Herbal Tea Guide - A Free eBook

What you will find in this guide

The free herbal tea guide “The How To Guide For Herbal Teas” has been created as a simple and straight forward source of information about all the basics you need to know when it comes to choosing herbs for their various healing properties, preparing herbs for tea, and also the basics of making herbal teas, herbal infusions and herbal dedoctions.

An introduction to herbal teas

Herbal teas can provide many potential benefits to the body and mind; from assisting with returning normal sleep patterns, relieving anxiety and stress, assisting with a low libido, lifting energy levels, or assisting with removing harmful chemical toxins from the body after long periods of taking medication due to illness.

There is a long list of useful herbs; some well-known such as chamomile and peppermint and some not so well known such as muira puama and coltsfoot. Many herbs have common or similar benefits to that of other herbs, while some have very specific benefits for very specific purposes.

When to enjoy the benefits of herbal teas

A suggested list of the best times when you may like to experience the many beneficial properties and characteristics of herbal teas, from early in the morning watching a beautiful sunrise to calming oneself down before bed time

General guidelines for preparing herbs for herbal teas

From quality of herbs such as organic or wild-crafted and pesticide free, aroma and colour of herbs to be used, the best water for adding to your herbal teas, the quantities and being accurate with the amounts of herbs to use, gathering your herbs together and following instructions to achieve the best result and to ensure there is no wastage, the best equipment to use such as types of cups, tea pots, cookware and so forth, making sure to avoid aluminium at all costs.

How herbal tea is different from other types of tea

A basic explanation of the various types of tea and how herbal teas “tisanes” differ from ordinary tea such as black tea, green tea, white tea, berry tea, and every other kind of tea made from different plants and flowers.  All "tea," no matter the color, all comes from the same plant; herbal tea is completely different as it’s a “tisane” rather than an actual tea.

The basics of making herbal teas

An explanation of the basic differences between herbal tea, herbal infusions and herbal dedoctions and differing methods used to successfully create all of these herbal blends to result in tasty and beneficial drinking experience.

Herbs for tea and their properties – a short list

A short list of some of the well-known and common herbs such as chamomile, peppermint and dandelion, and also some not so well known herbs such as ashwagandha, calendula and mullein. Also a short description of the many benefits of each herb that may be gained from enjoying a herbal cup of tea containing these herbs.

  

Combining herbs for herbal teas

There are no set rules for combining herbs for a herbal tea blend; flavour is a major priority, so too is aroma, and obviously choosing herbs to assist with specific ailments is important too. 
You may choose a primary herb for its healing properties, and also add secondary herbs that have complimentary properties to support your primary herb.
Included in this section of the Free eBook you will also find some simple recipes for some common ailments such as insomnia, lack of energy, mental awareness, relaxation and calming, and menopause support.

To begin your journey into the world of healing herbs and herbal teas download your Free herbal tea guide here.

You can also start to build your own herb catalogue by purchasing your herbs all in one place at The Herb Shed Online Store, where we are always growing our range of medicinal herbs and herbal teas for your enjoyment and well-being.

The information in the Herbal Tea Guide eBook is not intended to replace diagnosis, treatment or advice from your medical practitioner. Any details provided are for informational purposes and are believed to be effective. However, since some of the material within the eBook  is sourced from other parties no expressed or implied guarantee as to the effectiveness of this information can be given or liability accepted.

Licorice Roots Many Benefits - The Herbal Remedy All Rounder

Licorice root offers an extraordinary list of well documented uses and is one of the most “mutli-use” or “all-rounders” of all herbal remedies .

Licorice root is effective for a great number of ailments including asthma , colds and influenza, sore throat , arthritis, athlete's foot , hair loss , dandruff , body odour , bursitis , chronic fatigue , depression , coughs , emphysema , canker sores , gingivitis and tooth decay , gout pain , heartburn symptoms , viral infections , fungal infections , ulcers , liver disorders , the symptoms of menopause , psoriasis , shingles , tendinitis , tuberculosis , candida yeast infections and prostate enlargement .

