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Tonic Teas
by
Ed Bauman, Ph.D.

Herbal Teas as Healing Beverages

Herbal teas have been used since the beginning of time as healing beverages. They were initially wildcrafted by observant folk healers after noticing the beneficial effects plants had on animals who ate them when they were sick or aging. The following remedies can be made as teas and consumed 2-4 cups a day to add valuable trace minerals to one’s body that will help to overcome the wear and tear of age, stress, illness, injury, medications and a history of less than optimal foods. A teaspoon per cup of raw honey can be added to these teas if the taste is too earthy for you to enjoy. Drink them on a regular basis. [Please consult with a certified herbalist or nutritional professional if you need more information and support.]


Below are several popular tonic teas I recommend. You can use one teaspoon of herbs per cup of boiling water, or two tablespoons per liter for all of the following formulations.

Calcium Tea
Good for cramps, heart, and nerves.
Add two tablespoons of each herb per liter of water. Steep in boiled water for 20-30 minutes:
Chamomile       
Comfrey
Borage       
Oat straw

Iron Tea
Even Popeye would approve of this one. Super cleansing for your liver, too! Add two tablespoons of each herb per liter of water. Steep in boiled water 20-30 minutes. (4 Servings)
Yellow dock
Watercress
Dandelion root
Nettle
Parsley
Dulse

Trace Elements Tea
Very soothing to the nervous system, and helps alkalinize an overstressed body. Add two tablespoons of each herb per liter of water. Steep in boiled water 20-30 minutes. (4 Servings)
Alfalfa
Fennel
Seaweed
Nettle
Watercress
Slippery elm

Intestinal Tea
This tea is alkalinizing, cooling, nutritious. Spicy! (4 Servings)
To Trace Elements Tea (above) add:
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. brewer’s yeast
1 Tbsp. rosehip powder
1-2 tsp. cayenne
1+ tsp. paprika
6 oz. spring water
[1+ tsp. bee pollen and/or honey--optional]

Emotional Stabilizer
A drink for the overwrought and stressed-out folks. (Do not use licorice if you have high blood pressure!) Add two tablespoons of each herb per liter of water. Steep in boiled water 20-30 minutes:
Oat straw
Elecampane
Kelp
Comfrey
Rosemary
Eucalyptus leaves
Licorice or Star Anise
Mint

Hot Toddy
Bring to a boil: 1 quart unfiltered apple juice
Add 1 tsp. of 3 of the following herbs and steep for 30-45 minutes. Do not use licorice if you have high blood pressure! (1-2 Servings)
Sarsparilla
Licorice
Hibiscus
Sassafras
Star Anise
Lemon grass
Cinnamon sticks
Ginger

Mellow Beverage Teas
Make your own herbal tea blends. Combine these herbs in different proportions to create tasty new teas. Add two tablespoons of each herb per liter of water. Steep in boiled water 20-30 minutes:
Mint           
Chamomile
Raspberry leaves   
Yarrow
Papaya leaves       
Lemon grass
Rosehips           
Red clover
Sage           
Lemon verbena
Hibiscus           
Basil


Excerpted with permission from Recipes & Remedies for Rejuvenation, ©2005 by Edward Bauman, M.Ed., Ph.D., published by Bauman College, Penngrove, CA.  To learn more from Dr. Ed Bauman, visit www.baumancollege.org

 


Related Articles:
Healing Herbal Teas
Kitchen Medicine
Healing Herbal Tinctures
Herbal Support for PMS
Herbs to Change Your Mood
Healing Medicinal Soup


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