Tea recipe of the day!

I decided to start drinking an herbal tea everyday. As I do, I will share the herbs I am using and share the health benefits and contraindications of each.

Tonight I used equal parts:

Dandelion root

Marshmallow root Lemon Balm

Chamomile

This has a nice, earthy flavor. Not at all bitter so honey wasn't necessary to use as a sweetener.

Dandelion root- diuretic, lowers cholesterol, anticancer, helps prevent fat cell formation, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, helps boost the immune system, nutritive, laxative, and prebiotic.

It helps with acne, anemia, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, breast problems (lack of milk, congestion), bronchitis, bruises, cellulite, circulatory problems, cirrhosis (early stages), constipation, diabetes, eczema, eye troubles (night blindness), fevers, gallbladder tonic, gallstones, gout, heartburn, hepatitis (infectious), hypoglycemia, indigestion, jaundice, joint stiffness, kidney complaints, liver troubles, muscular rheumatism, edema, premenstrual fluid retention, psoriasis, sluggish digestion, and skin problems.

It is high in potassium. It helps stimulate the kidneys, gallbladder, liver, spleen, and pancreas.

Dandelion has inulin in it, so it helps treat hypoglycemia and diabetes.

Dandelion has been used for inflammatory dis-ease.

In studies, dandelion flowers have cytotoxic effects meaning they can kill cancer cells.

****CONTRAINDICATIONS: Root: Do not use if you have blocked bile ducts, gallbladder inflammation, or intestinal blockage. There are several potential drug interactions noted for dandelion, including anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs, glucuronidated drugs, lithium, potassium-sparing diuretics, and quinolone antibiotics.

Marshmallow root- The root of marshmallow is particularly rich in mucilage, pectin, asparagine, sugars, tannin, lime, calcium, and cellulose.

Anti-inflammatory, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, galactagogue, neuroprotective, nutritive, and vulnerary.

Marshmallow is used for burns, constipation, coughs, cystitis, diarrhea, inflamed eyes, inflammation (internal and external), kidney and bladder inflammation, lung tonic, skin abrasions, sore throats, stings, swollen joints, and it promotes milk supply.

*****CONTRAINDICATIONS: Marshmallow has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for use in foods and when used orally in medicinal amounts. (The Commission E Monographs state that absorption of other drugs taken simultaneously may be delayed. The high level of mucilage is most likely the cause for any delayed absorption.)

Lemon Balm- protects from early senility, is antioxidant, helps fight cold and cough, improves digestion, improves sleep, and helps with frayed nerves. It may lower blood pressure.

*****CONTRAINDICATIONS: may interact with sedatives and thyroid medications. Stop using Lemon Balm at least 2 weeks before surgery.

German Chamomile- soothes the digestive and nervous systems. Chamomile German infusion is recommended as being supportive for flatulence, travel sickness, nasal mucous membrane inflammation, nervous diarrhea, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. It also has a reputation for being effective for gastrointestinal spasms, inflammation of the digestive tract, including the mouth, digestive ulcers associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol consumption, and as an antispasmodic for menstrual cramps. Research published in 2005 confirmed earlier research that showed mouth ulcers, particularly those associated with chemotherapy or radiation treatment, responded well to chamomile German mouthwashes.

It has wound-healing properties, so it is great topically for itching and bacterial skin dis-eases. Topically, chamomile German’s wound-healing properties have been used to support hemorrhoids, leg ulcers, other skin and mucous membrane inflammation, and bacterial skin diseases, including those of the mouth and gums. In Italy, chamomile German is commonly used to soothe skin inflammations, such as acne and rashes, and also as an eyewash for conjunctivitis.

*****CONTRAINDICATIONS: avoid use during pregnancy. There have not been enough studies done on safety during pregnancy. However, due to its theoretical properties as a uterine stimulant, abortifacient, and emmenagogue, most experts agree that excess ingestion of chamomile should be avoided during pregnancy.

It may cause an allergic reaction in those who have an allergy to the Asteraceae/Compositae family.