Hilde Hemmes Peppermint Traditional Herbal Tea
Peppermint is commonly used to sooth gastrointestinal tract by relaxing the
muscles in the intestinal wall. It increases the saliva, which increases
swallowing making it possible to improve appetite, relieve cramps, and reduce
pain associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, or
motion sickness. Peppermint has also been used to reduce muscle spasms
associated with endoscopy, colonoscopy and barium enemas.
Over thousands of years, humans have discovered
which plants have beneficial value, which may be used as food, and which should
be avoided. This vital information has been recorded in ancient herbal
manuscripts and passed on by word of mouth from generation to generation.
Today, many people are excited to rediscover the
fascinating history of herbs and to enjoy their beneficial properties. Enjoying
traditional herbal teas is one way that people can reconnect with the past and
appreciate just how much nature has to offer.
Over the years I have collected many rare,
out-of-print books on herbs and their uses, and have discovered many valuable
recipes and ancient formulae that may otherwise have been forgotten.
Herb teas do not contain true tea leaves, but the
carefully selected flowers, berries, peels, seeds, leaves and roots of selected
herbal plants. These parts of the herbal plants are chosen for their natural
aromatic actives and special flavours.
Using herbs to care for yourself and your family
is an empowering experience - it allows you to tap into the power of nature. I
know you will enjoy the positive contribution that herbs can make in your life.
Herbal teas are best stored at about 20°C, away
from direct sunlight and in a dry environment.
Dosage
Traditionally, a hot infusion is one of
the simplest ways to prepare most dried herbs for use as a tea. To prepare each
hot infusion, take one heaped teaspoonful of the herbs and pour one cup of
boiling water over them. Cover the cup with a lid or saucer. Allow the mixture
to steep for 3-5 minutes and strain before using.
A decoction is the method used for herbs such as
roots, bark, twigs and berries. To prepare a decoction, take one heaped
teaspoonful of herbs and place them in a saucepan with one cup of cold water.
Bring the mixture to the boil, simmer for 10-15 minutes (longer if the roots are
very hard) and strain before drinking.
If not using the tea straight away, you can store
it in a covered jug or container in the fridge for up to 24 hours and gently
warm the mixture before drinking.