Licorice root possesses many anti-depressant compounds and is a superb alternative to St . John's Wort .

Many potentially healing elements have been identified in licorice also , which includes compounds called flavonoids and numerous plant estrogens ( phytoestrogens ) . The herb's primary therapeutic substance , glycyrrhizin ( which is 50 more sweet sweeter compared to sugar ) exerts a great number of beneficial effects on the body , making licorice an invaluable natural herb for the treatment of a host of conditions . It appears to prevent the break down of adrenal hormones like cortisol ( the body's chief stress-fighting adrenal hormone ) , which makes these hormones more readily available to the entire body . Licorice root possesses powerful antioxidants .

Licorice root a well-documented standing for healing ulcers . It is able to reduce stomach acidity levels , relieve heartburn symptoms and indigestion and also acts as a mild laxative .

Licorice root may be used for irritation , inflammation and spasm in the digestive tract . By way of its beneficial behavior on the liver , it enhances bile flow and reduces levels of cholesterol .

It possesses an aspirin-like behavior and is useful in relieving fevers and pacifying pain such as head aches . Its anti-allergenic impact can be very useful for hay fever , allergic rhinitis , conjunctivitis as well as bronchial asthma . Likely by its behavior on the adrenal glands , licorice has the capacity to enhance resistance to emotional stress . It ought to be considered during instances of both physical and emotional stress , after surgical treatment or in times of convalescence , or whenever becoming fatigued or run down .

Licorice also may help manage respiratory conditions and also sore throats . Licorice relieves congestion and coughing by assisting to loosen and thin mucus in air passages ; this makes a cough more "productive ," bringing up phlegm as well as other mucus pieces . Licorice likewise helps to relax bronchial spasms . The natural herb also soothes tenderness in the throat and fights infections that bring about respiratory illnesses as well as an overproduction of mucus .

Licorice reduces indications of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia . By boosting cortisol activity , glycyrrhizin assists to enhance energy , alleviate stress and lessen the indications of illnesses sensitive to cortisol levels , for example chronic fatigue syndrome as well as fibromyalgia .

Licorice combats hepatitis . Licorice both protects the liver and encourages restorative healing within this crucial organ . The herb's anti-inflammatory attributes help calm hepatitis-associated liver inflammation . Licorice also fights the viral strain generally to blame for hepatitis and also supplies beneficial antioxidant elements that assist to preserve the all-around health of the liver .

Licorice addresses PMS and menstrual issues . The phytoestrogens in licorice offer a mild estrogenic reaction , making the natural herb potentially beneficial in reducing certain signs and symptoms of PMS ( premenstrual syndrome ) , for example irritability , bloated tummy and also breast sensitivity . Even though the glycyrrhizin in licorice actually inhibits the impact of the body's very own estrogens , the mild estrogenic impact generated by licorice's phytoestrogens manages to overcome this inhibiting behavior .

Care ought to be taken if high blood pressure levels exist .

Botanical Name : Glycyrrhiza Glabra

Status : Organic

The best place to buy licorice root Online in Australia is The Herb Shed 

http://theherbshed.com.au/products/licorice-root

All information on this blog is for informational purposes solely . We stress that you should undertake your own research , or speak with your health professional if you suffer from a current health condition , or if you are on other medication , prior to consumption of our products .

Lemon Balm for Uplifting The Spirits and Relieving Stress

Lemon Balm ( Melissa Officinalis ) is a perennial herb plant from the mint family . Native to European countries , Lemon Balm is produced around the world . It is grown not just in herb gardens or simply to attract bees , but as well as in crops for medicinal treatments , cosmetic products , as well as for furniture polish manufacture . The plant can grow up to 2 feet in height , often times higher if not managed . 

