Main benefits in Traditional Medicine
Apple pieces
Malus pumila
Excellent source of pectin, fibre, Potassium and Vitamin C.
Celery leaf
Apium graveolens
A nutritious, anti-inflammatory, cleansing diuretic herb.
Chamomile flowers
Matricaria recutita
A bitter anti-inflammatory sedative. Relaxing to the whole body. Assists with insomnia, and digestive discomfort.
Dandelion leaf
Taraxacum officinale
A bitter tonic/digestive, diuretic, mild laxative and anti rheumatic.
Echinacea whole plant
Echinacea purpurea
An immune system booster so good first line of defence against coughs and colds.
Elderberry
Sambuccus nigra
A diuretic, diaphoretic (induces sweating) and gentle expectorant. Good for when your upper respiratory track is inflammed and blocked up. Effective when combined with Echinacea.
Elderflower
Sambuccus nigra
A diuretic, diaphoretic (induces sweating) and gentle expectorant. Good for when your upper respiratory track is inflammed and blocked up. Effective when combined with Echinacea.
Fennel seeds
Foeniculum vulgare
A wellknown carminative and digestive aid that stimulates digestion, regulates appetite and relieves flatulence.
Ginger root
Zingiber officinale
One of the classic herbs of traditional Chinese medicine. Warming to the body, an anti- nausea carminative and anti-inflammatory. Good for nausea and motion sickness.
Ginkgo leaf
Ginkgo biloba
Historical evidence from China suggests that this leaf can be used to improve brain function, support vitality and central and peripheral circulation.
Gotu Kola
Centella asiatica
A favourite herb for nourishing the brain and improving the body’s nonspecific response to disease and stress.
Green (Sencha)
Camellia sinensis
A digestive, antioxidant and mild stimulant; nourishing and protective to the body.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus sabdariffa
A ruby red tropical tea with a tangy astringent flavor with high Vitamin C content.
Honeybush
Cyclopia intermedia
A nutrient dense high antioxidant healthy South African tea.
Lemonbalm
Melissa officinalis
A calming and soothing nervine herb used for minor sleeplessness, and nervous stomach disorders.
Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
A mild sedative, cleansing and supportive of nervous conditions and exhaustion.
Lemon Myrtle
Backhousia citriodora
Calminative and mild sedative.
Lemon peel
Citrus limon
An aromatic digestive stimulant to stomach and high in Vitamin C.
Lemon Verbena
Aloysia triphylla
A sedating, antispasmodic digestive herb for relaxation.
Licorice root
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Known by herbalists as a panacea or cure-all, an anticatarrhal, an antiallergic anti-inflammatory, and an expectorant that soothes and heals digestive ulcers. Used to add sweetness to herbal teas.
Milk thistle (St Mary’s thistle)
Silybum marianum
A powerful antioxidant, a digestive tonic and supports good liver health.
Nettle leaf
Urtica dioca
One of the Chinese ‘long life’ herbs being a vitamin factory, rich in iron, calcium, potassium, silicon, magnesium, manganese, zinc and chromium.
Orange peel
Citrus sinensis
Stimulates digestion and high in Vitamin C.
Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
A mild sedative to treat nervousness, restlessness, sleeplessness and nervous GIT disorders.
Peppermint
Mentha x piperita
A blast of pure green energy. It is cooling and soothing to the stomach.
Pineapple pieces
Ananas comosus
Pineapple contains Bromelain which is useful as a digestive, anti-inflammatory and anti-oedema.
Rooibos
Aspalathus linearis
A antispasmodic and general health tea. It is caffeine free with a low tannin content but high in antioxidants. Can be made the same way as ordinary tea with milk added, sweetened or iced.
Rosehips
Rosa canina
Contains more Vitamin C than almost any other herb hence it has very high antioxidant and disease fighting capabilities.
Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis
A herb with antimicrobial and spasmolytic qualities. A memory aid and tonic effect on nervous system and is good for circulation.
Siberian Ginseng
Eleutherococcus senticosus
A herb to counteract fatigue and stress, improving physical and mental performance while supportive during convalescence.
Skullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora
A versatile nervine herb being used for nervous disorders such as stress and exhaustion.
Spearmint
Mentha spicata
A cooling, refreshing and uplifting digestive herb.
St. John’s Wort
Hypericum officinale
A sedative and tonic for the nervous system. For hysteria, low spirits, apathy and fatigue from ill feelings.
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
A bitter antispasmodic, digestive and diaphoretic (induces sweating).
References
Gladstar, R. (2008). Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health. 2nd Edition. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, pp308-373
Safi, T. (2001). Healthy Teas. Hong Kong: Periplus Editions, pp106-107
Van Wyk B & Wink M. (2012). Medicinal Plants of the World. Portland Oregon: Timber Press Inc, pp28-350, pp395-432