ALL ABOUT HERBAL TEASANS
Herbs have been used for centuries to cure all kinds of common ailments
and preserve health and well being. Numi's collection of Herbal Teasans
are not only delicious and creative, but they boast a myriad of health
benefits as well. We invite you to steep yourself in knowledge about
your favorite Herbal Teasans or find a new favorite to naturally aid your
personal healing.
HEALTHY AFRICAN HERBALS
SWEET AFRICAN RED
Numi's Sweet African Red introduces Green Rooibos, which comes from the same plant as the popular "Red Tea". It is actually the un-oxidized Rooibos, called Greenbush, and has increased effectiveness of Red Rooibos' therapeutic properties due to the elimination of oxidization, thus boosting the levels of flavanoids and anti-oxidants. Greenbush has the same health claims as Rooibos, yet, since it is un-oxidized, some of the benefits are increased as much as 30 to 40 times!
Indigenous to the Cederberg region of the western Cape of South Africa, this small leguminous shrub has needle like leaves and fine stems with tiny yellow flowers. Greenbush is handpicked in the summer, then laid out to sun dry, a process similar to the method of producing green tea.
RED MELLOW BUSH
Dried in the sun, Red Rooibos, Numi's Red Mellow Bush, undergoes oxidation and is processed like traditional teas. Rooibos has a soothing effect on the central nervous system and is often recommended for people suffering from irritability, headaches, insomnia, nervous tension and mild depression or hypertension. Drinking Rooibos is also known to relieve stomach cramps and colic in infants. Numi introduced Rooibos to the U.S. natural food market in 1999.
Greenbush and Rooibos contain high quantities of powerful anti-oxidants, called flavones, which mimic SOD (super oxide dismutase) activity. SOD activity is the most aggressive natural protection against free radical damage. Furthermore, flavones are inhibitors of allergic mediator release from mast cells and have the ability to stop allergic reactions. The Rooibos plant is also rich in vitamins, such as vitamin C, and minerals.
BUSHMEN'S BREW
Numi's Bushmen's Brew, Honeybush, is also indigenous to a small mountainous region in Southern Africa, where it has been hand gathered by the Khoi and San peoples for hundreds of years. The leguminous bush has a most attractive bright yellow flower that is heavily honey scented. Deliciously sweet, Honeybush yields a rich smooth brew and is loaded with minerals and vitamins. The plant also contains dietary phytoestrogen hormones and flavones. Phytoestrogens stimulate production of
estrogen. Studies show this estrogen stimulation can help reduce the risk of breast, uterus and prostrate cancer. Honeybush is known to assist regulation of menstruation, allay menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms. The flavones are also good for combating allergies, acne, and rash, and helps heal sun burnt skin.
RUBY CHAI
Ruby Chai is Numi's Rooibos chai. This traditionally spiced, Rooibos based herbal is a delicious, caffeine-free, healthy tea for anytime of day. Spices added are ginger, cardamom, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon. For centuries these chai spices have been used as digestive tonics to stimulate digestion and improve appetite. They are also aromatic stimulants; their delightful smells are invigorating and energizing. Rooibos, too, is believed to aid in the relief of stomach and indigestive problems like nausea, vomiting, and heartburn.
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HONEYBUSH - THE SECRET TEA OF AFRICA
HEALTH TEA BLEND
DESCRIPTION
Honeybush is indigenous to a small mountainous region in Southern Africa, where it has been hand gathered by the Khoi and San peoples for hundreds of years. The leguminous bush has a most attractive bright yellow flower that is heavily honey scented. Deliciously sweet, Honeybush yields a rich smooth brew.
PROPERTIES
Honeybush is an herbal, caffeine-free tea, rich in anti-oxidants. Pure and natural, it contains no additives, preservatives or colorants. It has a pleasantly sweet tasting honey flavor with several health properties.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Honeybush contains the following compounds which support the listed properties and advantages:
Isoflavones & Coumestans are dietary phytoestrogen hormones.
