The best way to experience the healing properties of herbs is by drinking herbal teas. They can easily be found in grocery stores or you can also make them on your own. Most of the top healing herbal teas made from herbs that are very easy to find. Some of them can even be found right in your kitchen. If you own an herb garden then all you have to do is learn how to dry the herbs properly, although you can also use fresh herbs to make tea. But if otherwise, fresh herbs can easily be bought from whole food groceries and greenhouses, even the exotic ones.

When deciding on making herbal teas from scratch, it is preferable to use organic herbs. These are the herbs that had not been treated with any chemical fertilizers and insecticides. Besides being free of chemicals that may affect the healing properties of tea, organic herbs also have the best flavor and aroma. Drying the herbs gives them a longer shelf life. In the process of drying, make sure that no fungi accumulate on the herbs. Once they have completely dried, you can crush them manually and store them in a tightly sealed jar. Almost all herbs can be made into a hot piping cup of tea. Here are seven of the most beneficial herbal teas that you can choose from.

1. Chamomile

   Chamomile has been traditionally used to treat and cure certain health conditions. The herb comes from a fragrant flowering plant member of the daisy family. Chamomile tea is either brewed using dried or fresh chamomile. It contains bisabolol that possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant and antimicrobial properties. Chamomile herbal tea is used to treat different illnesses including muscle twitches, panic attacks and anxiety, sleeping disorders like insomnia, scrapes, burns, wounds, eczema, psoriasis, diaper rash, chicken pox, stomach flu, menstrual cramps, and ulcers.

   For people suffering from insomnia, drinking a cup of chamomile tea a few minutes before bedtime can help encourage sleep and treat sleeplessness. Other than its healing properties, chamomile tea can also help in lightening your skin tone and in reducing dark circles around the eyes. Simply boil a few cups of water with at least two bags of chamomile tea for a soothing steaming on the face. Make sure to keep enough distance between your face and the pot to avoid burns. You can also soak in bath water mixed with chamomile tea. The tea bags can serve as an eye pack for removing the dark circles around the eyes.

2. Thyme

   Meat and pasta dishes taste great when seasoned with thyme. But more than its delicious taste, the aromatic herb has been used throughout history as a medicine for respiratory and chest problems. Studies show that thyme contains an oil called thymol which has strong disinfectant and antiseptic properties. This makes it potent in healing respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. The herb also helps in expelling parasites in the body. You can either take a teaspoon of chopped thyme mixed with honey or drink it as a tea to experience its healing benefits.

   Freshly brewed thyme tea can also help in easing PMS and menstrual cramps. It helps in the digestion of the food and removes excess mucus from the digestive tract. Planting thyme herbs in your garden is one way of repelling mosquitoes and other unwanted insects. The active ingredients of thyme include a variety of flavonoids like naringenin, apigenin, luteilin and thymonin, and minerals such as calcium, manganese, fiber and iron.

3. Sage

   Sage tea is particularly popular in Asia and the Mediterranean. The herb is usually used as an extract, infusion, spice and poultice. Sage essential oil is used as a stimulant and carminative.  It is easy to make sage tea from fresh leaves. Simply leave an infusion of sage leaves, lemon and honey in a pot of boiling water for no less than thirty minutes. Strain the leaves off and you have your sage tea. You can be generous with the ratio of the leaves to the water. The herbal tea has been traditionally used to treat minor disorders like inflammations of the tonsils, throat and mouth. It's an effective remedy for fevers with delirium, nervous system excitement, typhoid fever, kidney trouble, liver problems, measles and common colds. Sage tea had also been found to help digestion and relieve joint pains.

4. Rosemary

   Rosemary has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes since 500 BC; the herb is amongst one of the oldest cultivated herb. Drinking rosemary tea is one of the best ways to take advantage of the herb's health benefits. It contains various vitamins, powerful antioxidants and strong antiseptics that help in treating and preventing diseases. Rosemary tea contains rosmarinic acid and acetylcholine that helps in promoting healthy brain functions. These antioxidants help in maintaining the supply of choline in the brain which is important in reasoning and cognition.

5. Peppermint

   Peppermint is a natural hybrid of spearmint. The herb contains different therapeutic and healing ingredients like menthyl acetate, menthone, menthol and more than forty other compounds. The refreshing flavor of peppermint tea makes it a good beverage option during hot weathers. The tea is traditionally used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, relieve nausea and vomiting, ease diverticular disorders and flatulence, dissolve gallstones, and relieve muscle pains. Drinking peppermint tea is also an effective way of soothing the body fighting stress.

6. Passion Flower

   The passion plants bear edible fruits but it is most valued for its flowers. Dried passion flower is used as a sleep aid and a mild sedative. The herb has attracted the attention of researchers due to its rich phytochemical content. Studies show that passion flower tea can help in reducing and possibly treating anxiety. For people suffering from insomnia, drinking a cup of passion flower tea before bedtime is a great way to get the Z’s.

7. Lemon Balm

   Lemon balm tea helps in relieving restlessness and anxiety. The herb contains compounds that help in easing nervousness and tension. Choose dried or fresh lemon balm with a strong lemon mint scent.

Sources
prevention.com
ehow.com
ehow.com
teabenefits.com