The leaves , which have a mild lemon fragrance , are used to make medicinal treatments, with records dating back to early Roman times . Prior to the Middle Ages , lemon balm was steeped in wines to uplift the spirits , to help heal wounds , and treat insect bites or  stings . Nowadays , lemon balm is frequently mixed with other calming , soothing herbs , for instance valerian , chamomile , and also hops , to encourage relaxation . Additionally it is used in creams to tackle cold sores ( oral herpes virus ) .
 

Lemon balm may be used by itself, or as part of a variety of multi-herb combination ; it plays well with all other medicinal herbs . 

Lemon Balm ( Melissa ) is one among the many digestive medicinal herbs and is a strong anti-spasmodic and wind-dispeller ( flatulence ) .
Like many fragrant herbs Lemon Balm works on the nervous system , calming and cheering it .
Anyone who takes Lemon Balm regularly will cope better with stress .
It is especially beneficial to indigestion where anxiety and tension play a role .
It can help with irritable bowel syndrome and similar problems , as well as for gastric and stomach ulcers .
It can help bring down blood pressure level , as it stimulates the circulation at the same time as calming tension .

Lemon Balm being on of the sweetest tasting of all the medicinal herbs makes a favorite tea . Tea made out of Lemon balm leaves will help to soothe menstrual cramping and helps relieve PMS .

Lemon balm possess chemical compounds that relax muscle tissues , especially in the bladder , stomach , and uterus , thus relieving cramps , gas , and nausea .
Lemon Balm helps to eliminate stress , anxiety , insomnia . herpes , thyroid , chronic fatigue , Alzheimer's and dementia
Botanical Name : Melissa Officinalis
 

Melissa means “bee” in Greek , which indicates that it is one of the best bee herbs – loved by bees , and loved by humans for the fine honey they make from it . It was traditionally thought that if Melissa was grown by the hives , or even rubbed onto them , it would not only assist the bees to find their way home , but would also attract new bees to the hive .
Try Lemon Balm by itself , or with other herbs Chamomile , Valerian , or Hops for a calming relaxing tea . The Herb Shed offers fast and efficient delivery all around Australia .
http://theherbshed.com.au/products/lemon-balm
http://theherbshed.com.au/products/chamomile-organic
http://theherbshed.com.au/products/valerian-root
http://theherbshed.com.au/products/hops
All of the information on this blog is intended for  informational purposes only . We stress that you should undertake  your own research , or talk with your doctor if you suffer from an existing health condition , or if you are taking other medication , prior to consumption of our products .

Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) for Healing Bones and Body Tissue

Horsetail ( Equisetum ) is a peculiar and ancient plant , and only surviving descendant of the giant horsetails of the Carboniferous era , dating back some three hundred million years . The name Equisetum is derived from the Latin origins equus , which means "horse ," and seta , which means "bristle ."
Horsetail looks skeletal , which is a clue to one of its attributes ; it’s a rich source of silica , silica assists to fix calcium , in order that the body can store greater quantity of this mineral and then make use of it to repair bones , collagen as well as other body tissues , which makes it a healer of wounds where applied externally , as well as a builder of bones when you take it as a tea or tincture. Externally it is a vulnerary and also may also be applied as a compress to sprains, fractures, wounds, sores , and other skin conditions as well as a gargle for mouth and inflame gums . Horsetail is a good friend to those recuperating from injuries , or at risk from osteoporosis . In its more traditional use Horsetail has been utilized in the treating genito-urinary problems . It is specifically used for prostate issues , whether to do with inflammation or benign enlargement , and for this it combines nicely with Smilax ornata ( sarsaparilla ) of Hydrangea arborescens ( hydrangea ) . In the healing of tissues and skin cells it has been utilized as a wound medicinal herb to stop hemorrhaging since ancient times . Horsetail is furthermore very beneficial for bed-wetting and urinary incontinence in children , typically put together with nervous system supporting herbs such as Matricaria ( chamomile ) and Tilia ( lindenflowers ) . 