- Regulation of female menstrual cycle
- Prevention of breast, prostate and uterus cancer
- Reduces the risk of osteoporosis
- Anti-fungal properties
- Anti-virus properties
- Anti-cholesterolemic - lowers cholesterol levels
- Hypolipemic - lowers fat levels
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-oxidant
Xanthones
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-hepattoxic - works against kidney poisoning
- Anti-virus
- Anti-diarrhea
- Anti-fungus
- Anti-oxidants
- Anti-depressant
Leutolin
- Anti-spasmodic
- Anti-oxidant
Flavones
- Vitamin-type activity (mixture of eriodictyol and hesperidien)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-oxidants
- Anti-microbial
- Spasmolytic
- Diuretic
4-Hydroxycinnomic Acid
- Anti-fungus
- Anti-hepatotoxic
Pinitol
- Expectorant
- Anti-virus
- Hypoglycemic - decreases high blood sugar levels.
- Anti-diabetic
PREPARATION
Allow Honeybush tea bag to steep for 10-15 minutes. Honeybush tea may be enjoyed on its own or with a dash of sugar, a little honey or milk, as preferred. Serve it hot or cold -- as iced tea or added to fruit juices.
When simmered for 15 minutes the flavor is stronger and health properties increased.
Please take note that research on Honeybush has only started recently in the 1990's. The above studies are from South Africa, and have not yet been approved by the FDA. These are the organic compounds found in Honeybush, and their usual associations.
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DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF ROOIBOS - THE MIRACLE TEA
HERBAL HEALTH TEA
DESCRIPTION
Rooibos tea is indigenous to the Cederberg region of the western Cape of South Africa. It is the only place that it is grown in the world. This small leguminous shrub has needle like leaves and fine stems with tiny yellow flowers. Dried in the sun, Rooibos undergoes oxidation and is processed like traditional teas.
PROPERTIES
Rooibos is an herbal, caffeine-free tea, rich in anti-oxidants. Pure and natural, it contains no additives, preservatives or colorants. It has a light vanilla scent and yields a rich orange brew, with several health properties.
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Rooibos reportedly contains as many anti-oxidants as green tea. Anti-oxidants eliminate the oxidation of free radicals associated with the aging process.
- In-vitro tests by Japanese researchers have shown that Rooibos tea exhibits anti-mutagenic properties and retards the growth of certain tumors.
- Rooibos has a soothing effect on the central nervous system and can be strongly recommended for people suffering from irritability, headaches, disturbed sleeping patterns, insomnia, nervous tension and mild depression or hypertension.
- Rooibos aids in the relief of stomach and indigestive problems like nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach ulcers and constipation.
- With anti-spasmodic properties, drinking Rooibos can help relieve stomach cramps and colic in infants.
- Because Rooibos contains very little tannin, it does not impair the absorption of iron and protein into the body.
- Rooibos actually contains iron, potassium and copper, minerals that are essential for several metabolic functions.
- Drinking Rooibos tea supplements the daily intake of calcium, manganese and especially fluoride, needed for the development of strong teeth and bones.
- Rooibos contains zinc, which promotes healthy skin, and magnesium, which enhances a healthy nervous system.
- Rooibos benefits the management of allergies like hay fever, asthma and eczema.
- Rooibos can soothe and relieve eczema, diaper irritation and acne when applied directly to the affected areas.
- Rooibos tea exhibits anti-viral activity.
- Most importantly, Rooibos is refreshing and delicious. Great in the morning, it also lets you sleep well at night.
