12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

I’ve known about witch hazel since childhood. I remember that my mother and grandmother always had a bottle of it on hand, for everything from cleaning our faces to soothing a scrape. Recently the many benefits of this astringent came back into my awareness.

Here are 12 amazing uses for witch hazel.

12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel title meme

What is Witch Hazel?

This versatile plant, technically a shrub, creates bright orange or yellow flowers. It is native to North America. The bark and leaves are used medicinally to treat a variety of skin ailments. Witch hazel contains tannins, a natural compound with astringent properties. It is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

Native Americans used this plant for thousands of years for various purposes, including soothing skin conditions, easing sore muscles and healing irritated digestive systems.

12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel

Reduces Under Eye Puffiness

Using a cotton ball or square soaked with witch hazel, carefully dab the under eye area to soothe and ease puffiness and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Avoid getting witch hazel in the eyes.

Treats Swimmers Ear

Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming. Add a few drops of witch hazel to the affected ear to dry up infection, clear away excess oil and remove debris or earwax.

Soothes Sunburn

Mix witch hazel with pure aloe vera gel. Smooth gently over skin to cool and soothe a sunburn and help prevent peeling.

12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel sunburn
12 amazing uses for witch hazel – sunburn

Safely Removes Ticks

Try using witch hazel on an attached tick. Soak the tick with a few drops of witch hazel. They dislike the taste of this astringent and will loosen their grip, allowing you to safely and easily remove them. Cleanse the bite area well with witch hazel after removing the tick to prevent infection.

Soothes Dry Skin

Even though witch hazel is considered an astringent, is improves dry skin by unclogging pores and restoring healthy oils. Apply witch hazel to dry areas after showering, while skin is still damp. Allow skin to dry naturally for several minutes, then use a moisturizer.

Natural Insect Repellent

Make your own DIY insect repellent using witch hazel. Combine 2 tablespoons witch hazel, 8 drops of lemongrass essential oil and 1 cup of distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray on skin and and clothing to repel biting insects. Witch hazel is safe for skin and most fabrics. If in doubt, test first on a small area of the fabric.

This spray also soothes and relieves the itchiness of bug bites and reduces swelling from bee stings.

12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel repellent
12 amazing uses for witch hazel – insect repellent

Cleanses and Tones Skin

Soak a cotton ball or square in witch hazel and use as a daily face cleanser and toner. Witch hazel cleanses and tightens pores, without drying the skin. For oily skin, witch hazel helps to reduce excessive oil buildup.

Treats Acne

Witch hazel effectively treats acne by reduces inflammation and eliminating bacteria. Not only does it clear up acne, it helps to improve the appearance of acne scarring while healing the skin.

Apply witch hazel to acne on face, chest or back and allow it to dry.

Make a DIY Hand Sanitizer

Witch hazel’s antibacterial properties make it an excellent choice for a DIY hand sanitizer. Mix together 1 1/2 teaspoons of witch hazel, liquid from one vitamin E capsule (or 1/4 teaspoon of vitamin E oil), 15 drops of tea tree essential oil and 1/2 cup aloe vera gel in a pump or squeeze bottle. Use within two weeks.

This hand sanitizer will not dry out the hands. Rather it helps to keep them moisturized.

12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel sanitizer
12 amazing uses for witch hazel – hand sanitizer

Soothes Razor Burn

Use witch hazel after shaving legs, underarms or face to calm skin and prevent itchy, irritated bumps. Witch hazel also helps to prevent ingrown hairs from forming. As a bonus, it stops bleeding from any nicks caused by shaving.

Disinfects Wounds

Witch hazel’s disinfectant and hemostatic properties cleanse wounds and reduce bleeding. And it stings less than alcohol based disinfectants. Soak a cotton square in witch hazel and then apply to minor scrapes and cuts to cleanse the wound, stop bleeding and speed healing. Witch hazel soothes bruises and swellings as well.

Create Your Own DIY Room & Upholstery Spray

To freshen a room and help eliminate odors from carpets or upholstery, combine 2 tablespoons witch hazel, 6 drops lavender or citrus essential oil, 2 teaspoons baking soda and 3 tablespoons water in a small spray bottle. Shake well. Spray into a room or spray lightly on carpets or upholstery to eliminate odors.

12 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel shrub
12 amazing uses for witch hazel – shrub

Purchasing Witch Hazel

Make sure that you purchase 100% pure witch hazel, with no additives. From my research, the witch hazel pictured below is considered a high quality product. Order by clicking on the photo!

Have you ever used witch hazel? I’ve just ordered a bottle, to add to my natural medicinal stash. If you’ve discovered other uses for amazing witch hazel, I’d love to hear about it.

 

Other Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Products:


 

Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

 

I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.

 

 

Eyebright Herb Benefits

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

I appreciate the many health benefits of herbs. These powerful plants truly provide medicine for the body. From boosting the immune system to easing inflammation to relieving bloating, there’s an herb for that!

This post features an herb called eyebright. Common in Europe, Asia and the US, eyebright is a small flowering herb that thrives in poor soil. The tiny flowers are white with purple streaks and a yellow center. The herb grows in grassy areas such as yards, fields and ditches. Considered a semi-parasitic plant, eyebright draws water and nutrients from the roots of nearby plants.

The stems, leaves and flowers are used medicinally in teas, tinctures, lotions and dietary supplements.

