Brewing popularity: A sip of herbal teas<\/p>\n
Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Tea is no longer just about a cup of dark jasmine tea, served
\nso sweet that it makes your teeth ache.<\/p>\n
Herbal teas, or infusions, have become a pick-me-up for those
\ndown in the dumps, and a soothing drink when stress levels start
\nsoaring.<\/p>\n
In Jakarta's hip cafes and on supermarket shelves, herbal teas
\nhave established a place. In addition to imported herbal teas
\nfrom such big-name brands as Celestial Seasonings from the United
\nStates, local manufacturers are putting out their herbal makes.<\/p>\n
Be careful, however, as some of the \"teas\", especially fruit
\nteas, are not infusions but black tea with a heaped dosing of
\nflavoring.<\/p>\n
Like other types of tea, herbal and aromatic teas have been
\ndrunk since ancient times. People enjoyed them because of the
\nscents and distinctive flavors.<\/p>\n
Most of the aromatic herbs and medicinal plants in herbal tea
\nconcoctions are believed to have beneficial effects on health.
\nSome of the herbs do possess active substances that positively
\naffect health, but some have yet to be proven.<\/p>\n
Preparation of herbal tea is simple. Mix two cups of boiling
\nwater to a tablespoon of dried herbs, or two tablespoons of fresh
\nones, in a tea pot. Brew for five minutes to extract the active
\ningredients.<\/p>\n
It is also important to cover the pot during the process to
\ntrap the aroma, flavor and the beneficial properties.<\/p>\n
Herbal teas are best stored in a cool and dry place. The
\ndifferent types of dried herbs should be kept separately in
\nindividual airtight containers to prevent contamination and
\nhumidity, which can spoil the flavors. With proper storage, these
\nteas can be kept for six months.<\/p>\n
According to the Visual Food Encyclopedia, you can make your
\nown herbal tea at home. All you need is to choose an aromatic
\nplant (make sure that it's not a toxic one) and dry them by
\nhanging them from their stems, leaves or flowers in a well
\nventilated, dark place for two or three weeks. The dried leaves
\nare then removed from the stems and stored in the tightly-sealed
\ncontainer.<\/p>\n
The teas can be served plain, with a little sugar, honey or
\nlemon.<\/p>\n
However, if you don't have time to prepare your own herbal
\nteas, you can always buy them from the supermarket.<\/p>\n
Here is a list of herbal infusions for you to decide if they
\nare your cup of tea.<\/p>\n
* Chamomile:<\/p>\n
A soothing and relaxing tea. It helps ease stress, tension and
\ninduce sleep, and some drinkers claim it does wonders for
\ndigestion.<\/p>\n
When mixed with fresh parsley, it can make a good compress for
\ntired eyes, but be careful that the cotton wool is properly
\nsqueezed to prevent the liquid from running into the eyes. For
\nblondes, chamomile can lighten fair hair when used as a rinse.<\/p>\n
* Lemon balm:<\/p>\n
Alleviates palpitations, stress, menstrual cramps, indigestion
\nand sleeping problems.<\/p>\n
* Lemon verbena:<\/p>\n
It has a sedative effect that can relieve stress and tension.
\nRefreshing during hot weather.<\/p>\n
* Lemongrass:<\/p>\n
Invigorating. It is believed to help clear the complexion and
\ngive the skin a fine texture and bring out its natural glow.<\/p>\n
* Jasmine, bergamot, fennel:<\/p>\n
A relaxing and calming drink.<\/p>\n
* Spearmint (and other mint infusions):<\/p>\n
Refreshing; often used as mouth rinse, it helps prevent bad
\nbreath.<\/p>\n
* Pepermint:<\/p>\n
A refreshing tonic that has become a favorite around the world
\nto help ease stress.<\/p>\n
* Sage:<\/p>\n
Another soothing mouthrinse for inflammed gums and sore
\nthroats. An infusion of sage or rosemary is also used in hair
\ncare as it can add shine to dark hair and, when mixed with black
\ntea, can darken dark hair.<\/p>\n
* Thyme:<\/p>\n
Energizing and can sweeten bad breath. It is also an
\nexpectorant and an antiseptic.<\/p>\n
* Lime:<\/p>\n
Refreshing and stimulating. Packed with vitamin C.<\/p>\n
* Rosehip:<\/p>\n
Contains vitamin C and minerals. It acts as a tonic and helps
\nimprove the complexion.<\/p>\n
* Nettle:<\/p>\n
Rich in vitamins and minerals. It's also a general tonic and
\nis believed to remove toxins.<\/p>\n
* Violet:<\/p>\n
It has expectorant and diuretic properties.<\/p>\n
* Borage:<\/p>\n
It helps clear away toxic residues in the body and encourages
\nhealthy hair and nail growth.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/brewing-popularity-a-sip-of-herbal-teas-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}