Brewing popularity: A sip of herbal teas

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.