Drink Herbal Teas for Anxiety and Indigestion

Herbal teas are easy to make and can be used as remedies for many illnesses and common conditions. Try these for anxiety and indigestion which are sometimes linked.

The benefits of drinking tea have been known for many years. Herbal teas have stronger properties than ordinary tea and can be used to make soothing infusions for home remedies.

It really is easy and enjoyable to grow herbs in a window box, dry them, and make infusions. Obviously this is the ideal, but store bought loose herbs or even herbal tea bags are viable alternatives.

Herbal teas are made from leaves, flowers, roots or seeds depending on the plant. They are also called infusions or tisanes.

Remember that herbs have a powerful effect on the body. Follow these guidelines for safety.

- Don’t drink more than 2 or 3 cups of these herbal infusions each day.
- Avoid herbal teas during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
- Peppermint tea is not suitable for children under 5 years of age. Try rooibos which is safe for little ones.
- Consult a medical herbalist if in doubt.

Herbal Teas for Indigestion

Fennel tea is made from the seeds of the plant. The mild aniseed flavour has a calming effect on indigestion and eases cramp caused by wind. A couple of teaspoons of freshly squeezed orange juice will make a really delicious cup of tea.

Peppermint tea is an old favourite which can be enjoyed hot or cold. A sprig of fresh peppermint, washed and steeped in a cup of boiling water will relieve nausea and indigestion. Leave to cool and drop in an ice cube for a refreshing iced tea.

Chamomile tea is better known for its sedative effects, but is a soothing herb for indigestion as well. The flowers are dried and used to make the tea. Drink a cupful after a meal, with half a teaspoon of honey stirred into it.

Herbal Teas for Anxiety

St John’s Wort is now well known and widely used as a remedy for depression. It can also help to calm anxiety. The dried flower of the plant is used. This can be bought loose if commercial teabags are not available. Use a teaspoonful of the herbs in a large cup of boiling water and leave to stand for 10 minutes before straining and drinking.

Passionflower tea or Passiflora has calming properties and will also help with insomnia. Try drinking a cupful 3 times a day for a couple of weeks.

Lemon Balm has a wonderful lemon scent and tastes delicious. It can be used to treat nervous headaches and is generally relaxing. This really is best made from freshly chopped leaves. Place 2 tablespoons in a large cup and steep in boiling water.

Herbal Tea Blends

For nervous stomachs caused by anxiety, make a pot of tea. Use 1 teaspoon of chamomile, a sprig of peppermint and 2 teaspoons chopped fresh lemon balm. Leave to stand for 10 minutes and strain. This should make 2 to 3 cups which can be sipped after meals.