MINERAL CONTENT OF ROOIBOS PER 24 ml CUP
|
|
Milligrams
|
% RDA
|
|
IRON
|
0.084
|
0.6
|
|
POTASSIUM
|
8.544
|
**
|
|
CALCIUM
|
1.308
|
0.168
|
|
COPPER
|
0.084
|
**
|
|
MAGNESIUM
|
1.884
|
0.624
|
|
SODIUM
|
7.392
|
**
|
|
ZINC
|
0.048
|
0.312
|
|
MANGANESE
|
0.048
|
**
|
** denotes Recommended Daily Allowance not established
PREPARATION
Allow Rooibos tea bag to steep for 10-15 minutes. Rooibos tea may be enjoyed on its own or with a dash of sugar, a little honey or a touch of lemon or milk, as preferred. Serve it hot or cold - as iced tea or added to fruit juices.
FYI - When simmered for 15 minutes the flavor is stronger and health properties increased.
Please take note that research on Rooibos has only started recently in the 1990's. The above studies are from South Africa, and have not yet been approved by the FDA.
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ROOIBOS CHAI - MELLOW SPICY TREASURE
HERBAL HEALTH BLEND - AIDS IN DIGESTION
Rooibos chai is much like the traditional black tea chai, yet Rooibos is the base instead of black tea, making a delicious, caffeine-free, healthy tea for anytime of day. Spices added are ginger, cardamom, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
ROOIBOS
Rooibos (Aspalatus linearis) is indigenous to the Cederberg region of the western Cape of South Africa. This small leguminous shrub has needle like leaves and fine stems with tiny yellow flowers. Dried in the sun, Rooibos undergoes oxidation and is processed like traditional teas.
- Rooibos has a soothing effect on the central nervous system and is often recommended for people suffering from irritability, headaches, insomnia, nervous tension and mild depression or hypertension.
- Rooibos can aid in the relief of stomach and indigestive problems like nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach ulcers and constipation.
- With anti-spasmodic properties, drinking Rooibos can help relieve stomach cramps and colic in infants.
GINGER
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is grown mainly in China and India where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Ginger is a bushy creeping perennial that spreads underground with long wide leaves. Its golden sunset flowers burst from cupped leaves at the end of a lengthy stem.
- Long known as a digestive tract tonic, ginger stimulates digestion
as it eases the transport of substances through the digestive tract,
lessening irritation to intestinal wall.
CARDAMOM
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is cultivated, and grows wild, in southern India. Also a very ancient spice used by the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. A member of the Zingiberaceae family, the plant is similar to ginger except for its flowers, gray tongued blossoms which alternate along the stem and produce a three-sided oblong pod, or fruit.
- The main constituents of cardamom, terpene alcohols and hydrocarbons, are antibacterial, stimulate the immune system, and work as diuretics.
- Cardamom has been used as a digestive aid and for flatulence since ancient times.
CLOVES
Cloves (Eugenia caryophyllus) come from an evergreen tea native to the Spice Island with large oval leaves and red and white bell-shaped flowers. The familiar clove is actually the dried flower bud.
- Traditional Chinese physicians have long used cloves to treat indigestion and diarrhea.
- Cloves are known to allay nausea and relieve other digestive ailments.
NUTMEG
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) grows on a tall, tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia. The nutmeg spice is from the dried, grated seed.
- Like many chai spices, nutmeg acts on the stomach to improve appetite and digestion.
ALLSPICE
Allspice (Pimenta officinalis) flourishes on the seaside hills of Jamaica. Allspice berries are collected before they ripen then dried. In history it was used as a breath freshener.
- Allspice is an aromatic stimulant (its pleasant smell is invigorating and energizing).
- Used mainly for its taste, allspice can also act as a carminative, which is known to ease griping pains, colic and expel gas from the intestines.
CINNAMON
Cinnamon (Cinnamonum verum), one of the oldest known spices, was first used medicinally from about 500 B.C.E. Native to Sri Lanka, the Cinnamon tree is a tropical evergreen laurel with flat, wide leaves. Small, white, tulip-like flowers are bunched at the ends of multi-branching stems.
- Cinnamon calms stomach irritation and aids digestion.
