Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Teas

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Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Teasby Mary LuskMany hundreds of herbs are known to have medicinal qualities. Even in lightof modern synthetic medicines and the many wonders they accomplish, manypeople are looking to herbs as a source of healing, disease prevention, and

general well-being. Used correctly and wisely, herbs can provide desirablemedicinal results without adverse side effects.You should not substitute herbs for any prescribed medications you aretaking under a physician's care. Nor should you look to herbs as a

cure-all. They tend to be much milder than synthetic medications and workmore slowly, but they can be a healthy part of a balanced practice ofhealth care.Here are several herbs known to have medicinal qualities and some of their

uses. Noted in parentheses is the part of the plant that should be used. Atthe bottom of the list is a set of directions for making herbal tea.To Calm Frazzled Nerves and Promote Sleep:Chamomile (flower)

Lemon Balm (leaves)Lime (flower)Sweet Marjoram (flower, leaves)To Reduce Fevers:Angelica (leaves)Basil (leaves)Catmint (leaves)Chervil (leaves)Marigold (flower)Safflower (flower)Sage (leaves)

Thyme (leaves)For Coughs and Colds:Elderberry (leaves)Hyssop (leaves)Lungwort (leaves)Rose (flower)St. Johns Wort (leaves)Thyme (leaves)Fennel (roots)Sage (leaves)To Relive Headaches:

Anise (leaves)Lavender (flower)Lemon balm (leaves)Rosemary (leaves)Woodruff (leaves)To relieve constipation:Elderflower (leaves)Sweet cicely (seeds)Violet (flower)To make an herbal tea of the herbs listed above, choose a china or glass

teapot (not metal). Use tablespoons of the fresh herbs chopped or 2teaspoons of dried herbs. Place the herbs in the teapot. Add 2 cups ofboiling water. Let it stand for about 10 minutes. Strain, and then sweeten

if desired with honey or lemon. A usual dose in one teacup full, threetimes a day.-- Diana Gonzalez

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