Herbal Teas

Natural Remedies for Restful Sleep: A Complete Guide IMPORTANT: The natural remedies described here can support gentle rest and evening relaxation, but they are not a substitute for medical advice. If you suffer from chronic insomnia (lasting more than three weeks), repeated night-time awakenings, loud snoring with pauses in breathing (possible sleep apnea), severe anxiety or depression, see a doctor. Some calming herbs (valerian, passionflower, St. John’s wort) can interact with sedatives, antidepressants, blood thinners or blood-pressure medication. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, young children and people on long-term treatment should ask a doctor or pharmacist before using herbal teas or tinctures. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking a sedative remedy. ...

Elderflower Tea: Benefits, How to Prepare and Side Effects IMPORTANT: Tea made from elderflowers (Sambucus nigra) is generally well tolerated by adults, but a few essential precautions apply. Never use raw parts of the plant, especially the unripe (green) berries, leaves, bark and roots, which contain cyanogenic glycosides and can cause nausea, vomiting and cramps. The flowers should always be consumed as a properly prepared infusion. People allergic to plants in the Caprifoliaceae family, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should ask a doctor before drinking this tea regularly. If you are taking diuretics, diabetes medication or immunosuppressants, talk to your doctor, since elder has a diuretic effect and may influence blood sugar. Elderflower tea is not a substitute for medical treatment: if a fever lasts more than three days, breathing difficulties appear, or your condition worsens, seek medical care promptly. ...

White Tea: Benefits, How to Prepare and Side Effects IMPORTANT: White tea contains caffeine (sometimes called theine) in smaller amounts than coffee, but enough to affect sensitive people. If you have palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia, a stomach ulcer, or if you take medication (especially blood thinners, iron supplements, or thyroid medication), talk to your doctor before drinking white tea regularly. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should limit their caffeine intake and seek medical advice. White tea does NOT replace medical treatment; it can be a pleasant support within a healthy lifestyle. ...

Cowslip: Benefits, Uses and How to Prepare It IMPORTANT: Cowslip contains saponins in high concentration, especially in the root, and consuming it in excessive amounts can cause nausea, vomiting and stomach upset. People allergic to plants in the Primulaceae family may develop contact dermatitis when touching the fresh leaves. The plant is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, for people with gastritis or ulcers, or for those undergoing anticoagulant treatment. If a cough persists for more than a week, is accompanied by high fever, blood in the sputum, or difficulty breathing, consult a doctor. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. ...

Basil: Benefits, Uses and How to Prepare It Correctly IMPORTANT: Basil is generally safe when used as a food or seasoning. However, basil essential oil and concentrated extracts must be used with great caution. Pregnant women should avoid large medicinal amounts, as folk tradition attributes uterine-stimulating effects to basil. People taking anticoagulant medications (such as warfarin) should be careful, since basil may influence blood clotting. Essential oil should never be applied undiluted to the skin or taken internally without the advice of a specialist. Consult your doctor if you are undergoing chronic treatment or if symptoms persist. ...

Pu-erh Tea: Benefits for Digestion and Cholesterol, How to Prepare and Side Effects IMPORTANT: Pu-erh tea contains a meaningful amount of caffeine, comparable to that of a classic black tea. For this reason, people who are sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, arrhythmias, anxiety, insomnia, or an active stomach ulcer should drink it cautiously or avoid large amounts. Pu-erh tea may interact with certain medications (anticoagulants, stimulants, heart medication) and can reduce iron absorption if drunk with meals. It is not a substitute for medical treatment of high cholesterol or other conditions — talk to your doctor before using it therapeutically, especially if you are on long-term medication. ...