- Traditionally, cinnamon was used for colds and flu.
PREPARATION
Bring water to a boil. Immediately pour over Rooibos chai blend. Steep as long as you like to desired strength, for Rooibos will not grow bitter. Add warm milk and honey for a traditional chai.
The health benefits described above have not yet been approved by the US FDA.
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GREEN ROOIBOS & HONEYBUSH - THE MIRACLE SECRET IS OUT
HERBAL HEALTH TEA
DESCRIPTION
Green Rooibos comes from the same plant as the popular "Red Rooibos"; it is actually the un-oxidized Rooibos, called Greenbush. The Cederberg region of the western Cape of South Africa is the only place it is grown in the world. This small leguminous shrub has needle like leaves and fine stems with tiny yellow flowers. Greenbush is handpicked in the summer, and then laid out in the sun to dry. Greenbush has increased effectiveness of Red Rooibos' therapeutic properties due to the elimination of oxidization, thus boosting the levels of flavanoids and anti-oxidants.
HEALTH BENEFITS
GREENBUSH
The main constituents of Greenbush are phenolic carboxylic and hydroxybenzoic acids; flavones: luteolin, quercetin, rutin, and aspalathin; non-phenolic metabolites; and inositols. Rooibos contains high quantities of a powerful anti-oxidant that mimics SOD (super oxide dismutase) activity, the most aggressive natural protection against free radical damage. Moreover, Rooibos is rich in vitamins, such as vitamin C, and minerals.
- Greenbush has the same health claims as Rooibos, yet, since it is un-oxidized, some of the benefits are increased as much as 30 to 40 times!
- Flavones are not only one of the strongest anti-oxidants, but are also essential for the complete absorption of vitamin C.
- Furthermore, flavones are inhibitors of allergic mediator release from mast cells and have the ability to stop allergic reactions.
- Greenbush has a soothing effect on the central nervous system, reduces tension in the body and can ease psychological tension as well, and is known to help people suffering from irritability, headaches, disturbed sleeping patterns, insomnia, nervous tension and mild depression or hypertension.
- Green Rooibos aids in the relief of stomach and indigestive problems like nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach ulcers and constipation.
HONEYBUSH
Honeybush contains isoflavones and coumestans, dietary phytoestrogen hormones as well as flavones and xanthenes. Honeybush is loaded with minerals and vitamins.
- Phytoestrogens in Honeybush stimulate production of estrogen. Studies show this estrogen stimulation can help reduce the risk of breast, uterus and prostrate cancer.
- Honeybush is known to assist regulation of menstruation, allay menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms.
- Also good for combating allergies, acne, and rash, and helps heal sun burnt skin.
WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
In the life cycle of normal tissue cells, oxygen molecules are present and used. These oxygen molecules travel in pairs. Sometimes one of the pair will be used and the other is left alone. That lone oxygen molecule is called a "free radical". Free radicals easily attach onto cells causing an effect, much like that of rust, called oxidative damage, which can bring about intense cell damage and interferes with the cell's ability to function properly. Over time this may lead to cancer or cardiovascular disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's, or even AIDS.
Antioxidants are cells that neutralize free radicals because they supply a positive charge to the unpaired oxygen so it cannot damage cells. This renders the free radical useless and the threat is gone. Antioxidants can also prevent oxidation by "guarding" or creating barriers around cell tissue and bonding with free radicals as they attack.
