Herb Talk: HBS Tea #1

 by Emelie Thibodeaux

Welcome to HERB TALK, a monthly column highlighting the teas we carry and each herb in them, as well as our single healers.  This first column will focus on one of HBS’s signature teas, HBS #1.  For those of you who haven’t made it to the shop yet to see for yourselves, Heart Body and Soul has quite a collection of teas and herbs.  Most of these teas boast healing actions that address specific issues, while a few of them are tasty (what I call) “sippin’ teas” (and some serve both purposes).  Whatever the actions, they are all good!  And you say you’re not a tea drinker?  Well, I didn’t think I was either, except for the occasional glass of Southern sweet iced tea!  But I surprised myself!

HBS #1 grew from the need of a young employee for a soothing, calming tea that would not only help mood and headaches but that was also fragrant and tasted good.  This being the very first tea I ever created (mixed on the spur of the moment!), I was definitely guided by Spirit to the 4 herbs that are in this calming blend (“Put this and this.  Oh, and this, and this one!”):  Chamomile flowers, Lavender flowers, Lemonbalm leaf and Spearmint leaf.  The information in this article just skims the surface of all the helpful services these herbs provide! So, read on for these basics.

German Chamomile
I used to grow Chamomile in my herb garden and it was a beautiful plant, covered when blooming with tiny daisy-like flowers (it is usually the flowers that are used, though the leaves may be, too).  HBS #1 has German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) as its main ingredient.  There are several related species of this herb but we carry German in the shop.

When I think of Chamomile, I think “calming”.  It may be used for anxiety, insomnia, indigestion, sore throat (gargle), the inflammation of gingivitis (mouth rinse), and inflamed, irritated eyes (eyewash), among others.  It speeds the healing of wounds when applied externally and offers support for the nervous system.  Adding chamomile tea to bath water creates a soothing bath.  Infused into a massage oil, it is good for relieving stress, anxiety and muscle soreness.  It supports digestion by stimulating peristalsis and relaxing the stomach.

Contraindications:  Some people are allergic to Chamomile, so if itchy eyes, a runny nose or scratchy throat develop when using it, discontinue its use.

Lavender (Lavendula officinalis, among other species) is a fragrant herb whose flowers may be found in many tea and essential oil blends, salves, tinctures, massage oils, perfumes and bath products.  Like Chamomile, Lavender is useful with digestive issues, relaxing any nervous tension that may be causing digestive spasms or colic.  For headaches, including migraines, try blending with Feverfew, or Lemon balm and Scullcap.  Toss a muslin tea bag full of Lavender buds into your bath for a relaxing, tension-easing, end-of-day experience.  Rosemary Gladstar (my herbal mentor/teacher),* recommends massaging a few drops of essential oil of Lavender onto the nape of the neck, temples, and/or feet and relaxing on the couch with a Lavender-filled eye pillow over the eyes for “calming relief” of headaches or stress/nervous tension.  And isn’t it handy that we carry a roll-on Lavender oil that can easily be rolled onto the body (temples, wrists, soles of the feet, and nape of neck)!

Lavender has powerful antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic actions.  It is effective when used for strep, staph, colds and flu.  Use the essential oil for nail fungus or ringworm, with or without tea tree oil.  Use the oil on scrapes, wounds, burns and bug bites (bees, mosquitoes).  As a tea or tincture, blend with St. John’s Wort and Milky Oats for easing grief and depression.  Mix with Passionflower and Scullcap (in a tea or tincture) for insomnia or restless sleep.  (When buying Lavender, it is best to use the buds, as the medicinal properties are not as strong in opened flowers and won’t last as long.)  Rosemary says of Lavender:  “A potent healing plant, it is a crone among herbs — wise, ancient, and powerful.”

Contraindications:  Though highly recommended for topical use with pregnant women (rubbing the oil on the lower back and feet during labor, for example, may strengthen contractions), Rosemary recommends against “using it internally in large amounts,” and, as always, a pregnant woman should check with her doctor first.  More information is available at livestrong.com/article/449143-lavender-tea-pregnancy.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint family.  The leaves and flowers are both usable.  An invitation for bees and butterflies to visit your garden, it can become quite prolific.  Mine started its life in my garden in the front beds and eventually hopped over into our back yard!  We didn’t mind, though; it was beautiful and smelled so good when we rubbed our hands over it.

Melissa is a nerve tonic, a calming relaxant.  It is beneficial not only for the nervous system but the digestive system as well.  It is a strong antiviral, used to treat herpes and shingles.  It helps relieve general exhaustion.  With children it may be used to treat ADD and ADHD, as well as recurring nightmares.As a tea, use it to flavor less tasty herbs. It may be eaten in salads and blended into fruit drinks.  It also makes a tasty tincture.

Contraindications:  Lemon balm is a “thyroid inhibitor”, according to Rosemary, so it is recommended that those with hypothyroidism or low thyroid activity, use only under the guidance of an herb-knowledgeable health-care practitioner.

Spearmint tends to be better for children.  Blended with Lemon balm it works well for ADD, ADHD and anxiety.  It also works well as a fever-reducer in children, blended with Catnip and Elder flowers.  It is a mild digestive if taken before and/or after dinner.  A mild stimulant with relaxing properties too, it blends well in mixtures for the nervous system, strengthening, calming and gently energizing at the same time.  A simple way to enjoy it (in the summertime, especially)? Iced, with a pinch of stevia.
Contraindications: None! Spearmint is generally considered as safe for all.All of these beneficial actions (and more!) come along with the pleasing flavors in our tasty blend of HBS #1.   If you haven’t tried it yet, think about it!  Try it hot (or iced, with a touch of stevia or honey, for these long hot summer days), just to enjoy the mix of flavors, or for calming a stress headache or relaxing at the end of a long day.  Delicious, calming and uplifting all at the same time:  HBS #1!

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*Rosemary Gladstar is my primary “go-to herbal person”.  I completed her on-line course years ago, and took classes with her and other herbal teachers at Wheaton College, Norton MA, during the two International Herb Symposiums (internationalherbsymposium.com) I had the privilege to attend.  I’m looking forward to attending again next summer. It is held every other year.  Recipes for blends mentioned in this article, except HBS #1, may be found in Rosemary’s book, MEDICINAL HERBS:  A Beginner’s Guide.