazil and Argentina), Lapacho (which is the inner lining of the bark of the Lapacho tree found in Amazonian forests and has numerous health benefits), Essiac (a native American herbal tea), Cerasse (a bitter herb found in Jamaica), and the Uncaria tomentosa (a woody vine found in the Amazonian forests and used to treat various ailments).

Besides these, the Rooibos (a reddish plant native to South Africa), the Honeybush (closely related to the Rooibos, but sweeter), the Bissap (consumed in the Saharas), the Hibiscus (from the Middle East), the Greek Mountain Tea (found in the Mediterranean and used to cure colds), the Chamomile (grown in Germany and used as a sedative), and the Horehound (known for its efficacy in lung troubles and grown in Britain) are quite popular varieties of herbal tea.

The above list of herbal tea though lengthy, is not exhaustive. In fact, if one started of with even all the popular herbal tea, it would run into pages. Though, the varieties of herbal tea mentioned above clearly show one thing, that herbal tea is anything but tea. Yet, the popular Earl Grey tea, which is blended with bergamot, is marketed by some as an herbal tea, though in every way it is black tea! So much so for clearing the confusion! -By Henry Wershar

Advantages and Disadvantages of Alternative Medicine

There are reasons why people chose alternative medicine and reasons why they avoid it, preferring conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is safer than standard health treatments and usually works. It's true that it can't be used in severe conditions like car accidents or other severe emergencies, but be that as it may, there are enough situations in which alternative medicine is recommended. When it comes to emotional and spiritual needs, non-conventional medicine may come up with the solution. Furthermore, it's better for preventing illnesses than standard medicine. More and more physicians nowadays agree upon the benefits of alternative medicine and also even advise their clients to choose the best natural treatment for them.

One of the advantages of alternative medicine is that it encompasses a broad range of therapies, treatments and products, thus the search for obtaining positive results doesn't flow on a narrow path at all.
A pretty important disadvantage states the idea that, even though the expenses of using acupuncture or chiropractic are sometimes covered by health insurances, the majority of alternative treatments are not reimbursed.

There are certain risks that come along with the usage of natural remedies. Despite the use of herbs throughout the years and even ancient times, not all of them have been studied regarding their safety and efficiency. There are issues concerning their purity and their possible interaction with other substances related to conventional therapies. The majority of information regarding herbs have been perpetuated throughout history and with the help of tradition. Many people assume that herbal medicines are better than synthetic drugs simply because, well, they are natural and not synthetic, therefore present no risk. But they are not risk free; they can do more harm than good if taken without having the details of their effects over the body.

People might abuse of natural medicines the same way as they do it in the case of synthetic drugs. They have the misconception that if unconventional medicine consists of herbal products which are natural, then there is no harm done if they triple the dosage or more. This is totally wrong and can have serious consequences. Take vitamins for example. They are just vitamins, right? They can't possibly do any damage inside the body. But they do. Vitamin overdosing or vitamin toxicity can lead to unpleasant effects depending on the vitamin that has been taken one too many times. Vitamin A over dosage can cause liver problems, osteoporosis, hair loss and other dangerous effects and Hypervitaminosis D leads to dehydration, vomiting, anorexia and even kidney stones.

An advantage of using herbal remedies concerns the effectiveness related with chronic health issues that don't respond well or even at all to traditional medicines. If long term medication is needed, then herbs are pretty much safer than conventional drugs. The alternative medicine industry takes advantage from this and keeps evolving and developing due to the constant need for natural remedies.

Another advantage is the low cost of herbal products compared to synthetic drugs which are highly priced for the simple reason that researching and testing the products is expensive. Furthermore, herbal products can be bought without a prescription and are easy to procure. The availability of natural remedies is outstanding; chamomile for example can be easily picked out from a nearby field.

The advantages of using herbal medicines are numerous, but so are the disadvantages. The best idea would be to consider modern medicine according to the severity of the illness, to consult a physician upon the proper medication and dosage and if you do chose the alternative medicine, try to gather enough information upon both kinds of treatments, natural or synthetic, so you may reassure yourself that you took the right decision to balance your health situation.