MINERAL CONTENT OF ROOIBOS PER 8 OZ. CUP
|
|
Milligrams
|
% RDA
|
|
IRON
|
0.1
|
0.5
|
|
POTASSIUM
|
9
|
0.2
|
|
CALCIUM
|
1
|
0.1
|
|
COPPER
|
0.1
|
4
|
|
MAGNESIUM
|
2
|
0.5
|
|
SODIUM
|
7
|
0.3
|
|
ZINC
|
0.05
|
0.3
|
|
MANGANESE
|
0.05
|
2
|
MINERAL CONTENT OF HONEYBUSH PER 8 OZ. CUP
|
|
Milligrams
|
% RDA
|
|
IRON
|
0.01
|
0.04
|
|
POTASSIUM
|
15
|
0.4
|
|
CALCIUM
|
2
|
0.2
|
|
COPPER
|
0.01
|
3
|
|
MAGNESIUM
|
2
|
0.5
|
|
SODIUM
|
3
|
0.15
|
|
ZINC
|
0.01
|
0.03
|
|
MANGANESE
|
0.04
|
2
|
PREPARATION
The active constituents of Greenbush and Honeybush, if simmered or steeped for 10-15 minutes, are stronger and more accessible to the body. Steep tea bags as long as desired. Neither will go bitter.
Please take note that research on Rooibos & Honeybush has only started recently in the 1990's. The above studies are from South Africa, and have not yet been approved by the FDA. These are the organic compounds found in Rooibos & Honeybush, and their usual associations.
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LEMONGRASS - CALM AND COOL
HEALTH TEA BLEND
DESCRIPTION
Lemongrass, abundant in tropical hills and open spaces of Thailand and Mexico, grows as a dense cluster of tall, coarse, dark green blades reaching heights of five feet. A highly aromatic herb, it exudes a lemon-like fragrance when bruised. Often called Fever herb, known to few as Herba Andro Pogones, classified as Cymbopogon citrates, Lemongrass has been used for centuries, not only favored in cuisine, but also by herbalists and in Ayurvedic medicine.
PROPERTIES
When brewed, Lemongrass has a beautiful topaz color. Lemongrass has healing and curative properties. It acts as a diuretic, stimulant, tonic, and antispasmodic. Lemongrass is helpful in the treatment of indigestion, and is antirheumatic as well as antidiarrhoeal. It's most popular use is as a febrifuge: acting to reduce fever.
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Lemongrass has been used for hundreds of years to combat depression and bad moods.
- A cup of Lemongrass tea has a pleasant, therapeutic, cooling effect. It is used to treat fevers, colds, coughs, and flu. In the case of fevers, Lemongrass aids in lowering body temperature.
- Lemongrass relaxes the stomach and intestinal muscles, making it useful to treat disorders of the digestive system, and a great remedy for stomach aches.
- A strong Lemongrass tea made with black pepper can be taken for relief of painful and difficult menstruation.
- With antispasmodic properties, Lemongrass is a gentle treatment to relieve colic in infants.
- Studies have shown antibacterial and antifungal constituents present in Lemongrass.
- Lemongrass exhibits anticancer activity: the effects of Lemongrass on health and the preventive effects on the development of cancer have been studied at universities in the United States and in Thailand. Lemongrass extract has been found to contain antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic substances, inhibiting tumor promotion in mouse skin and on transplanted tumor growth.
- The root and leaves, ground together into a paste and applied topically, have been traditionally used to treat bone fractures.
- A refreshing, beneficial herbal beverage hot or cold, morning or night, lemongrass is an excellent companion to meals.
PREPARATION
Bring fresh water to a boil. Immediately pour over a bag of lemongrass. Steep three to five minutes, to desired strength. This thirst quencher is great cold.
The health benefits described above have not yet been approved by the US FDA.
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DESERT LIME - AN OASIS OF VITAMIN C
HEALTH TEA BLEND
DESCRIPTION
Desert limes are indigenous to the Arabian Gulf of the Middle East. The lime tree (Citrus auantifolia) grows bushy, crooked, and prickly, rarely reaching eight feet tall. The desert lime is dull orange, tinted with yellow. After being meticulously dried under the desert sun, the dry limes are crushed and sifted. They have been revered for thousands of years, and enjoyed both as a healthful tea and as a distinguished spice in Middle Eastern cuisine. A traditional tea in Arabic culture, dry lime is drunk during holy month to break a day's fast as it relieves headaches. Desert lime tea has a pleasantly sour taste when brewed, nicely balanced with a touch of sugar.