Eyebright Herb Benefits title meme

Nutritional Value of Eyebright

Eyebright contains flavonoids with antihistamine properties. Those flavonoids inhibit the release of histamine, which triggers allergy symptoms such as a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.

The herb also provides plant compounds that protect against damage from free radicals. And eyebright contains tannins that possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Additionally, the herb offers vitamins A, B1, C and E along with zinc, selenium and copper.

Eyebright Herb Benefits

Although not as well known as other medicinal herbs, eyebright has been used for centuries in Europe and Asia and provides the following benefits:

  • relieves eye problems including irritation, inflammation and allergy symptoms
  • prevents sun damage to skin cells
  • improves acne and skin irritations
  • lowers blood sugar
  • soothes sore throats and eases symptoms of colds and coughs
  • combats sinus infections
  • antibacterial
  • antiviral
  • protects the liver from free radicals, toxins and viruses
  • enhances memory and improves cognitive performance
Eyebright Herb Benefits
Eyebright Herb Benefits – dried form

Ways to Use Eyebright

Purchase eyebright in health food stores or order online.

It is available as dried, herbal tea bags, capsules, tinctures, extracts, lotions and eye drops.

For tea, add 1 – 2 teaspoons of dried eyebright, or an herbal tea bag, to a cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Eyebright may taste slightly bitter or astringent. Add raw, organic honey to sweeten, if desired.

Take 1 – 2 ml of the tincture or extract, up to three times a day.

Or take 1 400 – 500 mg capsule 2 – 3 times a day.

I’ve seen posts about making a DIY eyebright solution to wash the eyes with, to ease inflammation and irritation. However, I can’t recommend that. Extreme caution must be used with any home remedy for the eyes, to prevent infection.

There are commercially prepared eye drops available that contain eyebright.

Have you heard of the herb eyebright? I’d love to know if you’ve tried it!

Eyebright Herb Benefits flower
Eyebright Herb Benefits – flowers

Order Eyebright Products Below:


Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

 

I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.

 

The Best Herbal Teas for Cold and Flu Season

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

This post is inspired by real-life events. A few days ago, Greg exhibited cold symptoms including sneezing, sniffling and itchy eyes. Like me, he doesn’t typically take over the counter meds. He does not need to. I know exactly which herbal tea to prepare for him.

After only one cup of hot tea, he felt better. His eyes stopped itching and I didn’t hear a sneeze the rest of the evening. The next day, after two cups of herbal tea, one in the morning and one in the evening, his cold symptoms completely disappeared.

I love healing naturally, especially when it takes the form of a cup of hot tea.

Check out the best herbal teas for cold and flu season. When dealing with bugs, colds and flus, reach for one of these soothing drinks to speed healing.

The Best Herbal Teas for Cold and Flu Season title meme

The Best Herbal Teas for Cold and Flu Season

We are currently in the midst of cold and flu season. In fact, it is quite severe in my area. This year scary reports of a new strain of flu, the corona virus, is creating alarm.

When the sniffles strike or the flu causes you to curl up under a blanket with a box of tissues nearby, create one of these ultra-healing teas. The hot herbal drinks relieve congestion, soothe a sore throat and ease headaches and tense muscles.

Add a spoonful of raw, organic honey to combat coughs. Squeeze fresh lemon or orange juice into the tea for a boost to the immune system. And sip on these teas all day. Another important benefit from drinking tea is hydration, which helps clear mucus from the nose and lungs and restores health more quickly.

Chamomile

This tea, made from the flowers of the herb chamomile, is well known for helping the body relax into sleep. However, chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties fight against cold and flu bugs while eliminating head and chest congestion. The herb soothes sinus headaches associated with the flu and it really does relax the body. While healing from a cold or the flu, a good night’s rest is helpful and restorative.

Steep two teaspoons of dried chamomile in a cup of very hot water, for 15 minutes.

Chamomile Tea
The best herbal teas for cold and flu season – chamomile

Echinacea

A member of the daisy family, this flowering herb is also known as purple coneflower. It is commonly found growing in fields, fence rows and flower borders. I grow this flower in my backyard garden. Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, echinacea reduces the risk of catching a cold by more than 50%. During cold and flu season, drink a cup of this herbal tea every day to minimize the chances of catching a virus.

Echinacea helps the body to heal more quickly if it is under attack from a cold or flu bug. It eases sore throats, relieves sinus and chest congestion and soothes an ear ache. And it provides natural pain relief for the achiness that accompanies the cold or flu.

Steep two teaspoons of dried echinacea, or a couple of fresh blooms, in a cup of very hot water for 15 minutes.

Echinacea Tea
The best herbal teas for cold and flu season – echinacea

Ginger

This flavorful herb is a powerhouse of healing benefits. It soothes the body struggling with the cold or flu. Ginger’s anti-inflammatories and its antiviral and antibacterial properties fight against infection. The herb relaxes tight throat muscles and eases muscular pains throughout the body. Additionally, ginger relieves headaches and heals sinus and ear infections. And because ginger aids the entire digestive system, if nausea is present due to flu, this herb helps calm the stomach.

Add one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to a cup of very hot water. Steep for 10 minutes. Add a dollop of raw, organic honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a powerfully healing hot drink.

