Discover the Facinating Herbs in Tea Herb Gardening Part 2 of 3
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010
by Sarah Phillips
HerbGardeningCentral.com
Sage
In the Southern United States this herb is best known as an important ingredient in pork sausage and cornbread dressing, served during the Holidays. As a tea it combats the effects of fever, including sweats. It is known to fight colds, liver and kidney problems. When gargled, sage tea treats a sore throat, mouth sores, and mouth ulcers. To brew use ten fresh leaves or one teaspoon of dried sage per one cup of hot water. Steep covered for ten minutes and strain.
Anise by any other name, e.g. aniseed, pimpernel seed, and sweet cumin, is still the sweet smelling seed of fennel. It has a licorice flavor and is where the unique tasting candy gets its flavor. A member of the parsley family it shares in the breath sweetening properties common to this group. Used as a gargle and mouthwash, the unsweetened tea was popular in older times for fighting bad breath. Now several commercial mouthwashes have anise as an ingredient. Breast feeding mothers can increase milk flow by drinking anise tea and its essential oil loosens mucus congestion in the throat and lungs. For tea crush two teaspoons of seed then steep in one cup of hot water for ten to fifteen minutes.
Echinacea
Known for its ability to ward off a common cold, Echinacea strengthens the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. For over 400 years, Native Americans have used this herb as a general cure-all. It grows naturally in the heartland and southern United States. Those with joint pain, like arthritis, love its anti-inflammatory properties. Use one to two teaspoons of the Echinacea per each cup of cool water to make the tea. Slowly heat this allowing coming to a boil then simmering for ten to twelve minutes. Strain and enjoy.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a naturally occurring hybrid of spearmint and water mint and is prized for its wonderful flavor and medicinal qualities. Within its volatile oil peppermint contains the powerful therapeutic agent menthol. This is the well known ingredient in "cough drops" that help clear congestion and cough due to cold and allergies. Like other mint, peppermint tea relieves many digestive symptoms and reduces heartburn. It has even been known to dissolve gallstones. Pour hot, but not boiling, water over the leaves, cover (this is critical to prevent evaporation of the volatile oils) and steep for several minutes. When combined with spearmint it, like the gum, is called doublemint tea.
Sarah Phillips is an herb gardening enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get started in this wonderful hobby.
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