PROPERTIES
Desert lime is high in ascorbic acid (vitamin C), rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A. It has trace amounts of iron and niacin. Lime contains aldehydes (citral) 18%, which are oxygen containing compounds that have anti-infectious and antiviral actions as well as being a sedative. Monoterpenes (such as limonene) 76%, terpenes (fenchon), and sesquiterpenes (bisabolene) 3%, are also present in lime and responsible, in part, for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF ASCORBIC ACID
A necessary dietary supplement, most people suffer from insufficient vitamin C in their diets.
"There are more than ten thousand published scientific papers that make it quite clear that there is not one body process... and
not one disease or syndrome... that is not influenced -directly or indirectly- by vitamin C."
- Drs. Cheraskin, Ringsdorf and Sisley, The Vitamin C Connection
- Ascorbic acid boosts the immune system as well as reduces histamine levels- being involved in the production of T-cells, white blood cells, and macrophages (the immune system machine).
- Vitamin C is essential to the proper development of collagen, which alleviates bleeding gums, bruising and helps minimize bone fractures. C protects joints, ligaments, and artery walls.
- Ascorbic acid helps proper functioning of adrenal gland, which responds to the hypothalamus, thus aiding to restore homeostatic balance, especially after stress and trauma.
- Vitamin C is antiviral and antibacterial due to its antioxidant activity.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF DRY LIME
- Dry lime is a great therapy for headaches, drunk as a tea and used as a poultice.
- Lime tea is taken as a diuretic, digestive stimulant, to relieve stomach ailments, and is extremely beneficial in relieving diarrhea.
- A cup of desert lime will ease sore throat and calm convulsive cough.
- Lime decongests the lymphatic system, promoting healthy blood and immune system.
- The terpenes present in desert lime inhibit toxin accumulation and work to discharge toxins from the liver and kidney. Sesquiterpenes present are liver gland stimulants and ulcer preventatives.
- Studies determined that the d-limonene in lime inhibits mammary tumors in rats and increases the activity of an enzyme that enhances detoxification of carcinogens.
PREPARATION
Bring water to a boil and immediately pour over dried desert lime. Steep 2-4 minutes, to desired strength. The longer the steep, the more tart the tea. Is delicious hot or cold. Enjoy!
The health benefits described above have not yet been approved by the US FDA.
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MOROCCAN MINT - THE ANCIENT SOOTHER
HEALTH TEA BLEND
DESCRIPTION
Purple clustered flowers top bright green, finely toothed leaves on a dusky-rose tinted stem in late spring, when bees make brief appearances along creeks and streams beneath the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Established trade between the Moors and Greeks was probably responsible for the introduction of this brook-side herb into Greek Materia Medica. More commonly known as Mentha spicata, also Mentha crispa, Moroccan Mint is the spearmint of North Africa; a harmonic essence likened to spearmint with a nip of peppermint. Classic Moroccan Mint is prepared with green tea, pure Moroccan Mint is caffeine-free.
PROPERTIES
The chief constituent of Mentha spicata is carvone. Carvone is responsible for the antiparasitic properties of mint. Mint contains an essential oil called spearmint oil. Esters present in the plant acid cause that delightful, lighthearted spearmint perfume. Mint's popular use, for conditions of the stomach (a stomachache), dates far back into the age of ancient Greece.
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Moroccan Mint tea, with soothing aroma and stomachic property is perfect for the relief of nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
- Mint is a pleasant tasting antacid for young and old.
- Its carminative and antispasmodic effects aid the relief of hiccough, flatulence, and indigestion.
- Mentha spicata has antifungal, antiviral, antimacrobial, and antiparasitic properties.
