From A to Z, A Nerd's Guide To Herbal Tea

Stop right there: Before you reach for yet another cup of joe, consider the benefits of a nice cup of herbal tea. While it’s not quite tea by the proper definition -- traditional black, white and green teas are all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, while herbal teas, or tisane, can be brewed with a wide variety of herbs and spices -- going herbal will add new flavor to your life. You can reap benefits for both your mind and your body by engaging in the centuries-old tradition of tea drinking. Since the world of herbal tea is so vast, we’ve partnered with Traditional Medicinals to put together an A-to-Z primer. So grab a steaming mug, settle into your chair and put your thinking cap on, because it’s TEA TIME! Ayurvedic Medicine A system of Hindu traditional medicine. Herbal medicine is central to its practices, which includes the consumption of carefully formulated herbal teas. Burdock You might know burdock for its bothersome, prickly burrs, which are said to be the inspiration for Velcro. In Japan, burdock roots, known as “gobo,” are often served pickled or braised in sushi. Tea brewed with burdock is mostly sweet and ‘root’-y with just a touch of bitterness. We’re told it helps promote healthy skin and kidney function. Cupping This is the very serious practice **picture our most serious faces** of tasting and evaluating beverages. Scientific tasting methods have gained a lot of currency in coffee-drinking circles, but we think that pr...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news