Ginger Tea
The best herbal teas for cold and flu season – ginger

Peppermint

Ahhh, peppermint, my go to herb for almost everything! Peppermint is a member of the mentha family, along with spearmint. The menthol in the herb’s leaves soothes a sore throat while calming a cough. Menthol relieves congestion as well, while its antiviral properties fight cold and flu viruses…and symptoms.

Like ginger, peppermint restores the entire digestive system, a bonus when the flu causes an upset stomach.

Add two teaspoons of dried peppermint to a cup of very hot water. Steep for five to ten minutes. Or use a sprig of fresh peppermint instead of dried.

Peppermint Tea
The best herbal teas for cold and flu season – peppermint

Nettle

When Greg’s cold symptoms appeared, I immediately grabbed this herb. Nettle, also known as nettle leaf, supports a body under stress. When attacked by cold or flu viruses, the body goes into reactionary mode. This potent herb is packed with phytochemicals, anti-inflammatories and alkaloids. They calm the reactionary symptoms in the body, relieving itchy, watery eyes, sniffles and a scratchy throat.

Nettle fights infections of all kinds and it is a natural pain reliever. At the first signs of flu or a cold, brew a pot of nettle tea and combine it with other herbs for the most benefits.

This is my favorite cold remedy:

Add two teaspoons dried nettle leaf, two teaspoons dried peppermint and two teaspoons dried lemon balm to a mesh tea ball. Drop into a teapot and add boiling water. Cover teapot and allow tea to steep for 15 minutes. Add raw, organic honey if desired, and freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice.

Sip on this tea throughout the day. I rarely catch a cold, however if I show symptoms this herbal tea eliminates them within 24 hours.

The Best Herbal Teas for Cold and Flu Season Nettle
The best herbal teas for cold and flu season – nettle

Fight that Cold or Flu and Win

Ginger is available in the produce section of most grocery stores, such as Natural  Grocers or Walmart.

Pick up dried herbs below, to make your own herbal teas. Fight the battle against the cold and flu and win, while naturally boosting your immune system. A strong immune system is the best defense against the viruses that create those miserable symptoms.



Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

 

 

Health Benefits of Valerian

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

The health benefits of valerian go beyond providing a restful night’s sleep. This flowering herb offers a range of healing properties that soothe and support the body.

Check out these benefits and easy ways to include valerian as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Health Benefits of Valerian title meme

What is Valerian?

Valerian, also commonly known as valerian root, is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It’s grown in the US as well. The herb is a perennial flowering plant adorned with sweetly scented pink or white blooms. Valerian normally blooms during the summer months.

The name of the plant derives from the Latin word valere, meaning “strong and healthy”. The Greeks and Romans appreciated valerian for its medicinal properties, using it as a sleep aid and as an early remedy for epilepsy.

Valerian root contains oils and other active components that produce a soothing, restorative effect on the body’s nervous and muscular systems. The plant also contains calcium, manganese and quercitin.

Health Benefits of Valerian
Valerian flowers

Health Benefits of Valerian

This extraordinary medicinal herb offers the following healing properties:

Lowers Blood Pressure

Valerian’s soothing properties lower blood pressure, which in turn improves overall heart health. High blood pressure creates increased risks for stroke and heart attack.

Promotes Sleep

Well known for aiding insomnia, valerian reduces the time it takes to fall asleep while improving the quality of sleep. Unlike prescriptions or over the counter meds, valerian has few side effects and it’s less likely to cause grogginess the next morning. Valerian root is frequently combined with other herbs, such as lemon balm, to soothe the body into rest.

Health benefits of valerian - better night's sleep
Health benefits of valerian – a better night’s sleep

Eases Menstrual Cramps

Valerian’s natural antispasmodic abilities relax muscles, calming severe uterine contractions that cause cramps during menstruation. For many women, those cramps are extremely painful and debilitating. Valerian acts as a muscle relaxer, easing cramps and pain while reducing stress.

Relieves Anxiety

Valerian increases a chemical in the body called gamma aminobutyric (GABA). GABA helps to regulate nerve cells and naturally calms anxiety. In fact, studies show that valerian works as well as antidepressants at reducing anxiety, without the serious side effects of those drugs.

Health Benefits of Valerian
Health Benefits of Valerian – eases anxiety. An afternoon in a hammock helps too!

 

Soothes the Digestive Tract

Valerian’s antispasmodic properties also calm and relax the digestive system. It is especially helpful for those suffering with irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, the herb helps to control hunger and reduces the urge to eat during times of stress.

Helps with Stress Management

By reducing anxiety and improving sleep, valerian helps with daily stress management. Improving GABA levels enables the mind and the body to relax, which increases wellbeing and quality of life.

Health Benefits of Valerian
Valerian roots

Using Valerian

Valerian is available dried, as a tea or tincture, and in capsule form. It is easily found in health conscious stores or online. Check out the Amazon links below.

For insomnia, try a cup of valerian tea, a teaspoon of tincture or a capsule without two hours of bedtime. Brew tea by steeping one teaspoon dried valerian root in a cup of very hot water, for 5 – 10 minutes.

To help with anxiety, take 200 milligrams of valerian up to four times a day.

Continue valerian for up to six weeks, to improve sleep and lower anxiety.

