Aliments and Associated Teas – Part 3
This section provides a description of the ailments along with the associated teas to treat the conditions.
HANGOVER – Hangover
A hangover is the experience of various unpleasant physiological and psychological effects following the consumption of alcohol, such as wine, beer and distilled spirits. Hangovers can last for several hours or for more than 24 hours. Typical symptoms of a hangover may include headache, drowsiness, concentration problems, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress (e.g., vomiting), absence of hunger, depression, sweating, nausea, hyper-excitability, irritability and anxiety.
This herbal tea may help to settle stomach acid, ease nausea, break down sugars and support the liver. An ideal blend to drink after a big night out!
HAYFEVER, ITCHY EYES, ITCHY THROAT – Eyes
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or tiny flecks of skin and saliva shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander).
Itchy eyes are mostly caused by some type of allergy. An irritating substance (called an allergen) — such as pollen, dust and animal dander — causes the release of compounds called histamines in the tissues around the eyes, which results in itching, redness and swelling.
Itchy throats can be an early symptom of bacterial or viral infection, they’re often a sign of allergies such as hay fever.
The herb Eyebright is a specific remedy for eye problems & recommended for any inflammatory eye conditions. Chamomile & Calendula are healing and soothing. Can be used as an eye wash for sore, irritated eyes
HEAD LICE – Hair (used as a hair rinse too)
Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. An infestation of head lice, called pediculosis capitis, most often affects children and usually results from the direct transfer of lice from the hair of one person to the hair of another.
A head lice infestation isn’t a sign of poor personal hygiene or an unclean living environment. Head lice don’t carry bacterial or viral infectious diseases.
The astringent action of the herbs in the Hair tea make it as good hair conditioner and scalp cleanser.
HEARTBURN, INDIGESTION & BLOATING – Tummy, Mint Magic, Restless Legs, Detox, Lemongrass & Ginger
Heartburn is a painful burning feeling in your chest or throat. It happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.
Indigestion which is also called dyspepsia or an upset stomach, is a general term that describes discomfort in your upper abdomen. Indigestion is not a disease, but rather some symptoms you experience, including abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness soon after you start eating. Although indigestion is common, each person may experience indigestion in a slightly different way. Symptoms of indigestion may be felt occasionally or as often as daily. Indigestion can be a symptom of another digestive disease. Indigestion that isn’t caused by an underlying disease may be eased with lifestyle changes and medication.
Bloating occurs in your abdomen (stomach). It happens when your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with air or gas. When you are bloated, you feel as if you’ve eaten a big meal and there is no room in your stomach.
The herbs Peppermint, the main herb used in Tummy, Restless Legs & Mint Magic, helps to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and that way, reduce colic, flatulence, nausea & vomiting. Ginger, the herb used on Lemongrass & Ginger & the Detox blends, is digestive and also relieves colic, flatulence, indigestion.
HIGH CHOLESTEROL – Cholesterol
High cholesterol is when you have too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood. It is mainly caused by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol. It can also run in families
You can lower your cholesterol by eating healthily and getting more exercise. Some people also need to take medicine
Too much cholesterol can block your blood vessels. It makes you more likely to have heart problems or a stroke.
There are no symptoms for high cholesterol. You can only find this out if you have it from a blood test
The Cholesterol tea has herbs, in particular Speedwell, that may assist in breaking down and metabolising fats and cholesterol.
HIGH URIC ACID IN BLOOD, ACIDOSIS – Gout
Acidosis is when your body fluids contain too much acid. Acidosis occurs when your kidneys and lungs can’t keep your body’s pH in balance. Many of the body’s processes produce acid. Your lungs and kidneys can usually compensate for slight pH imbalances, but problems with these organs can lead to excess acid accumulating in your body.
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It’s characterised by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe.
The Gout tea is a combination of blood cleansing herbs, especially Nettle, so it can help to remove uric acid build up. The herbs may also neutralise acid in the body.
HOARSENESS – Cough
Hoarseness is a symptom and not a disease. It is a general term that describes abnormal voice changes. When hoarse, the voice may sound breathy, raspy, strained, or there may be changes in volume (loudness) or pitch (how high or low the voice is).
The herbs Thyme and Sage are very effective in relieving sore throats and with Marshmallow root, will soothe and help to heal most throat issues.
HOT FLUSHES, NIGHT SWEATS – Menopause, Lemongrass & Ginger
Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It’s diagnosed after you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s, but the average age is around 51.
Menopause is a natural biological process. But the physical symptoms, such as hot flashes, and emotional symptoms of menopause may disrupt your sleep, lower your energy or affect emotional health. There are many effective treatments available, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy.
Hot flushes are often described as a sudden feeling of heat that seems to come from nowhere and spreads throughout the body. You might also experience sweating, palpitations and flushing of the face.
Night sweats, or excessive sweating during sleep, are a common symptom in women and men. Many medical conditions and diseases can cause them. Examples include women in perimenopause or menopause; medications, hormone problems (Low-T), low blood sugar, and neurological problems.
