Comforting and aromatic, plant herbal teas allow us to enjoy their medicinal properties whenever we wish. While each plant is unique, we can blend plants according to our needs for even greater effectiveness. There is something for every taste and for the whole family.
The secrets of herbal tea
From ready-made bags to loose seeds and flowers, herbal teas are everywhere, both in our supermarkets and in organic shops. You can enjoy them at any time of day, in place of tea or coffee depending on your mood. Thyme, linden, agastache, fennel, chamomile, nettle, sage... The list of plants is long, as are their benefits.
What are plant herbal teas made of?
To make plant herbal teas, aromatic and medicinal plants are used. Depending on the plant, the flowers, seeds or roots will be used. Indeed, each part of the plant has specific properties.
How to make an organic herbal tea?
To make a herbal tea, you can use two methods:
- Decoction, which involves immersing the plant in cold water and then bringing it to the boil.
- The infusion, which on the contrary requires pouring the dried plants into non-boiling water.
In the case of decoction, the water must remain at boiling point for a few minutes (depending on the plant and/or the part used). Once cooled, it must be filtered before finally being consumed. Infusion is much simpler, as it is enough to let the plant steep for a few minutes in a cup to drink the herbal tea while still warm.
Where to find plants for herbal tea?
Plants for herbal tea can be found in several places:
- In supermarkets with ready-to-use infusions.
- In a pharmacy.
- In an organic herbalist's shop, preferably.
- Online.
- In your own garden, quite simply.
Whether in bags or loose, herbal tea comes in many forms. Try to choose organic infusions, which contain fewer pesticides than others.
Why drink plant herbal teas?
Besides its pleasant taste and the well-being it brings, plant herbal tea has health attributes that should not be overlooked.
The best known is undoubtedly its effect on digestion. It's no coincidence that cups of digestive herbal tea come out at the end of the evening meal!
Anise and lemon balm are particularly good candidates. Organic lemon balm leaves to soothe stomach aches, anise to ease bloating and intestinal disorders.
Plant and garden
If you have a garden, don't hesitate to make your own infusions. The aromatic plants we use in our cooking can also heal us. So, feel free to plant thyme, sage or mint.
No garden? Head for organic herbal teas in bags or loose leaf.
Precautions for use
Medicinal plants contain active compounds. While these are beneficial to health, it is important to follow the recommended dosage carefully and to seek advice from a pharmacist or herbalist.
Some plants can be dangerous for children and pregnant women.
They can also interact with medical treatments.
Since treating yourself with plants is not always straightforward, you can also find advice in an online organic herbalist's shop, but if in any doubt, the opinion of a healthcare professional is recommended.
List of different herbal teas
Cinnamon herbal tea
The cinnamon herbal tea aids good digestion by soothing stomach aches (such as cramps). It can also replace coffee when you're feeling tired. In addition, thanks to its antiviral action.
Hibiscus herbal tea
Ideal for stressed people, hibiscus has calming properties and reduces mild high blood pressure. Take three cups of hibiscus flower infusion per day, either in bag or loose form. You can mix it with one to two grams of chamomile for added gentleness.
Nettle herbal tea
Nettle is one of the most renowned medicinal plants, with analgesic and diuretic properties. Simply steep the dried roots or leaves to soothe your pain. Nettle herbal tea is ideal for constipation.
Nettle is easily found in organic shops in the form of dried leaves (bags or loose).
Chamomile herbal tea
The benefits of organic chamomile herbal tea are numerous. It's no coincidence that it is often found in the form of infusions and decoctions.
It is a relaxing herbal tea. Its flowers have highly sought-after calming properties. In addition, it also aids digestion by soothing stomach aches. You can drink up to four cups per day.
Clove herbal tea
Prepare your clove herbal tea by steeping two to three cloves in a cup for about ten minutes, add a little honey if you wish, and leave your digestive troubles behind. Moreover, it seems that this plant is aphrodisiac...
Fennel herbal tea
The fennel herbal tea is prepared from the seeds, and provides digestive comfort after a meal, especially if you suffer from heartburn. If you're looking for a herbal tea for coughs, fennel can also help. To make your infusion, place one to three grams of seeds in boiling water and leave to steep for five to ten minutes.
Raspberry leaf herbal tea
Of all medicinal plants, raspberry leaves are women's best allies. With its antispasmodic properties, the raspberry leaf herbal tea relieves pain caused by the menstrual cycle. Moreover, it helps pregnant women during labour (caution: only to be taken at the end of pregnancy). To prepare it, one tea bag or two to three grams of dried leaves per 200 ml of water will be enough for one cup.
Ginger herbal tea
Ginger roots, used in decoctions, are renowned for soothing nausea. But they are beneficial for all digestive disorders. On top of that, the spicy and refreshing taste of ginger herbal tea helps soothe sore throats.
Peppermint herbal tea
Peppermint leaves are used for digestive disorders such as bloating and irritable bowel syndrome. They also fight sore throats and bad breath. The fresh taste of peppermint herbal tea is enjoyed by the whole family, but it should not be given to children under six years of age.
Rosemary herbal tea
The rosemary infusion aids sleep, digestion, and soothes stomach aches. Very good for the skin, it is also antibacterial and antifungal. Leave its leaves to steep in hot water for a few minutes before enjoying.
Sage herbal tea
Sore throat, cold, difficult digestion? The sage leaf infusion is the solution to everyday troubles thanks to the plant's anti-inflammatory properties. However, be careful to limit your consumption if you are pregnant, as this plant can cause contractions at high doses.
Elderflower herbal tea
While they don't have magical properties like a wand, organic elderflowers are nonetheless very effective for respiratory disorders, urinary infections and digestion. Generally, three cups of elderflower herbal tea per day are recommended, after each meal.
Thyme herbal tea
The taste won't please everyone, however, with a little honey, the thyme leaf infusion goes down very well, and above all, is very powerful against respiratory infections. It's the herbal tea for coughs! Perfect for winter thanks to its antiviral and antibacterial properties, thyme will also be a great comfort in cases of colds.
Linden herbal tea
Feeling like some calm and relaxation? The linden infusion is a very effective anti-stress herbal tea. Since antiquity, this aromatic plant has been used to combat nervous disorders, fatigue and anxiety. Moreover, linden is very good for digestion.
Verbena herbal tea
Verbena is undoubtedly the most renowned infusion for combating sleep problems. With it, stress and anxiety give way to greater calm and serenity. Good for digestion, a cup of verbena herbal tea will help you have a good night without digestive issues.
Lavender herbal tea
With its antispasmodic, diuretic and sedative properties, lavender is a relaxing plant whose scent is reminiscent of sunshine and holidays. It will help you calm your nerves and will have a beneficial effect on your renal system. Steep its flowers and enjoy its fragrance.
Agastache herbal tea
Agastache is an ornamental plant, some varieties of which are edible. As an expectorant, it helps clear the bronchial tubes in cases of coughing. The flowers and leaves of organic agastache are used fresh or dried, and can be found in bags or loose.