It is difficult to try to date exactly the origin of medicinal herbal infusions. The preparation of this type of beverage is associated with the history of tea and, therefore, with traditional Chinese medicine, thousands of years ago.
Coffee, along with other infusions with the same extraction process, was also practiced in Arabian history. The nomadic tribes of Arabia or Ethiopia were already extracting leaves and flowers from different plants to produce what we know today as an infusion.
Today we can enjoy many medicinal plants to extract infusions containing their active principles and, therefore, all the medicinal benefits attributed to them.
In this category, you will find the Top Herbal Infusions that we review from naturopathic medicine:
One concept you need to be clear about is the distinction between tea and infusion. Infusion is the broad sense of extracting juice from any plant and making it liquid, so all teas are infusions.
However, tea is the infusion of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, from which different varieties of teas, such as red, green, black, white, etc., can be produced.
Both teas and infusions have been studied for many years looking for active components to prevent and reduce the effect of potential diseases. Right now, what is most studied is the effect of various medicinal plants through infusions to reduce diabetes and to find antioxidants against different types of cancer. We will also review if it is possible to drink tea without theine.
The advantage of the particularity of this type of infusion is their ability to mix, looking for a synergistic effect between the different active ingredients. It is common to see how supermarket chains prepare mixtures of potential plants to help us to fall asleep, reduce gas, lower blood pressure, etc.
These symptoms, although they have medical treatment, can be complemented with the preparation of infusions with almost no contraindications and with a multitude of benefits.
Although many of the infusions or teas that we drink contain theine, the mere fact of sitting drinking a hot infusion, breathing in the aroma of the plant extracts, and savoring each sip is relaxing in itself (even just imagining it).
Others, in addition, carry sedative active ingredients and help us to relax and control our nerves, especially before tense situations, such as job interviews, exams, and oppositions, etc.
The main infusions to help us relax are the following.
Valerian offers a quick sedative and relaxing action on the nervous system. It is appropriate for people who suffer from anxiety and have some insomnia.
Its preparation is very easy and can be combined with other medicinal plants to enhance its flavor and relaxing activity.
Lemon balm is widely known in infusion for its relaxing effects to combat stress. It has antispasmodic effects, soothes the muscles, and relaxes the digestive system.
A well-known and recurrent plant in states of anxiety, nervousness, and tension. Its active principles activate the processes of relaxation and a sense of well-being, relieving headaches and muscle contraction.
Among the wide range of properties of this plant, one of them is to reduce nervousness, insomnia, and anxiety caused by stressful moments. It is usually combined with other plants, such as valerian, to enhance its effects.
This tea is of Indian origin and has been used for hundreds of years to improve digestion and enter into a process of relaxation and peace, especially after meals. Due to its sedative effect, it is very good for moments of tension and anxiety.
The stomach is continually subjected to ailments and inflammations, as we tend to overdo it many times with fatty foods and alcoholic beverages. Here are some options for infusions to relieve the general discomfort of the digestive system and improve digestion.
The infusion with peppermint extract helps us to reduce gas formation and the feeling of bloating in the stomach.
In addition, mint will also help you fight against bad mouth odor or halitosis.
Fennel infusion will help you avoid flatulence, muscle cramps, and various inflammations.
To prepare it, we use 1 tablespoon of fennel (15 grams), half a tablespoon of cardamom (approximately 3 grams), and 250 ml of water.
The simple act of heating water and adding a small spoonful of cinnamon can serve to relieve the feeling of stomach heaviness and distress after heavy meals. Cinnamon also helps to prevent stomach bloating.
To make this infusion, we need to add 2 tablespoons of fresh mint (about 20 grams) + 1 cup of water (250 ml).
Boldo is a natural ingredient that is part of a large series of remedies that have been used since time immemorial. It also has a diuretic function, being very practical to eliminate those wastes that may have accumulated in our bodies.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, being a powerful remedy against gases accumulated in the intestine.
To make this infusion we need 1 piece of ginger root, the juice of ½ lemon, 25 grams of peel, and 250 ml of water.
Cold infusions are an alternative for times of great heat, such as in summer. As many of these preparations are recommended after the main meals, just when the heat is pressing, and we have a full stomach, the last thing we want to do is to heat water and prepare a hot infusion. For this reason, different options for fresh infusions also offer medicinal benefits and will take away the feeling of heat in summer.
We prepare hot green tea, let it cool, and crush blueberries, to mix them well in the final mixture. You can substitute blueberries for any other fruit, such as strawberries or even melon or watermelon.
It is the same with mint, which in this case we use as a substitute for green tea infusion. The mint will produce a pleasant sensation of freshness, will improve our breath, and will help us to activate the digestive processes.
This cold infusion is especially indicated to try after the main meals. You can use blackberries, blueberries, watermelon, etc.
Ginger also fits very well, consumed fresh. It has a characteristic flavor that combines very well with mint, lemon verbena, oregano, etc.
Most infusion boxes are created from such a noble material as wood, which is capable of absorbing odors and favoring an intense aroma when we open it before selecting the infusion.
The most modern infusion boxes are made of methacrylate because they are transparent, with small compartments to distribute each of the varieties of teas that we buy.
Many people also use tin cans, with the advantage that they are airtight and preserve the smell, extending the expiration date or recommended consumption of the same.
Learn how to get the best from herbal infusions which support naturopathic therapies and lifestyle changes.
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