Brewing popularity: A sip of herbal teas
Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Tea is no longer just about a cup of dark jasmine tea, served so sweet that it makes your teeth ache.
Herbal teas, or infusions, have become a pick-me-up for those down in the dumps, and a soothing drink when stress levels start soaring.
In Jakarta's hip cafes and on supermarket shelves, herbal teas have established a place. In addition to imported herbal teas from such big-name brands as Celestial Seasonings from the United States, local manufacturers are putting out their herbal makes.
Be careful, however, as some of the "teas", especially fruit teas, are not infusions but black tea with a heaped dosing of flavoring.
Like other types of tea, herbal and aromatic teas have been drunk since ancient times. People enjoyed them because of the scents and distinctive flavors.
Most of the aromatic herbs and medicinal plants in herbal tea concoctions are believed to have beneficial effects on health. Some of the herbs do possess active substances that positively affect health, but some have yet to be proven.
Preparation of herbal tea is simple. Mix two cups of boiling water to a tablespoon of dried herbs, or two tablespoons of fresh ones, in a tea pot. Brew for five minutes to extract the active ingredients.
It is also important to cover the pot during the process to trap the aroma, flavor and the beneficial properties.
Herbal teas are best stored in a cool and dry place. The different types of dried herbs should be kept separately in individual airtight containers to prevent contamination and humidity, which can spoil the flavors. With proper storage, these teas can be kept for six months.
According to the Visual Food Encyclopedia, you can make your own herbal tea at home. All you need is to choose an aromatic plant (make sure that it's not a toxic one) and dry them by hanging them from their stems, leaves or flowers in a well ventilated, dark place for two or three weeks. The dried leaves are then removed from the stems and stored in the tightly-sealed container.
The teas can be served plain, with a little sugar, honey or lemon.
However, if you don't have time to prepare your own herbal teas, you can always buy them from the supermarket.
Here is a list of herbal infusions for you to decide if they are your cup of tea.
* Chamomile:
A soothing and relaxing tea. It helps ease stress, tension and induce sleep, and some drinkers claim it does wonders for digestion.
When mixed with fresh parsley, it can make a good compress for tired eyes, but be careful that the cotton wool is properly squeezed to prevent the liquid from running into the eyes. For blondes, chamomile can lighten fair hair when used as a rinse.
* Lemon balm:
Alleviates palpitations, stress, menstrual cramps, indigestion and sleeping problems.
* Lemon verbena:
It has a sedative effect that can relieve stress and tension. Refreshing during hot weather.
* Lemongrass:
Invigorating. It is believed to help clear the complexion and give the skin a fine texture and bring out its natural glow.
* Jasmine, bergamot, fennel:
A relaxing and calming drink.
* Spearmint (and other mint infusions):
Refreshing; often used as mouth rinse, it helps prevent bad breath.
* Pepermint:
A refreshing tonic that has become a favorite around the world to help ease stress.
* Sage:
Another soothing mouthrinse for inflammed gums and sore throats. An infusion of sage or rosemary is also used in hair care as it can add shine to dark hair and, when mixed with black tea, can darken dark hair.
* Thyme:
Energizing and can sweeten bad breath. It is also an expectorant and an antiseptic.
* Lime:
Refreshing and stimulating. Packed with vitamin C.
* Rosehip:
Contains vitamin C and minerals. It acts as a tonic and helps improve the complexion.
* Nettle:
Rich in vitamins and minerals. It's also a general tonic and is believed to remove toxins.
* Violet:
It has expectorant and diuretic properties.
* Borage:
It helps clear away toxic residues in the body and encourages healthy hair and nail growth.