Herbal Supplements and Remedies, Part Two

In my last hub, I talked about where to get herbs and how to be careful with their gathering and usage. Now I would like to talk about some of the things that are sold over-the-counter (OTC) as commercial teas. There are many tea companies that sell different herbal teas. The teas are weaker than if you made them yourself, and, therefore have a much weaker effect. However, the effects of these teas can still be a danger if you have a serious medical condition that the herb may strongly react to such as diabetes. Be sure to research any teas you wish to consume so you can be sure of no dangerous side affects.

Companies that sell herbal teas are numerous and include large corporations as well as small family run operations that sell locally or in organic food shops. Name brand companies often have web sites that you can go to for information. These companies make different flavored herbal teas for your pleasure and for your health. It can be fun tasting all of the different flavors and spices used in the various teas. It can be fun experimenting with herbs in your usual teas as well. A common one is to put a cinnamon stick in your regular hot tea.

Please remember, the affect of teas, whether purchased or homemade, may be different than what is listed below since all herbs affect people in different ways. Also, some herbal mixtures can have an adverse affect on medical conditions or prescribed medications. As with any OTC supplement or medication, please consult an herbalist or a physician before using herbal teas if you have a serious medical condition.

Some of the more popular OTC teas and their common uses are listed below.

• Acacia tea-Commonly used for a decoction for gum disease and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat.
• Anise-Commonly used for digestion, anise seed is the source of the flavoring for black licorice.
• Bilberry-Commonly used for antioxidant qualities, believed to help with night blindness, reduces blood sugar levels (diabetics should be careful).
• Black Tea -Commonly used as a source of antioxidants, popular in Chinese restaurants.
• Calendula-Believed to aid in stomach upset, ulcers, and menstrual cramping.
• Chamomile-Helps with relaxation and insomnia, is sometimes used for fussy babies and teething pain in babies and small children.

• Cinnamon-Commonly used to treat diarrhea, colds, flu, arthritis, and even yeast infections, cinnamon oil used full strength is also good for a toothache (be careful because too much usage can cause gum and tooth damage).
• Dong Quai-also known as Angelica-Known as the woman's herb, commonly used to regulate menustruation and ease menstrual cramps.
• Ginger tea-Commonly used for digestion issues. Also believed to help with blood sugar levels and nausea when pregnant.
• Green tea-Commonly used as a source of antioxidants and weight loss.
• Jasmine-Commonly used to "cool" the body after too much sun or fever. Also believed to relax the nerves.

• Lavender-Commonly used to promote a relaxed, peaceful mood.
• Lemon-(not the fruit) Good for colds, coughs, and sore throat; can be used for sunburn, warts and corns when applied as a warm or hot compress.
• Licorice Tea-good for bronchial problems, coughs, hoarseness, mucous congestion and stomach problems.
• Peppermint tea-Commonly used to soothe the stomach.
• Pregnancy Tea-A strong tea usually containing cinnamon, blackberry leaves, milfoil (yarrow), raspberry leaves-is supposed to help with nausea, miscarriage, labor pains and production of milk.

The herbal teas listed above are only the tip of the iceburg for herbal supplements and remedies, as well as flavor. There are many web sites you can access to find out about the various teas and to understand their affects (I have listed one below). Many of the sites have areas where you can order the herbal teas you would like.