- Having such a gentle nature, sweetened Moroccan Mint tea, as opposed to Peppermint, can be safely used for children's maladies and infantile trouble generally, or specifically as in the case of colic or fever.
- Mint's CNS (Central Nervous System) depressant ability can be used to alleviate nervousness, anxiety, and stress. A cup of Moroccan Mint tea will relax the mind and body, two or three cups can ease insomnia.
- Aromatically mint is a refreshing companion during illness, hangover, and morning sickness.
- Mint is used topically for a host of ailments ranging from headaches to athlete's foot.
PREPARATION
Bring fresh water to a boil and pour over a bag of Moroccan Mint. Steep three to five minutes, to desired strength. Let the soothing taste warm and delight you, hot or cold. Enjoy!
The health benefits described above have not yet been approved by the US FDA.
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CHAMOMILE LEMON MYRTLE - SWEET THERAPY
HERBAL HEALTH TEA
DESCRIPTION
Chamomile, a charming, low-growing flower with slight apple scent grows wild across the globe in temperate climates. Herb of many names; Matricaria recutita, Matricaria chamollia, and Chamomilla recutita, the word "Chamomile" is derived from the Greek chamos (ground) and melos (apple). This pleasant, simple flower was used medicinally by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Since the first century A.D. it has been valued for its treatment of digestive ailments.
A native Australian evergreen rainforest tree, lemon myrtle emits a crisp lemon scent from its large flat leaves. In summer and autumn the tree teems with nectar-rich yellow flowers. For hundreds of years Aborigines have used lemon myrtle leaves as tea, or eaten from the plant, as arthritis treatment.
PROPERTIES
Chamomile flowers contain volatile oils. Chamazulene (1-15%) gives chamomile extracts and oils a beautiful blue tint. This compound contributes to anti-inflammatory actions in chamomile through antioxidative effects. Flavonoids (8%) present in chamomile are also highly responsible for its anti-infammatory activity. Other components include amino acids, fatty acids, phenolic acids, choline, coumarins and pectin-like mucilage (10%) composed of polysaccharides.
Lemon myrtle has an intensive, refreshing, lemon-like quality. The main element of lemon myrtle is essential oil (4-5%), compromised almost entirely of citral (90-95%). Lemon myrtle contains the most concentrated amount of citral (over thirty two times more than lemons), and is also the world's purest source. Trace constituents are myrcene, citronella, and cyclocitral. Citral and citronella give lemon myrtle its antiseptic action.
HEALTH BENEFITS
CHAMOMILE
Numerous case studies have been performed with chamomile all over the world. Germany is in the forefront of scientific research, the Commission E presently authorizes various uses of chamomile preparations. Chamomile is also on the US FDA's GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list.
- Chamomile is most popular for its relief of mild tension and stress. Exhibiting calmative and sedative properties, the tea is also drunk to relieve insomnia.
- Animal research suggests chamomile can relax gastrointestinal spasms and reduce inflammation in the stomach and intestines, easing stomach pain and cramps along with relief of menstrual cramps.
- The tea works well as a wash for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
- Chamomile promotes digestion of the B vitamins and absorption of all minerals.
- Chamomile also contains an easily absorbed form of calcium.
- The tea can be drunk for its febrifugal action, to reduce and combat fever.
LEMON MYRTLE
- The citral present in lemon myrtle helps to cleanse joints naturally of harmful toxins that cause inflammation, thus its effectiveness in treating arthritis as well as its anti-inflammatory action.
- Lemon myrtle's constituents citral and citronella in general have a sedative effect on the nervous system. This effect helps relieve symptoms of stress and mild anxiety.
- Lemon myrtle exhibits antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic properties.
PREPARATION
Bring fresh water to a boil. Pour over a chamomile and lemon myrtle mix. Steep 4-6 minutes, to desired strength. This is the perfect bedtime herbal. Delicious hot or cold. Enjoy!
The health benefits described above have not yet been approved by the US FDA.
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