The Magic Elixir For All Your Health Problems Is This Way

February 3, 2015

From soothing your throat to helping you lose weight and fighting stress, herbs have been used over centuries for their medicinal properties, time and again. In fact, this led to the concoction of herbal teas which are packed with antioxidants, allowing them to work magic on our bodies and keeping diseases at bay. However, not all herbs are water soluble, and are more effective in high concentration extracts, pills or capsule forms.

Here is a list of 10 herbs which you can brew in a hot pot of water:

1. Chamomile
A great relaxing tea, chamomile is known to calm the mind and soul. Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal, this tea works wonders to improve digestion, irritable bowel syndrome and colitis. The soothing and fragrant properties of chamomile also aid in dissipating stress and anxiety.

2. Lemon Balm
Belonging to the mint family, lemon balm has a galore of benefits. It relieves anxiety, stress and insomnia. It also improves blood circulation and dilates blood vessels, controlling blood pressure. Lemongrass also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, which protect against several common ailments.

3. Goldenseal
This immunity stimulating tea also has the benefits of being antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Berberine, the active component present in goldenseal, stimulates blood supply to the spleen and activates the white blood cells, and hence the immune function.

4. Basil
Use basil leaves to treat flatulence, improve appetite, and treat cuts and scrapes. Basil also keeps your heart and lungs healthy. Applied locally, basil juice aids in treating ringworm and leucoderma. (Related Slideshow: 9 Reasons Basil Is Good For Your Health)

5. Valerian
Have a cup of valerian tea before bed every night for a relaxing snooze. Valerian root is known for its stress relieving properties and can also take care of insomnia. It works well to treat gastrointestinal and digestive problems too.

6. Dandelion
The health benefits of dandelion have been identified and harnessed for centuries. This herb has the potential to improve liver and kidney function. It is also known to promote weight loss and detox the body from toxins and harmful chemicals. (Related Recipe: Dandelion Tea)

7. Peppermint
This herb works particularly well to calm stomach disorders and a pounding headache. A classic herbal tea, peppermint can be used internally to treat bronchitis, colds, flu, fever, flatulence, menstrual cramps, nausea and heartburn.

8. Thyme
The active ingredient thymol present in thyme works as a strong antiseptic and expectorant. It aids in clearing coughs and congestion resulting from accumulation of phlegm. Recent scientific studies have also highlighted its effects against age-related brain damage, and its use in Alzheimer’s treatment. (Related Article: Did You Know? Romans Used Thyme As A Sovereign Remedy For Melancholy)

9. Echinacea
This lovely flowering herb can be made into an immune boosting and strengthening tea. Echinacea improves defense against tough bacteria and viruses, as well as common cold and flu. Also known as the ‘purple coneflower’, this herb exhibits potent antioxidant properties and can thus protect against the trauma of free radicals.

10. Lemongrass
Loaded with healing properties, lemongrass exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties. It dilates the blood vessels and improves circulation. Lemongrass acts as a mild diuretic and protects against any fluid retention in the body. A daily cut of this healing tea can also protect you from high blood pressure. (Related Slideshow: 5 Health Benefits Of Lemongrass)

Brew these healthy herbal teas for yourself and ditch those caffeine-packed cup o’ joes!