Tea has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and was used by the ancient Greeks for bronchitis, asthma and colds.
It was thought to stimulate the system generally, reduce fatigue and bring about a feeling of well being. It was thought to improve circulation and it was used as a relaxant in asthma. Catarrh and sinusitis were treated with it. It was used as a diuretic and as a treatment for diarrhea. It was also thought to confer some protection against heart disease and to retard the aging process.
Used externally, cold tea was an old remedy for burns and scalds, and it was also used in treatment of external ulcers. It was used to stop or decrease bleeding, and this property made it useful as a remedy for bleeding gums.
Again Externally, it was used as a remedy for swollen eyes. It was also used to make a mouthwash for ulcers.
Herbal teas are now very popular with people who wish to avoid the caffeine in tea or coffee, or with people who just like the taste of them and find them refreshing. A large range of them is available commercially.
Herbal teas however, were once used more for medicinal purposes than for refreshment. They were used as a remedy for various conditions, according to the herb involved. There were a great many of them and they included:
Balm Tea, also known as lemon balm tea, which was thought to be a restorative and stimulant. It was given by mothers to their children to give them energy.
Chamomile tea, which was used to induce a calming effect. Taken before retiring, it was used as a remedy for insomnia. It was also used as a stimulant of the appetite, as an aid to digestion and as a remedy for flatulence and indigestion.
Comfrey tea, which was used as a remedy for anemia, asthma and gastric ulcers.
Elderflower tea, which was recommended to be taken at the onset of the symptoms of a cold. It was thought to induce perspiration and so speed the cure.
Hawthorn tea, which was thought to be health-giving. It was thought to be particularly beneficial for people who were of a nervous disposition.
Linseed tea, which was made from flax and licorice root. It was used as a remedy for coughs.
Motherwort tea, which was used as a stimulant for tired brains and was taken to improve concentration.
Parsley tea, which was thought to stimulate the action of the kidneys if it was drunk in significant quantities before meals. It was thought to be an effective cure for rheumatism.
Peppermint tea, which was recommended as a bed time drink to cure cold, especially if it had honey added to it. It was also used as a cure for flatulence and nausea.
Sage tea, which was taken to get rid of infections. It was taken to cure infections of the respiratory system and was thought to be particularly effective as a cure for sore throats. As well as sage, rosemary, honeysuckle and plantain were sometimes added to make the tea, and it was sweetened with honey.
Externally it was used as a gargle and as a hair wash.
Strawberry tea, which was said to be an effective remedy for cases of gout and was also used as a treatment for kidney problems. It was also used to treat intestinal worms.
Thyme tea, which was used as a remedy for chest disorders and for sore throats.
Yarrow tea, which was recommended as bed time drink in cases of bad colds. Yarrow leaves were often used in conjunction with elderflowers to make yarrow tea.
Sometimes a kind of tea was made from meat as well as herbs. Beef tea, for example, and chicken tea were both used as a pick-me-up for invalids or people who were convalescing after an illness.
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