Possible Side Effects of Valerian

Valerian is considered a safe, natural alternative to prescription drugs and over the counter meds. However, a few people experience dizziness, an upset stomach or increased anxiety while using valerian. Talk to a doctor before taking this herb and discontinue if any of the above symptoms occur. Also, do not combine valerian with melatonin or over the counter or prescription sleeping aids and antidepressants.

Have you tried valerian? What’s your experience using this healing herb?

Health Benefits of Valerian
Health Benefits of Valerian – relaxation

Pick up Valerian by clicking on links below:

 


And check out these herbal teas that help to calm anxiety.

Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

 

Seven Herbal Teas to Nourish Skin

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

You know how much I enjoy my daily cups of hot tea, even in summer. What a joy it has been to learn that these herbal teas support my health in a variety of crucial ways. The more I discover, the more often I think, when someone mentions an ailment…there’s an herb for that!

Healthy, glowing skin begins within. All the lotions and moisturizers in the world can’t overcome a poor diet or supply the vital nutrients the body needs to keep the skin vibrant and youthful.

These seven herbal teas to nourish skin provide healing, boost the immune system and revitalize skin cells, all while contributing to important hydration for the body.

Seven Herbal Teas to Nourish Skin

Seven Herbal Teas that Nourish Skin

In addition to your skin care routine, try adding one to three cups of herbal tea daily, to revitalize and nourish the skin.

Hibiscus

This rich herbal tea is high in vitamin C and a great source of vitamins A, B1 and B2 plus zinc and iron. Hibiscus contains natural alpha hydroxy acids and omega-3 fatty acids that smoothe the skin and keep it looking youthful. Add two to three teaspoons of dried hibiscus to a cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey.

Chamomile

This well known stress reducer contains anti-inflammatory properties that protect the skin from sun damage. Add three teaspoons of dried chamomile, or one teabag, to a cup of very hot water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey if desired.

Chamomile Tea
Chamomile, one of seven herbal teas that nourish skin.

Dandelion

Antioxidants in dandelion flowers, combined with immune boosting properties, enhance the appearance of the skin while neutralizing free radicals. In addition, dandelion aids digestion and the absorption of nutrients, which contributes to the health of skin as well. Add a handful of fresh dandelion blossoms to a large cup of very hot water. Or use a dandelion tea bag. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey if desired.

Jasmine

This fragrant flower contains antiviral and antibacterial properties that support the immune system and nourish skin. Jasmine balances hormones, reduces oil production on the skin and helps to heal skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Brew a cup of jasmine tea by combining three teaspoons of fresh or dried flowers with a cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey if necessary.

Green Tea

This soothing tea reduces inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. Green tea protects against harmful UV radiation. And it contains a powerful antioxidant called ECGC that fights free radicals and prevents the formation of wrinkles. In addition, this tea revives dying skin cells and promotes the growth of healthy new ones. Add a green tea bag to a cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for five minutes. Sweeten with raw honey if desired.

Green Tea with Jasmine
I love this tea from Twinings that combines two of the seven herbal teas that nourish skin…green tea and jasmine.

Ginger

Aromatic and spicy ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, plus it aids digestion. Ginger also strengthens the immune system. All of these supportive health boosters contribute to clear, vibrant skin. Peel a small piece of fresh ginger and slice or mince it. Pour boiling water over the ginger, cover and steep for 15 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey if desired.

Peppermint

This herb from the mint family balances hormones, with calms skin and helps to keep it clear and healthy. It also reduces sebum, an oily secretion, on the skin. Peppermint’s antioxidants prevent oxidative damage that ages the skin, and help to renew skin cells. Add two teaspoons of fresh or dried peppermint, or one tea bag, to a cup of very hot water. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey if desired.

Ginger Tea
Aromatic ginger tea supports the body while promoting healthy skin.

Which of These Teas Will You Try?

These seven herbal teas that nourish skin are readily available through your favorite grocery story, in tea bag form. Or check your local health food store or grocer for dried loose leaves to create your own tea blends. Additionally, peppermint and chamomile are easy to grow in a backyard garden or container. I even have a jasmine plant flourishing in a container on my front deck. And wild dandelions dot most yards during spring and summer.

Or for convenience, click links below to order your favorite herbal teas from Amazon.

Simply adding one to three cups of tea to your diet, daily, can radically improve health and wellness. As a wonderful bonus, that health radiates from clear skin as a vibrant glow.

Which herbal tea will you try first?

Seven Herbal Teas that Nourish Skin Mint
A favorite among the seven herbal that nourish skin…peppermint.

Pick up your herbal teas for healthier skin, below:

 



 

Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

6 Teas that Soothe Anxiety

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

Anxiety. Most of us have experienced it. For some, it is a daily occurrence that dims joy and creates a host of health problems.

Stressful events such as moving, the birth of a baby, job interviews, public speaking, relationship issues and financial strain can create a heightened sense of nervousness that we call anxiety.

Check out the symptoms below. And then read on for 6 teas that soothe anxiety, naturally.

6 Teas that Soothe Anxiety Title Meme

Symptoms of Anxiety

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of anxiety:

  •  restless sleep or insomnia
  •  muscle tension, especially in jaw, neck and scalp
  •  chronic indigestion and digestive disorders
  •  extreme nervousness before an event – “stage fright”
  •  worry and self-doubt
  •  self-consciousness
  •  excessive worry and fixating on a particular outcome
  •  obsessive compulsive disorder
  •  repetitive motions such as hair pulling, lip chewing, fingernail biting
  •  panic
  •  irrational fears

**for severe or chronic anxiety and accompanying depression, please see your doctor or mental health care professional.

Ways to destress and soothe minor anxiety include meditation, deep breathing, exercise, getting out into nature and drinking tea. The following teas are the best for calming the body and relieving the symptoms of anxiety.

