Modern science has amassed a vast body of knowledge in the fields of chemistry and pharmacology. Yet, even though we are now able to examine plants or parts of them right down to the atomic level, we often fail to understand just how effective a simple herbal tea can be. It can lift your spirits, calm you down and relieve stress – all without any side effects, unlike tablets. Quite simply, the human body and its various interactions with different substances vary so much from person to person that we will have to wait a while longer for precise and clear facts...
And so, especially of late, we’ve been trying to draw as much as possible on the wisdom of our grandmothers, who had a herb for every problem and every ailment. In the past, this knowledge was as commonplace as our knowledge of engines or make-up brands is today. The world of herbs is marvellous, and if you delve into it, you’ll be able to solve a huge number of everyday problems. Today, let’s try a simple cup of tea to lift our spirits. No stress, no chemicals.
Common marjoram (also known as oregano) contains flavonoids, tannins, and vitamins C and K. It has a calming effect, helps relieve bloating, stimulates the production of gastric juices and aids digestion. St. John’s wort is very effective for treating neuroses; it relieves mental tension, anxiety and depressive states. It is very effective against insomnia.
Another ingredient is the well-known mouse-tail. That is, officially, common yarrow. As well as being excellent for treating wounds, (it contains essential oil, bitter principles, apigenin, volatile oils, etc.) and supports the female reproductive system, it also has sedative effects for anxiety and insomnia. It soothes inflammation and has antiseptic properties.
Moldavian bee balm is not just any old herb. It is also known as the ‘bridge between heaven and earth’. With its lemony scent, it can clear the mind and dispel gloomy thoughts. It is ideal for moments of meditation or if you practise yoga. It brings optimism and soothes heightened emotions.
Thyme is probably the best-known medicinal herb for Generation X and the baby boomers. We learnt to draw it at nursery, and we used to go out into the meadows to look for it (yes, we used to go out every day back then!). Everyone knows it’s one of the best herbs for a cough. It loosens phlegm and clears the airways. In our tea blend, however, it’s included for its other properties: it has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and the digestive tract. It acts as a natural deodorant, calms the mind and relieves headaches. It’s even recommended if you’ve had one too many drinks. Its effects are wide-ranging.
A blend of these five herbs can transform unpleasant, stressful moments into the perfect meditation space, where problems are left behind and slowly fade away into oblivion, where they belong. The time we each have is far too short to waste on pointlessly piling up problems and stress. Sometimes, however, we are unable to realise this on our own; we need a nudge from outside. A cup of soothing tea is the most pleasant and simplest way we know of.
