Herbal tea a gentle alternative

Since ancient times herbs, like chamomile, have been used as teas to ease certain ailments and to improve health.

Today, they are just as appropriate, and also provide a refreshing taste alternative to conventional teas. Many herbal teas are now readily available as tea bags from both health food stores and supermarkets, and are sold singularly or in blends.

Why not try cinnamon tea? This delicious, spicy tea, which is a favourite with my family, especially on cold nights, can be enjoyed morning or night as a refreshing alternative to conventional tea.

Put 250 grams of dried white clover blossoms and one large cinnamon stick, broken into pieces, in a pan and add 500mls of boiling water.

Bring to a simmer, add one teaspoon of finely grated orange rind and cook gently for five minutes. Remove from the stove, cover and infuse for a further five minutes.

Strain and sweeten with honey. Any excess tea may be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and warmed before drinking.

An excellent first tea to try, if you have not already enjoyed the experience, is lemon grass. It is very palatable and refreshing, rich in vitamin A and is considered ideal for purifying the skin and refining its texture. Peppermint has a refreshing and delicately fruity taste, and is by far one of the best known of the herbal teas.

It acts as a tonic and is reputed to relieve congestion from any part of the body, bronchial, and colds. It will relieve indigestion, flatulence and digestive disturbances.

It will also act as a mild sedative when taken prior to bed. Drink it with a slice of lemon and honey and it will help to ease a nagging headache.

Chamomile is one of the safest and gentlest of all the herbs. In Europe many people drink a cup of this herbal tea as their customary nightcap to relax them before going to bed. Taken whenever needed it will calm the nerves and is ideal at study time or when under stress. It is also a remedy to relieve menstrual pain,  and to help prevent headaches.