National Herbal Tea Month

Did you know herbal teas can help tone your body, soothe you, and balance your system?

What are your favorite teas?

That's right. Herbal teas are not black or green teas—they're a unique category. They have less caffeine than black tea but more than green tea, making them an excellent choice for all-day sipping. They also contain antioxidants that can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy. They've been used for centuries to promote wellness, prevent disease, and aid everything from stomach ailments to headaches. And did we mention they taste AMAZING?

Loose-leaf herbal teas are better than packaged ones because they allow the herbs to breathe, which means they'll be infused with more of their active properties. I get 80% of my herbal teas from Apothecary Shoppe and the rest from Mountain Rose Herbs. Both are organic, but Apothecary will tell you when it was harvested on the bag.

Herbal teas should be prepared in a teapot that is ceramic, porcelain, china, earthenware, glass, or enamel. Metal can interfere with the active effects of the herb and produce a metallic taste.

Drink herbal teas each day for a few weeks to notice the effects! Ideally, you'll want to drink 3 times a day after eating or meals to avoid interfering with digestion!

Prepare teas from loose-leaf; it's relatively simple.

• 1 teaspoon of dried herb or 2 teaspoons of fresh herb

• 1 cup of boiling water.

Steep for 5-10 minutes, strain, and enjoy.

Here are a few favorite tea herbs I like to use and the potential benefits:

Lemon Balm

headaches, insomnia

Catnip

Chamomile flowers (german or roman)

Elderflower

Hyssop

Lemongrass

Mullein Flowers

Peppermint

Valerian

My favorite tea post-partum for hair loss, brittle nails, and hair is Oatstraw. This can also be useful for post-COVID hair loss, known as telogen effluvium; this hair loss can occur after any major illness or traumatic event. Oatstraw is not made like traditional tea but is simmered instead. The simmering releases silica that is beneficial for healthy skin and nails.

Tea Blends:

Alfalfa Tea Blend - This can aid in removing fluid from the body and eliminating Alzheimer's support. This blend has antioxidants and is helpful at the start of a cough or cold. Herbs in the blend help to improve digestion, acid reflux, stomach pains, cramping, nausea, and vomiting.

Alfalfa: 1 oz

Lemon Balm: 1/2 oz

Peppermint: 1/2 oz

Mix and prepare as tea listed above

Women's Tea - My go-to for hair loss and post-partum support, beneficial for lactation, and premenstrual cramps and helpful during menstruation.

Chamomile (german or roman): 1 oz

Borage leaves and flowers: 1 oz

Oatstraw: 1 oz

Apple Juice: 1 pint

Prepare the oatstraw first. Placing 1 pint of distilled water in a metal, ceramic, or glass stovetop safe pot and bringing to a boil, add 1 oz of oatstraw, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes, then pour over the borage and chamomile. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes, then strain. Add in the apple juice and drink throughout the day—stores for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze this blend into ice cups and add it to other teas or juices.