In our ancestor’s time, medicine was made from various herbs. They instinctively knew what to grow and how to use it for treating various diseases and conditions. Today I will introduce to you four of those herbs, their health benefits, and how to prepare herbal teas from them.
Most people are not aware of the healing properties and nutritional value of herbs. That being said, if you are taking any type of medication, do not use any of the herbs discussed today before checking with your physician or better yet your pharmacist. I say pharmacist because they are better prepared to address possible interactions between your prescribed medications and herbs. As well if you use any of the following herbs on a regular basis, add them to your medication list.
Nettle leaf grows in my back yard, initially I had no idea what it was. I just knew it was an annoying little plant with leaves that stung when touched. It is known as common nettle, stinging nettle, or nettle leaf. Because of the numerous health benefits of nettle leaf, it has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times. The leaves, stem, and root of the plane can be used to prepare powders, tinctures, creams, and teas. Ancient Egyptians used it to treat arthritis and lower back pain.
Nettle leaf is a super food due to its high nutrient content; the plant contains vitamin A, C, and K as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, protein, beta-carotene, and chlorophyll. It boosts your energy and strengthens your immune system by stimulating your T-cells, that fight infection. The leaves and seeds of nettle leaf are used as mild diuretics and to treat urinary tract infections.
As well it lowers blood pressure, treats hay fever, helps control blood sugar promotes liver health, and can be used in wound healing. Nettle root can be found in many grocery stores or ordered online from Amazon or other websites. If you are brave enough to pick it from your yard wear heavy duty gloves because of the stinging little barbs on its leaves. The leaves can be washed and left in open air to dry. You may opt to freeze them, if so, blanch the leaves in in boiling water for two minutes, then soak in ice water for another two minutes. To prepare tea boil ten ounces of water, add a tablespoon of fresh nettle, or a teaspoon of dried nettle to the water. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain, and serve.
Horsetail is an ancient plant that has been around 35o million years. Some of the common names it is known by include scouring rush, bottle brush, and shavegrass. Horsetail is an abundant source of silica, so much that the herb can be used to polish metal, thus its name scouring rush.
The plant provides calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. It helps build connective tissue and collagen, including bones, hair, nails and skin. Horsetail is a natural diuretic and kidney cleanser. Do not, use this herb if you have kidney disease and if taking prescribed medications consult your physician or pharmacist. You can find horsetail extract or leaves online for tea preparation.
When I first heard of oat straw, I thought it was a straw made from oats. Ding, ding, ding, wrong, it isn’t anything close to that. It is however a powerful plant with astounding health benefits including those related to sexual dysfunction. Oat straw is also known as herb oats, groats, and wild oats.
Oat straw is a great source of protein, flavonoids, carotene, and vitamins B1, B2, E, and D. It also contains small amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Aside from being used in cereal and other foods, it can be used to treat a number of ailments, discomforts, and conditions.
It is known to naturally lower cholesterol and rebuild strength by increasing stamina and vigor. Combined with palmetto it is said to enhance sexual performance and can increase testosterone levels. The Oat seeds have cardiac, diuretic, emollient, and stimulant properties. Oat straw has also been known to help neurological pain and insomnia. Other uses include treatment of opium addiction, ADHD, and unlike other grains, Oat straw is gluten free.
You can find Oat straw extract and make a tea by adding 2-3 drops to a cup of boiling water, let it steep 10 to 15 minutes before drinking. A tincture dosage of 3-5 ml can be taken three times a day. Another way to use Oat straw is to make an infusion for your bath water. Add one pound of Oat straw to 2 quarts of boiling water and let it sit 30 minutes.
The last herb I want to share with you today is the red raspberry leaf. The plant itself is known for the delicious fruit it produces, one of my favorites. However, the red raspberry leaves have excellent health benefits and have been used to treat a variety of conditions and induce labor.
The leaves are a great source of antioxidants that help protect the body’s cells against damage and prevent disease. Additionally, the ellagic acid in the leaves have anti-cancer properties. Often known as the women’s herb because of various treatment of female health issues, there are other health benefits associated with red raspberry leaves.
Drinking red raspberry leaf tea provides a large amount of potassium which along with the antioxidants mentioned above is great for your heart health and lowers blood pressure. The leaves also contain a large amount of iron, 3.3 mg in an ounce, about 18% of the recommended dose for women. Drinking red raspberry leaf tea also reduces the onset and severity of arthritis and boosts digestive health.
For women it has been known to alleviate PMS symptoms, including cramps nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As well it may help symptoms of nausea in early pregnancy and strengthen the pelvic area during late pregnancy for preparation of childbirth. Red raspberry tea can be found everywhere but to make your own, use one ounce of crushed red raspberry leaves per ounce of water. Pour water in a pot, add a tablespoon of leaves per cup and bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and steep 10 minutes. Strain and add honey if desired.
It is my hope that the information shared with you today helps to address some of your health issues naturally. Please remember to consult with your physician, or my recommendation, your pharmacist if taking prescribed medications. Now, as a bonus I want to give you the recipe for a nutri-tea that has all the herbs discussed above.
NUTRI-TEA
INGREDIENTS:
1 tsp. nettles
1/2 teaspoon horsetail
1/2 tsp. Oat straw
1/2 tsp. red clover
1 tsp. dried mint (your choice of flavor)
1/4 tsp. clalendula
honey (optional)
Combine all herbs. Pour 2 cups boiling water over them, and steep covered for 5-15 minutes. Strain, add honey if desired and enjoy!
Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Blessings💖
