An Introduction to Herbal Teas

Description

Introduction

Humans in just about every civilization worldwide have experienced that moment of bliss, hovering over a cup of herbal tea. We physically and emotionally respond to the chemistry of botanicals, and so did our ancestors —the joy and familiarity of drinking herbal tea is embedded in the fabric of our genes and cultures. The human body evolved along with a vast botanical pharmacy, and herbal teas were among humanity’s first medicines. When we commune with herbs in the pure form of tea, we participate in a long legacy of relationship between humans and nature in all its glorious complexity.

Making and drinking herbal teas for comfort and health is an ancient tradition that anyone can learn. It is both sensual and intuitive, a thoughtful process in which we look, smell, touch, and taste the herbs. As we develop our sensual palate, the flavors, texture, and fragrance of an herb begin to tell us a story of its remedial properties.

 

The Power of Plants

Plants connect with myriad other organisms through their root systems, leaves, flowers, and seeds. These connections increase their resistance to disease, aid in pollination and seed dispersal, and help increase nutrient uptake. Plants also create special chemical compounds to communicate with other organisms in their vicinity, exchanging information about the constantly fluctuating conditions in the environment. With their above-and below-ground connections they are able to thrive and help a diversity of others thrive as well. Mutually beneficial partnerships are what create stability and resilience in the landscape.

Like plants, our bodies need to be part of an interconnected community, too. Our physical and emotional health depends on knowing and communicating with our environment. Herbal teas — simple infusions of healing herbs in water —offer a daily reminder of our place in nature and open our hearts and minds to the ways in which plants can realign us.

We rely deeply on the plant kingdom for nourishment, medicine, oxygen, ecological stability, and clean drinking water. By learning to observe, tend, and use healing plants, we gain insight into their ecological roles both inside our bodies and out in the landscapes from which we harvest them.

 

Remedial and Medicinal Teas

Remedial teas should work with the body’s natural intelligence to heal and take care of itself, and also provide some comfort and relief from lingering or uncomfortable symptoms. Listening to those symptoms is important — it is how our bodies alert us to imbalance, inflammation, or infection, helping steer our behavior toward self-care and protection. Let our teas be a basic guide to both nourish the body and treat imbalances.

In conjunction with reducing psychological stress, getting plenty of rest, and adhering to a healthy diet, these tea blends will be impressively effective.

 

Herbal teas have been used for thousands of years for their health benefits. Our ancient ancestors used herbs and plants for healing ailments, and many of the herbal treatments were prepared as teas. The Greek physician Hippocrates is quoted with “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.”