6 Teas that Soothe Anxiety Chamomile
Chamomile Tea

6 Teas that Soothe Anxiety

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is well known for its soothing effects. Studies show that chamomile tea binds to GABA receptors in the brain, inducing relaxation. In fact, this herbal tea, made from the flowers of the chamomile plant, targets the nervous system receptors in the same way that medications such as Xanax do.

Brew tea by pouring boiling water into a cup containing 3 teaspoons of fresh or dried chamomile flowers. Cover and steep 15 minutes. Stain. Sweeten with honey if desired. Drink before bed or when feeling anxious.

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm leaves have a lemony flavor and aroma. This powerful herb reduces stress without the side effects of medications. Researchers found that drinking lemon balm tea significantly reduces anxiety, for up to three hours after consumption.

Use 3 teaspoons of fresh or dried lemon balm in a cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Remove leaves. Sweeten with honey if desired. Drink lemon balm tea throughout the day, to soothe anxiety and restlessness and calm panic.

6 Teas that Soothe Anxiety Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm Tea

Rose Tea

This mild and slightly sweet tea is made from rose petals. Rose tea has analgesic and relaxation properties. It increases deep sleep and reduces the amount of time that it takes to fall asleep. This tea affects the benzodiazepine receptors in the same way that prescription meds such as Xanax and Clonazepam do.

Flavonoids in the rose petals target the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. They also ease inflammation and relieve pain.

Add one heaping tablespoon of dried rose petals to a cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Green Tea

Green tea is made from Camelia sinensis leaves and buds that have not undergone the oxidation process used to make oolong and black teas. It has many health benefits. It’s rich in the amino acid L-theanine and antioxidants and polyphenols that boost health and ease anxiety by calming nervousness.

L-theanine directly affects the brain by increasing alpha wave activity. It also increases relaxation without causing drowsiness.

Brew green tea by placing a tea bag in hot, but not boiling, water. Boiling water can make the tea taste bitter. Cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove tea bag. Sweeten with honey if desired.

6 Teas that Soothe Anxiety Green Tea
Green Tea

Lavender Tea

Lavender is famous for its calming properties and very useful for soothing anxiety and stress.

Studies show that inhaling the scent of lavender calms the body and improves deep sleep. It also elevates energy levels when awake. Lavender encourages the production of dopamine, the brain’s feel good chemical. Additionally, it lowers the stress hormone cortisol.

Add 2 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers to very hot water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain. Sweeten with honey if desired. Drink lavender tea an hour before bedtime, to improve sleep quality. Or drink this delicately flavored floral tea throughout the day to lower stress levels.

Passionflower Tea

Passionflower tea is made from flowers from the Passiflora family. This mildly flavored tea has a slightly sweet floral taste and scent.

Flavonoids in passionflower tea affect the GABA receptors in the brain. This plant also contains the flavone chrysin, which effectively reduces anxiety.

Add one teaspoon of dried passionflower petals to a cup of very hot water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Stain. Sweeten with honey if desired. Drink before bedtime for a better night’s sleep or throughout the day to lower stress levels.

Take Time for Tea

The next time a long day creates stress or a situation threatens to overwhelm, pause and brew a cup of one of these 6 teas that soothe anxiety.

One of the best things about a cup of herbal tea, beyond the many health benefits, is that it inspires us to take a time out. That break helps us to relax and unwind and quite literally, catch our breath.

I love practicing afternoon tea time daily for that reason. For a few minutes I pause and savor a cup of hot tea. It’s a great way to bring my attention fully into the present moment and check in with my body to see how I’m doing. It is me time, delightfully so.

Do you have a favorite tea, that helps you to destress and relax?

6 Teas that Soothe Anxiety Passionflower
Pick up a pretty glass teapot HERE.

Purchase dried herbs for tea below:

 


Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

Horsetail Herb

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

This plant with the funny name, Horsetail Herb, is new to me. However its impressive list of nutrients earns it the nickname, “the repairing plant”. Take a look at the healing benefits of this little known but health boosting herb.

Horsetail Herb Title Meme

What is Horsetail Herb?

Horsetail is a perennial herb. There are 15 different species of this plant although common horsetail is used most often medicinally.

The herb grows in rich, damp soil throughout temperate climates in the Northern Hemisphere, including the US, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

The stems and leaves provide the health benefits. In the spring, horsetail herb puts up a brown stem that resembles asparagus. Cones filled with spores form atop the stems. As the plant dries, silica crystals form in stems and leaves, creating a feathery tail effect.

Horsetail Herb Bundles

Horsetail Herb Nutrients

Horsetail contains a long list of nutrients and beneficial compounds, including:

  •  vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, E & K
  •  folate
  •  potassium
  •  sodium
  •  calcium
  •  magnesium
  •  iron
  •  zinc
  •  copper
  •  phenolic compounds
  •  silica
  •  kynurenic acid
  •  styrylpyrones
  •  chlorophyll

Pretty impressive, right? This is a plant I wanted to know more about, especially since it repairs and restores the body.

