The following herbs can be made into teas or tisanes and taken daily instead of the usual Indian tea.

They are delicious and health giving and were used extensively in olden days.

Any tea that helps to promote bowel action, aid digestion or purify the blood is in turn helping the body to overcome the pains of rheumatism.

If any sweetening is necessary a little honey may be added.

Many herbal tisanes are available packed in tea bags for easy handling; otherwise the tea should be made in the usual way. The pot should be warmed and boiling water poured onto the herb; two teaspoonful to one pint of water. This should steep for five minutes.


Bergamot Tea

The Oswego Indians drank this tea and when the American colonists boycotted British tea they also drank Bergamot which they called Oswego tea.

This tea is soothing and relaxing and should be taken last thing at night as it promotes sleep.

This tea should be simmered for ten minutes to enhance the flavour. One teaspoonful of the herb per cup.


Chamomile Tea

This is a pleasing flavour and a tisane still drunk by many in France as it aids digestion and is very effective after a heavy meal. It is also a sedative and tonic and is helpful to ease neuralgic pains.


Dandelion Tea

This tea improves rheumatic conditions, as well as influencing the liver and gall bladder.


Lemon Balm Tea

This is a delicious tea and has many uses. Most important as far as the readers of this book are concerned is that it removes spasms and tension, and because of this sleep comes more easily.

It has the reputation of helping the memory and removing depression.

It is recommended first thing in the morning as it counteracts tiredness, helping the one who has taken it to rise feeling better than without it.


Lime Flower Tea (Tilleul)

This is another delicious tea which is very popular in France; it has a delicate flavour.

This tea soothes the nerves and allays spasms; it is also helpful in digestive troubles.

If taken last thing at night it will help to promote sleep because the nerves are calmed.


Mint Tea

All the mints make delicious teas, the most popular being peppermint.

When tired this is useful as a pick-me-up and it is also recommended for cramps. It is mostly used for indigestion after a meal.


Parsley Tea

This is a delicious tea and most helpful if used daily as it contains vitamins A, B, and C.

It is a tonic herb and is valuable as a diuretic which helps to rid the body of too much fluid.

It has long been recommended for rheumatism.


Rose Hip Tea

This is excellent owing to its content of vitamin C.

Rose hip and Hibiscus tea is packed in tea bags commercially and is delicious. The hibiscus gives the tea a rich pink colour and exciting lemon flavour. It is very pleasant.


Sage Tea

Another delicious tea which has disinfectant properties. It is useful in rheumatism and helps to stimulate the circulation.