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Because herbal teas are good for you
Herbal teas are medicinal preparations that exploit the healing properties of medicinal plants. Used for centuries for well-being and health, herbal teas, infusions and decoctions are drinks in which thewater acts as a solvent, extracting both the totally or partially water-soluble components and the active ingredients which, although not soluble, can be dispersed in water. We can therefore find inside an herbal tea mineral salts, vitamins, organic acids, soluble carbohydrates, glycosides, bitter substances, alkaloids, essential oils and fatty acids dispersed in droplets. Each medicinal plant has a mixture of these substances and boasts a therapeutic action which depends on the quantity and type of active compounds represented. The part of the plant used to prepare infusions and other extracts is called “drug” and is characterized by the highest content in active principles. The drug of the plant can therefore be constituted by the leaves, flowers, fruits, roots, gums or essences produced. Depending on the type of drug, the herbal tea can be prepared by infusion or by decoction: generally for leaves and flowers you opt for the infusion, while for seeds, bark and roots decoction is preferred (ed. or the form of decoction: compared to the infusion, which is prepared by immersing the most delicate parts of the plants in water previously brought to a boil, the decoction involves boiling the hardest parts of the plant for a certain period of time) .
Compared to other forms of administration, herbal tea has several advantages:
- could be personalized by the herbalist with the most suitable herbs to solve the problem and prepared at home in a very simple way and in a short time;
- it allows a rapid absorption of the active ingredients, therefore a faster response by the body
- usually has a pleasant taste and a good smell: carving out a moment of the day to prepare and sip your favorite herbal tea can become a pleasant and relaxing ritual, as well as beneficial.
How to choose and prepare them
For an herbal tea to be effective it is important that the starting raw material is of excellent quality. In fact, plants contain more or less active constituents based on the place and method of cultivation, the processing processes and the method of conservation. The best herbal teas on the market are certainly those sold in bulk in herbal medicine: the herbalist is in fact a qualified professional figure, in possession of a degree or diploma, able to evaluate the quality of the officinal herbs and mix them in the right proportions according to the customer’s needs.
Another important aspect for the effectiveness of an herbal tea is the method of preparation. Infusion temperature, method and time influence the final result. In general:
- a herbal tea it is prepared by pouring a tablespoon of dried herbs into hot water and letting the drug infuse for five to ten minutes;
- the decoctions they are prepared instead by placing the drug in cold water and then bringing to a boil and leaving to infuse over the heat for a variable time, from ten to fifteen minutes up to all night.
When buying a herbal tea it is essential to ask the herbalist for advice regarding the methods of preparation, as well as the number of cups to be consumed throughout the day.
Infusions to try
Below is a selection of teas with a pleasant flavor and useful for treating the most common ailments. The blends are prepared by the herbalist, who can be asked for advice for any replacements in case of allergies, pregnancy or interactions with therapies or supplements that you are taking.
Digestive herbal tea
This pleasant infusion is useful for promoting digestion after a large meal, reducing abdominal bloating and excess gas in the intestine. It can be consumed after a meal or during the day as needed.
Ingredients
- 20 g of fennel seeds
- 10 g of ginger root
- 30 g of chamomile flower heads
- 20 g of lemon balm leaves
Preparation
After pouring 150 milliliters of water into a saucepan, add 3 grams of the mixture of fennel seeds and ginger root. Bring to a boil, turn off the heat and add 3 grams of the chamomile and lemon balm mixture. Leave to infuse with the lid on for five minutes, then filter and consume.
Draining herbal tea
The draining herbal tea is perfect to help eliminate excess fluids, reduce water retention and cellulite and regain a flat stomach and light legs over time. It can be drunk up to three times during the day, warm or cold.
Ingredients
- 30 g of birch leaves
- 30 g of nettle leaves
- 20 g of juniper berries
- 20 g of anise fruits
Preparation
Bring 150 milliliters of water to a boil and add 8 grams of the mixture, leaving to infuse for ten minutes with the lid on. Filter and consume immediately or once lukewarm.
Relaxing herbal tea
An infusion to sip during the day in case of anxiety, agitation and nervousness or in the evening, to promote sleep and ensure a good rest.
Ingredients
- 30 flowers and leaves of lemon balm
- 25 orange blossoms
- 20 flowers and leaves of passionflower
- 20 poppy petals
Preparation
Infuse 6 grams of the herbal mixture in 150 milliliters of boiling water for ten minutes. Filter and drink hot, possibly sweetening with a teaspoon of honey.
Balsamic herbal tea
A perfect herbal tea for the winter months, useful for relieving coughs, sore throats, colds and nasal congestion. You can drink up to three cups a day or use the infusion for fumigations and inhalations.
Ingredients
- 35 g of eucalyptus leaves
- 25 g of thyme flowers and leaves
- 20 g of rosemary leaves and flowers
- 10 g of lavender flowers
Preparation
Leave 7 grams of mixture in boiling water for ten minutes, filter and consume hot, possibly sweetening with a teaspoon of honey or fir or pine syrup. For fumigations and inhalations, boil for about two minutes and add a pinch of baking soda to facilitate the formation of steam.
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