Horsetail Herb

Health Benefits of Horsetail Herb

This potent herb provides the following healing benefits:

Aids Hair Growth

Horsetail is rich in silica, an important mineral that supports hair growth. Studies suggest that hair strands with a higher silica content have a lower fall out rate and appear healthier and brighter. Horsetail is one of the best sources of silica and improves nail and skin health as well.

Improves Brittle Nails

Horsetail may be used topically or taken internally to improve brittle nails. Again, it’s the high silica content in the herb that boosts nail, hair and skin health.

Natural Diuretic

The herb is a natural diuretic that helps with edema, puffiness caused by excess water stored in the body. Horsetail improves edema without the side effects affecting liver or kidney function or causing an electrolyte imbalance.

Soothes Joint Inflammation

Horsetail is an ancient remedy for joint disease, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The powerful herb soothes and calms inflammation and eases degenerative joint disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The compound kynurenic acid is responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and pain relieving properties. These abilities place horsetail herb in a super group of plants including peppermint, nettle and birch leaf, all high in kynurenic acid.

Helps to Heal Wounds and Burns

The silica in horsetail is key to the formation of collagen, a key skin building block that is essential for strength and elasticity. Studies show that horsetail helps wounds and burns to heal while easing associated pain.

Antimicrobial Properties

Horsetail Herb stops the growth and kills microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. It is also effective against staph infections and candida.

Dried Horsetal Herb

Using Horsetail Herb

Horsetail may be purchased as a dried herb, tea, capsules or tinctures. Also available are creams and lotions that contain horsetail herb and hair and nail products for topical use.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy the benefits of horsetail herb…and my favorite…is by brewing tea.

Pour one cup of boiling water over 3 teaspoons of fresh or dried horsetail. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey if desired.

Use a strong horsetail herb tea as a rinse after shampooing, to strengthen hair. Tea may also be used to bathe wounds and burns.

Cautions

Be careful foraging for this plant. Although it commonly grows near water, there is a variety known as marsh horsetail that is poisonous.

Mild side effects from the herb include upset stomach, diarrhea and increased urination. Taking too much horsetail herb can cause kidney pain, low back pain, heart palpitations, nausea and vomiting so don’t take more than the recommended dosage or drink more than one cup of tea a day.

Check with your doctor about taking horsetail if you are pregnant, nursing a baby or have low potassium levels. Horsetail may lower blood sugar and potassium levels. Also check with the doctor if you are taking medications for diabetes or water retention or if you are taking lithium, as horsetail may interact with these drugs.

Horsetail Herb Teal

 

Pick up dried horsetail HERE or purchase capsules HERE.

Broadleaf Plantain Benefits

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

The desire to learn about the healing properties of plants is closely connected to my own journey. As I heal, I appreciate more and more that plants play such a vital role in my health.

My garden is full of herbs that supply me with the makings for tea. However, I love foraging too, and discovering that plants I consider weeds are actually wild herbs. They are full of healing benefits as well.

The broadleaf plantain benefits are many. And yet, until last fall, I considered this common plant an annoying weed. I’ve been aware of plantain since childhood. Mowing over the broad leaves created a funny brrrr – up-up-up noise that reminded me of sound of playing cards attached to bicycle spokes.

My research of broadleaf plantain benefits inspires me to protect several plants in the garden area, keeping them for medicinal purposes.

Broadleaf Plantain Title Meme

History of the Broadleaf Plantain Plant

This herb is one of the most abundant and widely distributed medicinal plant in the world. In ancient times, broadleaf plantain, not to be confused with the banana like fruit also called plantain, treated digestive and female disorders along with snake and spider bites.

Native Americans used the herb for snake bites as well, earning the plant the name Snake Weed. They also applied the leaves to wounds.

Another name for broadleaf plantain is soldier’s herb because of its on-the-spot use as a first aid plant for injuries and illnesses.

Today broadleaf plantain is readily found in yards, along sidewalks and fencerows, and anywhere the soil has been disturbed. It thrives in high foot traffic areas as easily as it does nestled against a rocky outcropping. It tolerates poor soil conditions and doesn’t seem picky about the amount of sun that it receives.

Broadleaf Plantain for ForagingBroadleaf plantain growing in my yard.

Broadleaf Plantain Characteristics

The plant’s leaves may be eaten raw, in salads, or steamed with other greens. Small leaves are the most flavorful and tender, although the larger leaves may be used for teas and tinctures. Plantain possesses a slightly bitter taste. The larger the leaves, the more bitter the taste.

The plant sends up stalks that produce tiny flowers and then even tinier light brown seeds. The seeds and stalks are edible as well.

The herb is high in iron and calcium, and vitamins A, C and K.

Broadleaf plantain is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial, making it a great medicinal herb for “hot” conditions in the body such as fevers, infections, inflammation and irritations.

Broadleaf Plantain IdentificationThese hardy plants return after the lawn is mowed. The new leaves are perfect for salads and teas and first aid use. See the tiny white flowers opening on the stalks?

Broadleaf Plantain Benefits and Uses

External Use

For external use, plantain is the perfect first aid herb. Crush, or chew, one or two leaves and apply to the skin or brew a strong tea from the leaves and use in a spray bottle.