Horsetail is likewise useful in assisting with fluid retention by increasing urine flow , as a diuretic it is especially suited to metabolic or hormonal oedema during the menopause . Horsetail is useful to assist accelerating the removal of kidney and bladder stones , urinary tract infections , and general disturbances of the kidney and bladder . It has also been utilized to treat deep-seated lung damage for instance tuberculosis or emphysema as the silicic acid is thought to stabilise the scar tissue . The Chinese use Horsetail to cool down fevers and as a treatment for eye inflammations for example conjunctivitis and corneal disorders , dysentery , influenza , swellings and the occurrence of hemorrhoids .
Botanical name : Equisetum Arvense
Status : Certified organic
Actions : Horsetail is a known antibiotic , astringent , diuretic , and anti-inflammatory . It stops bleeding and heals body tissues . It possesses a restorative effect to damaged pulmonary ( lung ) tissue .

Horsetail may be acquired by purchasing it form The Herb Shed at the following web address...
http://theherbshed.com.au/products/horsetail
All information on this blog is for informational purposes solely . We do stress that you should undertake your own research , or talk with your health specialist if you suffer from an existing medical condition , or if you are on other medication , prior to consumption of our products .

Hops for More than Merely a Brewing Ingredient

Hops are floral clusters ( seed cones or strobiles ) , of a specific hop variety , Humulus lupulus . Hops are most commonly known as a stability element as well as a bitter flavoring in beer . Whilst hops are likewise put to use as flavorings in various other beverages and foods for instance gelatin , candies as well as cakes , hops boast therapeutic properties , whose health benefits were very popular in traditional and natural herbal remedies .
 

Hops are vibrant , herbaceous perennial climbing plant life which are indigenous to European countries but have since been cultivated in temperate locations across the world . Hops develop with stout hairy stems that assist it in climbing as much as seven meters in height . When cultivated , hops are raised in vertical strings . Hops possess darkish green , heart-shaped foliage with finely toothed rims .
The hops’ blossoms spring from the axils of the foliage on individual plants . The blossoms develop in panicles , six to twelve cm in length . Only the female hops and blossoms are utilized for therapeutic purposes . Hops’ female blooms are followed by cone structured fruits known as strobiles . 

When completely ripe , the hops strobiles they are approximately three to five cm in length , rounded-oblong appearance with a number of overlapping , yellowish-green bracts , connected to a separate central position possessing a small fruit ( achene ) at the base .
The principal use for hops is as a mild sedative . Hops are known to be a relaxant for the gastric nerves ; it helps relieve anxiety and tension , and decreases hyperactivity , excitability as well as restlessness , and can help with delivering peaceful sleep . They will also assist with indigestion and irritable bowel . 

For indigestion and irritable bowel try it with chamomile and comfrey , for anxiety use it with valerian and passionflower . To assist with insomnia combine with passionflower , wild lettuce and California poppy .
 

Numerous studies and research has found that hops also has anti-inflammatory , anti-cancer , anti-infection , anti-HIV , anti-acne , benefits weight loss , anti-platelet for cardiovascular disease and benefits chronic liver disease .

Hops has been traditionally used for hundreds of years , in beers all over the world . Hops is furthermore widely used as a smoking substitute for tobacco .  

An intriguing fact : Hops is among the many herbs which contains plant oestrogens which makes it a useful friend to women experiencing the symptoms of menopause . The oestrogen content is probably what gives it a reputation ( for males ) of dampening sexual appetite , not an feature of beer drinking which is broadly advertised .

The Herb Shed offers Hops in its dried form, which makes it easily usable for adding to herbal teas, as a smoking alternative or for culinary purposes.

Botanical Name : Humulus Lupulus
Actions : Hops Flower is considered to be a sedative . A restorative healing tonic for the central nervous system . It is additionally a digestive stimulant and an astringent .
Contraindications : Hops ought not to be used in pregnancy or conditions of depression . Hops is should not be used by very young children .
All details on this site are for information based purposes only . We stress that you should complete your own research , or speak with your health professional if you are suffering from an existing health condition , or if you happen to be on other medication , prior to consumption of our products .