Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Teas
Author: By Mary Lusk

Many hundreds of herbs are known to have medicinal qualities.
Even in light of modern synthetic medicines and the many
wonders they accomplish, many people are looking to herbs
as a source of healing, disease prevention, and general well-being.
Used correctly and wisely, herbs can provide desirable
medicinal results without adverse side effects.

You should not substitute herbs for any prescribed
medications you are taking under a physician's care.
Nor should you look to herbs as a cure-all.
They tend to be much milder than
synthetic medications and work more slowly, but they
can be a healthy part of a balanced practice of health care.

Here are several herbs known to have
medicinal qualities and some of their uses.
Noted in parentheses is the part
of the plant that should be used.
At the bottom of the list is a set
of directions for making herbal tea.

To Calm
Frazzled Nerves and Promote Sleep:
Chamomile (flower)
Lemon Balm (leaves)
Lime (flower)
Sweet Marjoram (flower, leaves)

To Reduce Fevers:
Angelica (leaves)
Basil (leaves)
Catmint (leaves)
Chervil (leaves)
Marigold (flower)
Safflower (flower)
Sage (leaves)
Thyme (leaves)

For Coughs and Colds:
Elderberry (leaves)
Hyssop (leaves)
Lungwort (leaves)
Rose (flower)
St. Johns Wort (leaves)
Thyme (leaves)
Fennel (roots)
Sage (leaves)

To Relive Headaches:
Anise (leaves)
Lavender (flower)
Lemon Balm (leaves)
Rosemary (leaves)
Woodruff (leaves)

To Relieve Constipation:
Elderflower (leaves)
Sweet Cicley (seeds)
Violet (flower)

To make an herbal tea of the herbs listed above,
choose a china or glass teapot (not metal).
Use tablespoons of the fresh herbs
chopped or 2 teaspoons of dried herbs.
Place the herbs in the teapot.
Add 2 cups of boiling water.
Let it stand for about 10 minutes.
Strain, and then sweeten if desired with honey or lemon.
A usual dose in one teacup full, three times a day.