By Peter Rosenblum

ADHD Herbal Remedies - Skullcap

Did you know that our body can naturally heal itself and overcome most diseases? As long as we maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat nutritious food, and get lots of exercise, we can recover from any condition without using medication. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding out which combination of natural remedies will work for us. In the case of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a healthy lifestyle and diet combined with herbal remedies can manage the disorder more effectively than medication. Skullcap is one ADHD herbal remedy that can help reduce hyperactivity, inattention, and the other symptoms of the condition.

There are two known varieties of skullcap: American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis). Although both varieties are called "skullcap," they are in fact very different herbs used to treat different diseases. Chinese skullcap can be found in Central Asia and Russia, and is used by Chinese medicine to treat headaches, allergic reactions, and inflammation. American skullcap grows in North America and cold climates, and is the variety used to treat ADHD and a number of neurological conditions. Skullcap was first discovered by the first Europeans in America, who discovered that it can prevent rabies from animal bites. Several hundred years later, scientists observed that skullcap's ability to treat rabies naturally is due to its calming effects on the central nervous system. Research on the herb also shows that it can increase the brain's blood supply and inhibit muscle spasms.

While no clinical trial has been designed to evaluate the effects of skullcap on ADHD, many alternative health practitioners and homeopaths recommend using the herb because of its tranquilizing effects. There are many ways to use skullcap as a natural remedy for ADHD. One way is to buy commercially prepared capsules of skullcap extract. The herb can also be used as a tea; simply put two teaspoons of dry skullcap leaves into a tea pot and drink three times a day. Skullcap can be served as a tincture (a highly concentrated herbal extract), as well. Herbalists recommend purchasing a skullcap tincture and combining 5 ml of skullcap with 10 drops of lemon balm. This formula should be taken orally in drops. Finally, some herbal preparations for ADHD like LTO3 have skullcap among the ingredients.

Although skullcap and other ADHD natural remedies are generally safe, it is always wise to consult a homeopath or holistic health care practitioner before taking any herbs or giving them to your child. Allergic reactions and unwanted side effects are rare, but they have been known to occur.

By Dr. Yannick Pauli

Common Herbal Remedies

People have been collecting herbs to use as medicine for centuries. Many doctors claim however that taking herbs in place of your prescribed medication is not recommended.
There has been a vast amount of information and testing with regard to herbal remedies. Herbs like vitamins are good for your body and overall health. Although the exact cause of why herbs have a positive effect on the body is not always known. Usually, herbs need to be taken over a long period to receive the benefits to you health.
Listed below is information about some common herbal remedies.
Alfalfa has been known to be effective in healing ailments such as gas pains, pain and stiffness from arthritis and ulcers. Alfalfa herb tea possesses no adverse components and is safe for all people including children.
For relief from upset stomachs, colds, bronchitis, bladder troubles, and jaundice, Chamomile is recommended. This herb is also helpful in the regulating menstrual cycle's rheumatic pains, and headaches. Chamomile has also been effective for babies with colic. In addition, it can act as an insect repellent when used properly.
Dandelion increases activity in the pancreas, liver, and spleen and contains insulin substitutes. Dandelion has a high vitamin and mineral content that is used for treating kidney and liver disorders, along with skin disease and loss of appetite.
Eucalyptus is a major ingredient in many commercial medicines such as cough and sore throat medications. These plants also contain oils that are extremely potent antiseptics. The oil may be applied locally on wounds, sores, and burns. Eucalyptus can also be used as an insect repellent.
Ginseng has been used for more than 5000 years in the Chinese culture. This herb strengthens the heart and nervous system. In addition, it builds up a general mental and physical vitality and may be effective for treating colds, coughs, gout, diabetes, headache, and backache.
Hawthorn is known to cause the dilation of the coronary vessels. An improvement has been shown in patients and is helpful in insomnia. It has been used to treat high blood pressure when taken over a period of time.
A strengthening tonic for the entire system is Strawberry. It is helpful with diarrhea, night sweats, liver complaints, gout, and jaundice. Strawberry is used internally for weak intestines and is also used for enema.
The above herbal remedies listed above are general guidelines. If an herb does not agree with you or if you feel adverse effects, discontinue using the herb. The information contained in this article is not intended to replace the services of a physician.

By David Chandler