Herbal teas,teas,herbal remedies

Alkaloid and medicinal properties of herbal teas
When we say herbal teas, we don’t imply basic tea but infusions and/or decoctions.

Tea is an important dietary source of flavanols. Tea polyphenols may possess the bioactivity to affect the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease and cancer. Herbal teas can selectively destroy diseased cells while nourishing healthy cells. These alkaloids or secondary compounds in tea, called catechins, have potent anti-oxidant properties which help reduce the risk of disease by fixing cell damage. Among other roles, catechins have been shown to inhibit growth of diseased cells and to keep them from spreading to other parts of the body. Tea is the best source of catechins in the human diet. Teas are quickly absorbed into the body where they exert their therapeutic effects, especially in people with liver disease.

Supplement makers have responded to the positive results of tea research with a multitude of tea extracts. Perhaps the most popular, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is popping up in a variety of nutritional supplements, from multivitamins to herbal concoctions. Though EGCG may have some benefit, it should be used in moderation. Very high amounts of green tea components have been shown to interact with drugs that affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, and also may cause liver damage.

Make Tea a Part of Your Diet
Some studies found that people who drink 6 cups of tea daily realized maximum health benefits. However, some studies show health benefits, including liver disease prevention, in only 1 to 4 cups of tea daily. Choosing the correct form of tonic is also important. Brewed tea, either hot or iced, offers the most potent disease-fighting activity. Instant iced tea and bottled tea beverages offer little health benefit.

The key to realizing the potential health benefits of tea is consistency. Consumed regularly over many years, white, green, and black teas can offer substantial protection against liver diseases and infective hepatitis. When combined with a mostly plant-based diet, the catechins from tea could have an even greater effect, as all the plant chemicals work together to safeguard health. This is the power of synergy.

Basic Tea Recipe
• 1 ounce dried herbs
• ½ pint water

Place herbs into a clean non-reactive metal or enamel pot with a lid. Bring water to a boil. Turn off the heat and pour the water over the herb(s). Cover the pot and let steep for 5 – 10 minutes. Strain using a non-aluminum strainer and drink. Honey, lemon, or milk can be added if desired.

Herbal Infusions
An infusion is often stronger than a tea and will extract glycosides, alkaloid salts, water-soluble vitamins, and volatile oils. Infusions are intended for immediate use. They can be stored for a maximum of 24 hours in a cool place.

Basic Infusion Recipe
• 1 ounce of dried herbs
• 1 pint boiling water

Pour water of herbs. Steep for 10 – 20 minutes then strain and drink. Sweeten if desired.

DECOCTIONS
This method is used for hard woody substances such as roots, bark, and stems
whose constituents are water soluble and non-volatile. A decoction is used to extract minerals, bitter components, etc. from hard materials such as roots, bark or seeds by boiling for a few minutes and then allowing the herbs to steep for several hours Decoctions are also intended for immediate use. Store for a maximum of 72 hours in a very cool place.