Teas For Women

January is National Hot Tea Month, so I am devoting the month of January to posts about tea. There are the camellia sinensis teas (black, green, white and oolong) and there are herbal teas. I'm a fan of both. This week I am writing about herbal teas for women. Women have unique needs and there are many healthful teas that can help. Teas can influence, mood, hormones, anxiety and sleep. Sometimes a few minutes for ones self with a nice cup of tea can give that boost to help a woman get through her day. Here are some suggestions.

Peppermint Tea
This one is a very popular tea and has many uses. It is often used to calm the digestive system, soothe an unsettled tummy and relieve gas. I remember my grandmother giving me peppermint tea for menstrual cramps. Some women have used it for morning sickness. Be sure to check with your doctor before self-treating with peppermint.

Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is another tea that has been used historically for menstrual cramps and morning sickness. It is popularly used for nausea and vomiting. I like it because it has a warming and calming effect on cold winter mornings. You can buy a piece of ginger root in the supermarket and prepare it by grating it and boiling it in water for 10 minutes, strain it and drink it or you can buy it in tea bags. Some folks add a little honey. The use of tea by pregnant and nursing women is controversial, so be sure to consult your healthcare provider.

Raspberry Leaf Tea
According to tradition and folklore raspberry leaf tea has been used for its benefits during pregnancy. It is good for the female reproductive system, toning the uterus and the pelvic muscles.Traditionally, midwives say it leads to shorter, easier labor. It is said to be helpful for PMS, and also during menopause. If you wish to use raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy, be sure to consult a midwife or doctor first.

Red Clover Tea
This tea is popular among women for things like menopause symptoms or breast tenderness. It is also used for PMS. There are other medicinal properties. Red Clover has been used in folk medicine for cancer prevention, high cholesterol, cough, and asthma. It is also used on the skin for sores, and burns.The role of cancer prevention with red clover tea is very controversial. Be sure to talk to a healthcare provider before use.

These teas can be bought in bulk, or in tea bags. Loose leaf teas are probably better because often it is not known what chemicals were used in making the tea bag. Organic teas are also preferable to regular teas that have been sprayed with pesticides.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-705-peppermint.aspx?activeingredientid=705&activeingredientname=peppermint
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/ginger-uses-and-risks
http://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/ginger-tea-side-effects
http://wellnessmama.com/5107/raspberry-leaf-herb-profile/
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-309-red%20raspberry.aspx?activeingredientid=309&activeingredientname=red%20raspberry
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-308-red%20clover.aspx?activeingredientid=308&activeingredientname=red%20clover

Check out my web site at www.valerielull.com. I wish everyone a great new year.

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Spices for Health and Longevity
valerielull923@gmail.com