Diet Day 19 – Herbal Tea | Life with Lizzi

Diet Day 19 – Herbal Tea

Posted by Life with Lizzi on January 19, 2011 · 1 Comment

When you are on a detox and have given up the caffeine fueled coffee, the addictive alcohol, and all those fizzy drinks, it’s quite a challenge to stay on the straight and narrow. Of course you need to drink a lot of water, but after a while you feel like you’re drowning in it. You crave something with taste, and comfort, and that’s where herbal tea comes into it’s own. I am actually rather a creature of habit. Chamomile in the morning, Fennel and Clipper organic Detox teabags during the day, Peppermint after a meal, Kusmi Detox tea in the evening brewed in a pot, and Albert Heijn Avondmelange (sleepy tea) before bed. Not bad for 19 days detox training, with a history last year of 5 cups of coffee before lunch, and a bottle of wine at dinner! So I thought it’s about time to investigate which teas should I focus on as part of the diet.

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First stop was my Aromatherapist/Reflexologist Fanny, who on my last visit recommended the following teas;

Thyme, Rosemary, Nettle, Horseradish, and Artichoke.

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The next stop was an internet search (of course) to find out which teas supported which parts of the body;

Some Common Herbal Tea Ingredients

There are many different herbs that can be found in an herbal tea, each with a different use. Some common ones include:

* Allspice – helps to soothe the common cold and relieves upset stomachs

* Anise seed – aids digestion and freshens the breath. It can also soothe a cough and improve bronchitis.

* Chamomile – is renowned for its calming properties and is also said to be anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic

* Chrysanthemum – is sweet-tasting and is able to reduce body heat resulting from fever. It also helps protect against liver damage and neutralises toxins.

* Cinnamon – is calming and helps to support healthy circulation and digestion.

* Ginseng – stimulates vitality and helps the body stay healthy.

* Ginger root – is excellent for improving circulation, and is one of the best herbs for improving digestion, nausea, lung congestion, and arthritis.

* Hawthorne – strengthens the heart and increases blood flow.

* Lemongrass – is frequently used due to its calming properties.

* Parsley – is a diuretic and helps with kidney function.

* Pau d’arco – has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of organisms including bacteria, fungi, yeasts (including Candida albicans), viruses (including herpes simplex types I and II, influenza virus, poliovirus and retroviruses) and parasites.

* Peppermint – is good for stress relief. It also helps with stomachs and digestive issues and helps to freshen the breath.

* Red Clover – use as a medicine for menopausal symptoms, cancer, mastitis, joint disorders, asthma, bronchitis, psoriasis and eczema. It is not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.

* Rose hips – are a natural source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids. They are a liver, kidney, and blood tonic, and are a good remedy for fatigue, colds, and cough.

* Sarsaparilla – promotes energy and healthy skin.

* Slippery elm – helps to relieve stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal problems.

via Herbal Tea Benefits.