Home grown medicinal teas

Thyme in flower

Sunday, February 18, 2018

You can make your own teas from common herbs growing in your garden or to spice up store bought teas. You may have growing in your garden what you need for your own home grown medicinal teas.

Burdock-can be used to help with constipation and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Chamomile-used to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and restlessness.  It is well known for its relaxing effect.  Be careful using, though, if you have a ragweed allergy.

Echinacea-the dried root of this coneflower is a well known immune system support.

Fennel-used for osteoporosis, stomach cramps.

Lavender-for anxiety, insomnia, irritability, restlessness.

Lemon balm-for digestion, nervousness, skin conditions.
Oregano-has antibacterial and anti fungal properties.

Plantain-for coughing, inflammation, insect/animal bites.

Red clover-menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, skin conditions.

Rosemary-been used since ancient times for memory.

Sage-for digestive problems, menopausal symptoms.

Thyme-for allergies, colds, cuts or scrapes, fungal infections, respiratory infections.

Valerian-used in many sleeping aids, has a relaxing effect.
Harvesting and drying herbs

You can use stevia, an herb rich in antioxidants, to help sweeten your tea.  A little goes a long way and too much can cause a bitter taste.  1/8 teaspoon or less is all that is needed.
A sweet alternative-grow your own

You can place in cheesecloth or a tea ball.  Steep for 4-6 minutes.  

For more ideas on tea blends for the cold months, this article in Mother Earth News had some nice tea recipes:  4 Herbal Teas for Autumn and Winter

.

Many medicinal teas are made from herbs which are easy to grow.  Most herbs are perennials which come back year after year.

Start a kitchen herb garden!

For other teas you can make from your garden, Make your own teas from garden grown herbs