Do you like herbal tea? That's great! Herbal teas and infusions offer a very wide range of healing virtues for minor inconveniences in your daily life. A little natural tip: it is important to clearly distinguish between tea and herbal tea. Although both have energizing properties, only tea contains theine, an alkaloid that stimulates the central nervous system and can cause insomnia, diarrhea, cold sweats, and even dizziness.
Here is a list of beneficial herbal teas and the ailments they remedy. Many properties overlap, but the infusions are classified according to how they are most commonly used: simply take the herbal tea whose plant is easiest to find! If you are pregnant, be careful and only follow advice from a specialized source.
Calming and Sedative Herbal Teas
These plants taken as infusions or herbal teas are ideal for falling asleep. Take them before going to bed to fight insomnia, but also if you have anxiety or nervousness problems.
- Lemon balm : Lemon balm is a sedative and relaxant. It calms anxiety, promotes sleep, and fights migraines, painful periods, and tachycardia. It is also an antispasmodic for the stomach and intestines, and it combats viral infections.
- Valerian : Analgesic, antispasmodic, and hypnotic, it is one of the plants with the greatest sedative power. However, taking it too regularly can lead to dependence, and you must be careful to take it just before going to bed (when drunk in small amounts, it can become a stimulant – it depends on your metabolism).
- Chamomile : Calming and antispasmodic, it is notably an anti-inflammatory used for arthritis and menstrual pain. It is also good for digestion, antibacterial and antiviral, and gives a slight boost to the immune system.
- Passionflower : Particularly effective for insomnia, but also for anxiety, anguish, and nervousness.
- Linden : Linden is a sedative and a mild hypnotic good for insomnia. Like chamomile, it helps the immune system and encourages good blood circulation.
- Orange blossom : If you are very stressed and can't stop thinking about your worries, try an infusion of orange blossom. It fights anxiety and has a slight digestive effect.
- Marjoram : This sedative and calming plant can be used to treat nervousness and insomnia, but also canker sores (if you don't have baking soda on hand), stomach aches, and nausea.
Stimulating and Energizing Herbal Teas
These infusions will wake you up in the morning and give you a boost during an afternoon break. Full of good things, however, you should not drink them if you intend to go to bed, or you might wait a long time...
- Nettle : Nettle is above all a plant packed with nutrients that has a detox effect. Calcium, magnesium, iron, chlorophyll... it gives you a boost in case of anemia, reduces allergies, is diuretic, and is the herbal tea of choice if you have arthritis problems, back pain (we hear you suffering from lumbago and sciatica), and all kinds of rheumatism. If you are pregnant, enjoy the virtues of nettle throughout your pregnancy without fear.
- Ginseng : Ginseng stands out by fighting diabetes. Anti-stress, it is also antioxidant and fights bad cholesterol. Its roots are full of vitamins (A, B, C, E, and K), and it will lift your spirits if you suffer from anxiety or depression.
- Rosehip : Rosehip's specialty is vitamin C. Take it in case of diarrhea, anemia, if you need an antiseptic or a diuretic. However, avoid drinking too much if you don't want a strong laxative effect...
Digestive and Blood-Thinning Herbal Teas
These herbal teas are good for the intestines and stomach, and facilitate blood circulation in the body. Be careful not to take them if you have already taken a blood thinner! Too much blood thinner would not be good for your blood.
- Fennel : Good for heaviness and bloating, fennel also stops nausea, vomiting, and prevents intestinal gas (no matter where it comes out). It also stops abdominal spasms, menstrual pain, and inflammation of the respiratory tract.
- Ginger : Ginger is an excellent digestive that calms gastric reflux, indigestion, and nausea (pregnant women, take note!). It reduces menstrual pain and is an outstanding blood thinner. It is even attributed aphrodisiac properties...
- Rosemary : Thanks to rosemary, your brain will be well oxygenated and you will warm your feet and hands thanks to blood circulation. You can take it instead of coffee in the morning for a little pick-me-up that will clear your mind. Try a cup also if you are tired, with a calming effect on the digestive system and breathing as a bonus.
- Ginkgo : Good for the heart and blood, it is full of antioxidants and oxygenates the brain, just like rosemary.
- Star anise (badiane): For gastrointestinal troubles, gallbladder issues, but also bladder spasms. If you have blood pressure problems or heart disorders, hormonal imbalances or hot flashes due to menopause, or even anxiety and depression issues, try star anise with its aphrodisiac effects.
- Rooibos : Rooibos is the champion for fighting cardiovascular diseases (even better than green tea). It is more effective than ginkgo for fighting skin aging, helps blood circulation, and contains a large amount of nutrients (magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese) and antioxidants. Antispasmodic, it is good for hay fever, diabetes, gastric problems, and blood pressure.
- Sage : For stomach cramps and bloating, but also for menopause (just like rooibos). Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sage is a panacea for sore throats.
- Peppermint : Antiseptic, analgesic, and antispasmodic, peppermint is full of antioxidants, making it a great blood thinner. It is also carminative (meaning it helps expel gas), which facilitates digestion and stimulates the stomach and liver. Be careful not to drink it before going to bed! You might be a bit too stimulated to fall asleep.
Preventive Herbal Teas
If you have a cold, fever, or breathing difficulties, these herbal teas will help you get through it. These are the ones to drink in the depths of winter, when you have a runny nose and a recurring sore throat.
- Yarrow : Anti-cold, it mainly helps reduce fever. It regulates the menstrual cycle by reducing excessive bleeding, helps with varicose veins and cellulite, and has digestive properties.
- Elderberry : Elderberry reduces fever and prevents respiratory infections. With a boost to the immune system, count on elderberry for its many antioxidants.
- Thyme : Thyme is great for kicking intestinal parasites out. In addition to dealing with diarrhea, bloating, and various aerophagia issues, it relieves colds, flu, and sore throats thanks to its expectorant properties. Antiviral, it is also antiseptic and antispasmodic.
- St. John's Wort : St. John's Wort will relieve your sadness because its main benefits are antidepressant. Prevent your winter blues with this exceptional emotional pick-me-up. Bonus: it is also effective for cramps and toothaches.
