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Simple hot water infusions, tisanes or herbal teas, as we
know them today, are a pure near-to-nature form of self-care
maintenance. Today these wonderfully convenient herbal teas
are packed in ready-to-use teabags; yet there is still something
quite ritualistic about making an infusion. When you boil
the fresh water, then pour it over the herbs and allow it
to steep to the desired strength, you know that you are
doing something good for yourself. For some, that first
sniff of the aromatic steam evokes a centuries-old image
of herbalist monks brewing their fabled healing potions.
As
you sip the first comforting draught; there is a sensation
of well-being and wholeness. For what you are experiencing
is the pure essence of nature, directly for you, unhindered
by chemical enhancements.
Hot
water infusions have been around for thousands of years
and medical papyrii compiled as reference works by physicians
in Egypt towards the end of the second millennium BC, refer
to sweet flag, aloe vera, chamomile, cornflower, juniper,
myrtle, lotus and mint, and many other beneficial herbs,
flowers and fruits.
Herbal
teas are particulary useful as an aid to shifting impacted
lymph mucus, so helping to rid the body of harmful oxidants
that may over-burden the immune system, and cause a loss
of well-being. They can also ease stress, relax and refresh
the mind and body, encourage restful sleep, soothe and calm
the digestion, ease PMS and overwrought emotions, help to
maintain a sense of well-being, strength and serenity.
By drinking
these benevolent teas as substitutes for conventional caffeine
beverages (which are really not all that kind to us - even
the decaffeinated varieties may be treated with chemicals
such as trichloroethylene), we can become happier and less
stressed.
Holotropic,
for long a leader in the field of excellence, has now introduced
an enchanting new blend - a homage to the beautiful and
courageous queens of antiquity: the legendary Queen Esther
(485 - 465 BC), wife of Artaxeixes, King of Persia; and
the old Testament Queen of Sheba. This elegant tea is aptly
named 'Famous Queens Tea'. It is a delicate and inspired
blend of important anti-ageing and antioxidant natural fruit,
flower and herb ingredients, specially selected to compliment
a woman's subtle needs through all the stages of her life.
Rose-hips
are one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, betacarotene,
biologically valuable bioflavoids, pectin and collagen (well-known
for promoting skin elasticity and useful aid in maintaing
a youthful appearance, a supple body and strong bones).
To complement the rose-hips, Holotropic has added a magical
touch of vivacious hibiscus to refresh and revitalise the
feminie psyche, plus a delicate hint of mint to soothe the
digestion and calm the mind. |
MENTHA PIPERATA
COMMON NAME
Peppermint
BOTANICAL NAME
Mentha piperata
TRADITIONAL USE
Peppermint's long history of traditional medicinal use spans the entire world and is today the most widely used herbal ingredient across the globe. Both western and eastern cultures support its gastrointestinal and biliary duct digestive functions.
This herb is also recognized as a great energiser that not only revives the body but also the mind, as it assists in oxygenating the blood to help the brain to function more keenly. It is also widely used for easing nervousness, insomnia, headaches, PMS, stress and the discomforts of cold and flu.
MODERN USE
Peppermint, contains in its volatile oils the powerful therapeutic ingredient menthol as well as menthone, methyl acetate and some 40 other compounds. It acts as an active digestive, as a muscle relaxant and can also reduce the inflammation of nasal passages and relieve muscle pains.
Drinking peppermint tea offers a gentle alternative in managing digestive conditions ranging from abdominal discomforts to motion sickness, flatulence, bad breath, muscle aches and pains, cold and flu congestion.
REFERENCES
Hiki N. Kurosaka H, Tatsutomi Y, Shimoyama S, Tsuji E, Kojuma J, Shimiza N, Ono H, Hirooka T, Noguchi C, Mafune K, Kaminishi M. Peppermint oil reduces gastric spasm during upper endoscopy: a randomised, double-blind dummy controlled trial.
Gastrointest Endosc. 2003 Apr; 57 (4): 475-82.
Davies SJ, Harding LM, Baranowski AP, A novel treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia using peppermint oil. Clin J Pain, 2002 May-June; 18 (3): 200-2.
HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA
COMMON NAME
Hibiscus
BOTANICAL NAME
Hibiscus sabdariffa
TRADITIONAL USE
Hibiscus has a medicinal history that goes back to ancient Roman times. It is used in folk medicine to treat hypertension and liver disorders. Researchers today believe that the hibiscus flower may offer the same antioxidant health benefits found in red wine, green tea and red tomatoes. These are the antioxidants that help to control cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Chinese researchers found that the antioxidant properties of flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds and anthocyanins contained in the hibiscus flower can prevent the oxidation of Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) which is associated with the disease.
MODERN USE
Hibiscus flowers are also useful for treating loss of appetite, for colds, catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract and stomach, to dispel phlegm, as a gentle laxative, a diuretic and for circulatory disorders.
REFERENCES
Chang-Che Chen, Fen-Pi Chou, Yung-Chyan Ho, Wea-Lung Lin, Chin-Pin Wang, Erl-Shyh Kao, An-Chung Huang, Chau-Jong Wang.
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture: Volume 84 (online).
Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. 1988. American Botanical Council. Published by Integrative Medicine Communications.
ROSA CANINA
COMMON NAME
Rosehip
BOTANICAL NAME
Rosa canina
MODERN USE
From the rose hip seed, a valuable product can be obtained for medicinal use. This anti-inflammatory galactolipid is believed to inhibit chemotaxis of human peripheral blood neutrophils in vitro.
Pure rosehip oil contains natural tretinoin, a derivative of Vitamin A and appears to aid cell regeneration and enhance the levels of collagen and elastin in the skin. This oil has been found useful in treating psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and scarring. Rose Hips are also used as a nutritional supplement due to its high concentration of Vitamin C, as well as Vitamins E, K and Beta Carotene. Thus making it an effective treatment for the prevention of colds and other Vitamin C deficiency related conditions. Rose Hips are also mildly diuretic, laxative and astringent. Useful for supporting the treatment of colds and flu, general debility, exhaustion, constipation, infections and bladder problems.
REFERENCES
Triska Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn 1975.
Chittendon F. RHS Dictionary Of Plants Plus Supplement. 1956.
Oxford University Press 2001.
Larsen E, Kharazmi A, Christensen LP, Christensen SB. J.Nat.
Prod. 2003. Jul; 66 (7): 994-5.
Szentmihalyi K, Vinkler P, Lakatos B, Illes V, Then M. Bioresour
Technol 2002 Apr; 82 (20: 195-201.
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