fiften healing herbal teas

Happy Thursday! After my current struggle with being consistently unwell for several weeks in a row and after watching several of my coworkers struggle with some allergies and colds (and I know I have previously discussed my love of tea), I thought I would share some of my favorite healing herbal teas. I use them all the time whenever I'm feeling under the weather- now if I'm not proactive enough they don't cure me completely (like with my infection), but I live by them on preventative measures and for simple symptom relief.

Now with herbal teas you can do one of two things. One- Find the ingredients you're after on prepackaged teas- which I do all the time (it is just like reading the ingredients list on any other food product). Two- You can gather the raw ingredients and make your own tea. Sidenote: making your own tea is very simple you merely gather the ingredients you want, chop them, steep them in a tea pot with very hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain out the ingredients as you pour your tea into you favorite mug.

The Mighty List

1. Ginger - Anti-viral. Containing nearly a dozen antiviral compounds, it is also pain-relieving, antiseptic, and antioxidant. Helps prevent and treats colds, sore throats, and inflamation of mucus membranes. It also reduces pain and fever and has a mild sedative effect that encourages rest. I actually use ginger mostly all on its own... I just chew on a little piece when I feel a little nauseous. But it is great in tea too. :)2. Echinacea (leaves and flower petals) - Anti-bacterial. Increases levels of properdin, a chemical that activates part of the immune system responsible for increasing defence mechanisms against viral and bacterial attacks. This is my favorite for allergy and cold season- I just drink buckets of it and it does amazing things against allergy and colds.3. Garlic - Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal. Contains several helpful immune-boosting compounds, including allicin, a potent, natural antibiotic. Best used raw.4. Goldenseal - Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal. It is both antiseptic and immune stimulating, increasing blood supply to the spleen. The chemical berberine in goldenseal activates white blood cells that destruct bacteria, fungi, viruses, and tumour cells.5. Sage - Antiseptic, anti-bacterial. Sooths sore throats, promotes good digestion, and helps ease menstrual cramps.6. Peppermint - It is not only a painkiller for headaches and reduces fevers by inducing sweating and cooling of the body, but it helps bring up mucus and other material from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea during bronchitis, colds, and the flu.7. Blackberry (leaves or fruit) - The fruit is very rich in vitamin C, and the leaves can be used in teas.8. Cinnamon - Anti-bacterial, antiviral, antifungal. Helps stop vomiting and relieve nausea, and increases restricted blood flow. This is one of my favorites hands down- not just when I'm feeling nausea. Delicious.9. Clove - Antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory. Helps fight infection and ease pain.10. Lemon - Another rich source of vitamin C, squeeze some into your tea.11. Chamomile - Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory. Natural sedative. We've talked about this one... not my favorite at all.12.  Lemongrass - Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antifungal. Relieves digestive ailments and fluid retention, improves blood circulation, and dilates blood vessels.13. Oregano - A general tonic and immune booster.14. Rosemary - Antibacterial, antiseptic, antiparasitic, antifungal. Good for the nerves and has a stimulating effect.15. Turmeric - Antioxident, anti-imflammatory, antifungal, and anticancer. It is a blood purifier, and helps lower blood sugar levels.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Also- it is in fact a weekly weigh-in and I am ready to show you my weight. Its a little disappointing- but not very surprising. I haven't moved much this past week with struggle with my infection and when I'm really feeling stressed and tried and down I eat. Sigh. So I'll have to kick it back into gear now that I'm feeling better with the antibiotics pumping through my system.