  • soothes the pain, itching and swelling of insect bites and stings by calming the histamine response
  • relieves irritation and discomfort of skin rashes, hives, eczema and psoriasis
  • takes the heat out of burns and sunburns
  • eases pain of cuts and scrapes and keeps them from getting infected
  • calms poison ivy and relieves itching and swelling
  • draws out embedded splinters
  • also has a drawing effect on boils and soothes pain and swelling

Because this plant is found everywhere, it can quickly be utilized when first aid is needed. Suffering from a sudden wasp sting? Crush or chew the leaves until broken down and then spit the mass of leaves onto the bite. The relief is immediate. Yes, it sounds gross to chew up leaves and spit them out. Remember, however, that you are creating a poultice that is very healing and soothing.

Internal Use

As powerful as the broadleaf plantain benefits are for skin irritations and wounds, the wild herb is equally suitable for a host of symptoms and disorders within the body.

  • lowers cholesterol
  • helps control diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels
  • reduces the pain, swelling and discomfort of hemorrhoids
  • heals irritable bowel syndrome
  • soothes the entire digestive tract and urinary tract
  • treats bladder and kidney infections
  • relieves indigestion, acid reflux and ulcers
  • as a mouthwash heals canker sores and gum irritation
  • acts as an expectorant
  • calms a dry cough as well
  • treats and helps to prevent seasonal allergies

 


Dried broadleaf plantain
Click on photo above to order dried broadleaf plantain.

Foraging for Broadleaf Plantain

As you mow the yard, watch for this amazing wild herb. Perhaps before the blades mow it down, you might collect a few of those healing leaves. Create a tea by steeping the leaves in very hot water for 15 minutes, for drinking. Steep the tea overnight to create a strong brew for topical use. Store in the refrigerator.

Or, in the manner of our wise and resourceful ancestors, chew up a leaf to apply to a bite, sting or scrape for soothing, cooling relief. The next time I slice into my hands and fingers as I’m pulling weeds in the garden, I’ll pluck a couple of leaves to make an on-the-spot poultice.

That simple act makes me feel like a healer.

Broadleaf Plantain

Visit my Amazon Storefront for a variety of tea supplies and dried teas.

Cindy’s Amazon Storefront

 

Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

 

 

Health Benefits of Catmint Tea

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

I’ve grown catmint in my garden for years. This herb, which is closely related to catnip, is considered more ornamental for garden use. Catmint blooms with purplish blue flowers in late spring and summer and thrives in full sun.

Both varieties are members of the mint family and both are attractive to cats. In fact, that’s why I keep this easy to care for perennial in my garden. My three cats love to spend time roaming around the garden and they check out this herb frequently. I’ve seen them rub against the plant and nibble on the leaves.

I’m experimenting with using catmint for a variety of purposes, for the cats. As I worked with the plant, I wondered if its distinctively scented leaves possessed health benefits for people. Of course it does!

Late this afternoon, I experienced my first cup of catmint tea.

Health Benefits of Catmint Tea

Health Benefits of Catmint Tea

The active ingredient in catmint (and catnip) is nepetalactone. It is thought to contribute to the following benefits in humans:

Stress Reliever

Catmint has a calming effect on the entire body, relieving stress and quieting the body and the mind. This makes the herb beneficial for reducing anxieties and easing restlessness and insomnia. While calming anxieties, catmint strengthens the immune system which helps the body become less reactive to stress.

Digestive Aid

The plant’s calming effect soothes the stomach as well, relieving nausea, diarrhea, cramping, excess gas and bloating. Because catmint has antispasmodic properties it can even ease tightness in the gastrointestinal tract, eliminating abdominal discomfort.

Health Benefits of Catmint Tea

Respiratory Issues

Catmint’s active ingredient also contains mucilage properties, making is helpful for suppressing coughs. It also relieves congestion. And it speeds up the healing of colds, flus and fevers.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, catmint is effective in healing arthritis, gout, sprained muscles, achy joints and even hemorrhoids. The herb soothes the pain and swelling associated with rashes, hives and bug bites.

Insect Repellent

Essential oil of catmint can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the skin as an insect repellent. The oil also soothes skin irritations and improves the healing process. Applied to the temples, catmint essential oil helps to treat headaches and migraines.

**Do not use this herb in any form, if you are pregnant. Check with a doctor before using if you suffer from liver or kidney dysfunctions.

Health Benefits of Catmint Tea

Preparing Catmint Tea

To brew a cup of catmint tea, add several short sprigs of fresh catmint, or two teaspoons of dried herb to a cup and pour in hot water. Cover and steep for 15 minutes at least. Sweeten with raw organic honey if desired.

Catmint is also available in capsule form, tinctures, essential oils and salves.

I snipped several fresh sprigs from my catmint plant in the herb garden to create my tea.

This plant has a very pleasant, distinctive scent. I can’t quite pin it down, however the scent stirs a memory of a similar aroma. So I was looking forward to seeing how it tasted.

I was not disappointed! The taste is subtly minty with a hint of spiciness. I loved it, actually. In fact, this herbal tea now ranks in my top five favorites, for flavor!

How amazing, that an herb my cats adore has so many health benefits. Catmint tea goes into my afternoon tea rotation. I think I adore it too!

Health Benefits of Catmint Tea

Purchase dried catmint to make your own healing tea, by clicking on photo below.


Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.