The herb Sage is the main ingredient in Menopause Tea and it has a remarkable ability to stop perspiration and that is why it is a good counter for night sweats and hot flushes. Lemongrass and Ginger is a cooling tea so can be an ideal drink during the day to replace caffeine.
INSOMNIA, RESTLESSNESS – Sleep
Insomnia, also known as sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder in which people have trouble sleeping. They may have difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep as long as desired. Insomnia is typically followed by daytime sleepiness, low energy, irritability, and a depressed mood. While restlessness is the inability to rest or relax as a result of anxiety or boredom.
The herb Scullcap is a relaxant & a nerve tonic, helping to relief stress & tension. It is also sedative and can help to calm busy mind chatter. This tea is safe for children who have difficult settling at night.
ITCHY THROAT – Cough
Almost everyone experiences the nuisance of an itchy throat from time to time. Itchy throats are a very common sign of hay fever and other allergies or may be an early sign of a viral or bacterial infection. Most of the time, itchy throats can be managed with simple over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and home remedies.
The herbs Thyme, which is anti-bacterial & Marshmallow root, which will sooth any inflammatory condition, combine well with Sage, an anti-septic, to ease various throat irritations.
LIVER ISSUES, CONSTIPATION – Detox, Tummy, Constipation
Liver Issues
The liver is an organ about the size of a football that sits just under your rib cage on the right side of your abdomen. The liver is essential for digesting food and ridding your body of toxic substances.
Liver disease can be inherited (genetic) or caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses and alcohol use. Obesity is also associated with liver damage.
Over time, damage to the liver results in scarring (cirrhosis), which can lead to liver failure, a life-threatening condition.
Constipation is a condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened feces.
The Detox tea & Tummy tea both have the liver herbs, Milk thistle & Dandelion leaf. The Constipation tea combines digestive herbs with Senna leaves to normalize bowel motions.
LOW IMMUNITY, CONTINUOUS COLD & FLU DURING WINTER – Immune, Winter Blend
Primary immunodeficiency disorders — also called primary immune disorders or primary immunodeficiency — weaken the immune system, allowing infections and other health problems to occur more easily.
Many people with primary immunodeficiency are born missing some of the body’s immune defenses or with the immune system not working properly, which leaves them more susceptible to germs that can cause infections.
Some forms of primary immunodeficiency are so mild they can go unnoticed for years. Other types are severe enough that they’re discovered soon after an affected baby is born.
The Immune tea is a combination of the 4 best immune boosting herbs, Astragalus, Echinacea, Cat’s Claw & Olive leaf. This blend can be helpful for recovery from illness, operations and winter ills. The Winter Blend has herbs that can reduce the duration and severity of a cold or flu.
MEMORY – Alert
Memory is the faculty of the brain by which data or information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed. It is the retention of information over time for the purpose of influencing future action
The herb Brahmi in the Alert tea is considered to be a “brain regenerator” that can help with memory, focus and concentration. Gingko Biloba will improve circulation, therefore more oxygen to the brain, and the Peppermint and Black tea makes it a refreshing alternative, especially for people studying.
MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS – Menopause, Detox
Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It’s diagnosed after you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s, but the average age is around 51.
Menopause is a natural biological process. But the physical symptoms, such as hot flashes, and emotional symptoms of menopause may disrupt your sleep, lower your energy or affect emotional health. There are many effective treatments available, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy.
Detoxification or detoxication (detox for short) is the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including the human body, which is mainly carried out by the liver.
The herb Sage is the main ingredient in the Menopause tea as it has a remarkable ability to stop perspiration and that is why it is a good counter for night sweats and hot flushes.
The Detox tea can be helpful in supporting the liver and easing digestive issues that sometimes accompany Menopause.
MIGRAINE & HEADACHES – Headache, Lemongrass & Ginger, Mint Magic
A headache can be a sign of stress or emotional distress, or it can result from a medical disorder, such as migraine or high blood pressure, anxiety, or depression. It can lead to other problems. People with chronic migraine headaches, for example, may find it hard to attend work or school regularly.
A migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent headaches that are moderate to severe. Typically, the headaches affect one half of the head, are pulsating in nature, and last from a few hours to 3 days. Associated symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell.
Depending on the cause of the headache or migraine, sometimes the digestive teas, Lemongrass & Ginger or Mint Magic can help. The Headache tea has White Willow Bark, a natural pain reliever, combined with relaxing herbs, to ease a throbbing head.
MUSCULAR & PAINFUL JOINTS – Aches & Pains
The most common causes of muscle aches and pain are tension, stress, overuse and minor injuries. This type of pain is usually localised, affecting just a few muscles or a small part of your body.
The anti-inflammatory action of Curcumin, the main constituent of Tumeric, has been proven to reduce pain and inflammation which may be the cause of most joint pain. While Willow bark, another herb in the Aches and Pains tea, is reputed to be a natural pain reliever.
