Promoting health with the help of nature
Author
Linda Tietz
In this issue, I would like to give tips and advice on using the oldest and best-known natural home remedy: herbal tea.
Tea is quick and easy to prepare as needed, and it's the most common way to consume herbal remedies. Herbal blends intended to have specific health benefits are called medicinal preparations. These must be prepared and drunk on the same day. Never use boiling water to brew tea. A temperature between 90 and 95 degrees Celsius is sufficient for most tea blends. It's best to drink the tea warm throughout the day. It can be kept in a thermos, preferably one with a glass lining. A little honey in the tea enhances its effects and also improves its taste. Diabetics, of course, should avoid honey.
Anyone who has the opportunity to gather herbs themselves should definitely try it, as it's incredibly rewarding to engage with nature's bounty. Even the act of gathering, identifying, smelling, and feeling them contributes to inner healing.
Below I would like to introduce you to my favorite spring mix. It is relatively easy to gather or put together yourself:
- 1 handful of fresh young Nettle leaves (best to collect with gloves) > Helps against spring fatigue, as it has a cleansing, detoxifying effect.
- 1 handful blossoms of the Deadnettle > Helps with inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
- 1 handful sage (from the garden or herb pot) > Helps with inflammation in the mouth and throat and relieves excessive sweating.
- 1 handful peppermint (From the garden or herb pot; use only the leaves for tea before flowering) > Helps with insomnia and gastrointestinal irritation. Peppermint stimulates bile production and should therefore not be underestimated. Less is more with strong peppermint. Breastfeeding women should avoid this tea altogether, as it can reduce milk production.
Pluck the harvested herbs from the stems, wash them thoroughly, and spread them out on a tea towel to dry slightly (do not pat or rub). For one liter of water, place 3-5 leaves of each herb (depending on the desired strength) in a tea infuser and pour over the approximately 90°C (194°F) water. Cover and let it steep for 5-7 minutes. Done!
