Psalms 104:14 He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man…. [King James translation]
BIBLICAL HERBS
There are a number of herbs mentioned in the Bible. Hyssop, garlic, frankincense, myrrh, anise, cinnamon and mint are just a few. For example in the wilderness, the people complained to Moses about the foods that they missed, including the leeks, onion and garlic. See, Numbers 11:5.
During the time of Jesus, the Pharisee, a sect of Jewish religious leaders, were careful to tithe their mint, anise and cumin herbs. See Matthew 23:23. In Roman times, the value of anise was so great that it was used as a form of currency by the Romans.1 In Revelations 22:2, John references trees that bore leaves “for the healing of the nations.”
Psalms 104:14 states that herbs are to serve humankind.
HERBS
The use of herbs has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. There are references in ancient Egyptian papyrus in 1500 BC about plant medicines. The ancient Summerians, who are accredited with creating clay tablets, studied herbs and had records dating back over 5000 years. In China there are schools, research institutes and teaching hospitals where herbal medicine is still studied.
Herbs have been used for their medicinal qualities, for being aromatic and for their taste.
HERBAL TEA
Herbal teas, sometimes called a “Tisane” are an infusion or combination of herb, water, dried fruit, flowers, leaves, grass or roots. According to Alexa Fleckenstein, M.D. and Roanne Weisman, gardens, supermarkets and health-food stores are filled with edible herbs, flowers and bushes. They note that teas made from fresh ingredients from a garden or from freshly picked plants can be quite a difference experience that drinking tea from ready-made tea bags:
Drinking a tea brewed from freshly gathered herbs is an easy way to get nature's healing force into your body-something we all need, whether we are healthy or fighting illness. Fresh plants help strengthen the immune system and detoxify. They are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, essential oils, soluble fiber, minerals (including calcium), enzymes, chlorophyll, and numerous compounds to boost our health.
Herbs are plants that are valued for their medicinal, aromatic, or savory qualities. Many are tasty, too. A fresh tea made from fresh herbs captures between 50 and 90 percent of the effective ingredients of the plant. Because you drink with your eyes and nose as well as your palate, you want your tea to consist of three kinds of ingredients: greens, blossoms, and herbs.
See, “Homemade Herbal Teas” WebMd Feature from “Country Living” Magazine by Alexa Fleckenstein, M.D. and Roanne Weisman, www.webmd.com.
There are a number of claims about the health benefits of herbal teas. Some of the more popular herbal teas include: ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hibiscus, jasmine, rosehip, mint, rooibos (red tea), chamomile, and echinacea.
According to Julia Edgar in “Types of Tea and Their Health Benefits, the limited research shows the following findings:
- Chamomile tea: Its antioxidants may help prevent complications from diabetes, like loss of vision and nerve and kidney damage, and stunt the growth of cancer cells.
- Echinacea: Often touted as a way to fight the common cold, the research on echinacea has been inconclusive.
- Hibiscus: A small study found that drinking three cups of hibiscus tea daily lowered blood pressure in people with modestly elevated levels.
- Rooibos (red tea): A South African herb that is fermented. Although it has flavonoids with cancer-fighting properties, medical studies have been limited.
See, “Types of Teas and Their Health Benefits, by Julie Edgar, reviewed by Louise Chang, MD, www.webMD.com.
Edgar cautions against using some of the so called “dieter’s teas.” Edgar notes that the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings against “dieter’s teas” that contain: senna, aloe, buckthorn, and other plant-derived laxatives. According to Edgar, the FDA has also cautioned against supplements that include:
- Comfrey
- Ephedra
- Willow bark
- Germander
- Lobelia
- Chaparral
See, “Types of Teas and Their Health Benefits, by Julie Edgar, reviewed by Louise Chang, MD, www.webMD.com.
In general, it is always wise to check with your physician if you are using any teas medicinally, if you have a medical condition, or you are on medication or have questions. Remember, just ask.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF TEA
Tea generally has less caffeine than coffee, and according to KatherineTallmadge, American Dietetic Association spokeswoman: “It’s pretty well established that the compounds in tea—their flavonoids—are good for the heart and may reduce cancer.” See, “Types of Teas and Their Health Benefits, by Julie Edgar, reviewed by Louise Chang, MD, www.webMD.com. According to Edgar, some of the potential health benefits of tea include the following:
- Green tea: Made with steamed tea leaves, it has a high concentration of EGCG and has been widely studied. Green tea’s antioxidants may interfere with the growth of bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers; prevent clogging of the arteries, burn fat, counteract oxidative stress on the brain, reduce risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, reduce risk of stroke, and improve cholesterol levels.
- Black tea: Made with fermented tea leaves, black tea has the highest caffeine content and forms the basis for flavored teas like chai, along with some instant teas. Studies have shown that black tea may protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. It also may reduce the risk of stroke.
- White tea: Uncured and unfermented. One study showed that white tea has the most potent anticancer properties compared to more processed teas.
- Oolong tea: In an animal study, those given antioxidants from oolong tea were found to have lower bad cholesterol levels. One variety of oolong, Wuyi, is heavily marketed as a weight loss supplement, but science hasn’t backed the claims.
Most nutritionists recommend brewed tea over many store bought bottled tea, which can contain extra calories and artificial sweeteners. If you purchase bottled tea, be sure to read the content label.
Winter is the perfect time to drink a warm cup of tea. Be adventurous and experiment. Add some aromatic chamomile tea to your green tea or some blueberry tea with your white or green tea. Try different types of honey too.
BE AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT
As the seasons change and as we enter the “flu and cold season” and the holidays, all of us want to promote good health and a healthy diet. As Diane L. McKay, PhD, a Tufts University scientist notes: "It’s not just about the foods; it’s about what you drink, as well, that can contribute to your health." You have to do your part. And, don’t forget to exercise.
Similarly, growing spiritually or having good spiritual health requires your active participation too. A good spiritual diet requires Bible study, meditation and prayer, as well as daily practice. Holidays can often be especially challenging times for everyone. But, it is important to be Godly waiting in long traffic lines, long store lines, trying to get all of the holiday “chores” completed and dealing with often impatient, fatigued, depressed, and stressed out people around you.
So tea/tee up for the season--physically and spiritually and BE BLESSED!
_____________________________
1 http://www.ourherbgarden.com/herb-history/anise.html