Cleavers Cold Water Infusion

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

I enjoyed a first today. In the spirit of foraging, I gathered a wild edible yesterday from my backyard and allowed it to steep overnight in water. This afternoon, for tea time, I sipped on a refreshing cleavers cold water infusion.

I’ve read about the medicinal herb cleavers, that many consider a weed. Oddly enough, I even dreamed once about gathering the plant. It wasn’t until I studied foraging for wild edibles last fall that I realized I pull this “weed” out of my garden every spring, by the handfuls. In fact, I’ve been familiar with cleavers since my childhood. I’ll bet you know it too!

Cleavers Cold Water Infusion

What is Cleavers?

Cleavers originated in Europe, covering much of the extended continent, from England to Siberia. Today it flourishes around the world, including Canada and much of the United States.

And when I say flourish, I mean that it grows everywhere, appearing in early spring. Look for it growing along rivers, sidewalks, fences and tree stumps or in great clumps in meadows and fields. Cleavers thrives especially well in cultivated gardens, I’ve discovered.

While it has a fancy Latin name, Galium aparine, this prolific plant is more commonly known as cleavers. That’s not what I called it though, as a child. I  called this plant “sticktights”. It’s also known by a variety of descriptive names such as grip grass, stickyweed, catchweed, velco plant, everlasting friendship and sticky willies.

The main identifying characteristic of cleavers are the fine sticky hairs that cover the plant. These sticky hairs enable the plant to cling to clothes or fur that it comes in contact with. That’s a pretty cool way to propagate! After the plant flowers it produces tiny sticky seeds as well, that create a nuisance for dogs or cats that brush against them. I used to pick these sticktights out of my pets’ fur after a romp through nearby fields.

Cleavers Cold Water Infusion

Identifying Cleavers

Cleavers is a wild edible that is easy to identify. The bright green plant puts out long straggly stems with spaced out whorls of six to eight leaves. Cleavers does flower, producing tiny white blooms. And the miniscule seeds are covered with itty bitty soft barbs. The best way to test the plant, to make sure it is cleavers, is to pluck a stem with leaves and press it against your shirt. If it sticks, it’s cleavers!

Cleavers Cold Water InfusionCleavers growing around a stump in my backyard.

Health Benefits of Cleavers Cold Water Infusion

Used medicinally for centuries, cleavers offers many health benefits to those wise enough to recognize its gifts. The plant has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties.

Cleanses the lymphatic system

Cleavers helps to reduce water weight and edema by cleansing and stimulating the lymphatic system. This reduces swelling in glands, tissues and cysts. Cleavers is naturally diuretic making it an excellent tonic for the kidneys and urinary tract. Its cleansing and flushing effect is good for the whole body as it detoxifies and purifies the blood.

Has cooling properties

This herb reduces fevers and helps to prevent heat strokes during hot summer months. Its cooling properties calm inflammation, within the body and on the skin. Cleavers even takes the sting out of sunburns.

Heals wounds and skin irritations

Fresh cleavers leaves provide relief from cuts, wounds, rashes and bug bites. Lightly crush the leaves and apply to soothe skin redness, swelling and irritation.

Cleavers’ antiseptic properties help to treat the skin conditions eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Use tinctures or teas to begin treatment from within the body, while using a cleavers wash to soothe the skin.

Improves liver function

By stimulating the liver, cleavers improves digestion and the elimination of toxins from the body. It is also effective in treating ulcers, bladder inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Cleavers Cold Water Infusion

Cleavers Cold Water Infusion

Creating Cleavers Cold Water Infusion

Fresh cleavers leaves are delicious added to salads or included in a steamed greens meal. The herb is available for purchase as a tincture and a dried tea.

The easiest way to enjoy the health benefits of cleavers is to gather it in your yard or another place free from herbicides and chemicals.

Cleavers tea can be served as a hot drink or as a cold water infusion. My studies suggested that the cleavers cold water infusion provided slightly more benefits that a hot tea. I loved the idea of making a something different from my typical hot herbal tea.

I gathered cleavers from my backyard. Truthfully, I almost waited too long to try this herb. I pulled up cleavers plants in early spring, clearing them from my garden. It was difficult to find the herb when I wanted it. Finally yesterday I located cleavers growing near the wood pile for the fire pit.

To create a cleavers cold water infusion, chop fresh cleavers plants and drop them into a tall mason jar. Cover with filtered water, screw on the lid, and allow water to steep in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, strain and serve.

Cleavers Cold Water InfusionCleavers cold water infusion, chilling in the fridge.

A Different Kind of Afternoon Tea

I sampled my cleavers water this afternoon, in place of hot herbal tea.

How did it taste?

I expected a slight bitterness but there wasn’t any. At least, the water did not taste bitter to me. However, I am very accustomed to herbal teas, without added honey for sweetener. The cleavers cold water infusion had a mild green taste, but not like grass. The water was refreshing and satisfying, more like cucumber infused water or one made with aromatic herbs.

Cleavers infused water gets a thumbs up from me. I have enough water left over to enjoy a cup tomorrow. And a few more plants in the backyard, that escaped my earlier weed pulling frenzies. Next spring, I’ll leave more cleavers to grow in my garden. I recognize and appreciate their incredible value now.

Cleavers Cold Water Infusion

If you are feeling adventurous, try out these other wild edible teas:

 

Order cleavers tincture or cleavers dried tea below:

 

 


 

Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.