Diabetes Herbal Tea

Dried herbal mix.
Used to help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Contains: legume pods, mulberry leaves, nettle leaves, willow bark, corn silk, peppermint leaves

Diabetes Herbal Tea

St John’s Wort ( Hypericum perforatum )


Definition: Herba Hyperici consists of the dried flowering tops or aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L. (Clusiaceae). Synonyms: Hypericum officinarum Crantz, Hypericum officinale Gater ex. Steud., Hypericum vulgare Lam. Clusiaceae is also referred to as Guttiferae or Hypericaceae.Selected vernacular names Balsana, bassan, bossant, common St John’s Wort, corazoncillo, dendlu, devil’s scourge, echtes Johanniskraut, Eisenblut, erba di San Giovanni, flor de sao joao, fuga daemonum, hardhay, Hartheu, herbe à mille trous, herbe de millepertuis, Herrgottsblut, Hexenkraut, hierba de San Juan, hiperico, hipericon, houfarighoun, iperico, Jageteufel, Johannisblut, Johanniskraut, John’s wort, Jottannesort, klamath weed, Konradskraut, Liebeskraut, Lord God’s wonder plant, Mannskraft, millepertuis, pelicao, perforata, perforate St John’s wort, pinillo de oro, quian-ceng lou, St Jan’s kraut, St John’s Wort, seiyouotogiri, sint janskruid, tenturotou, Teufels-fl ucht, Tüpfelhartheu, witches’s herb, zwieroboij.Geographical distribution: Indigenous to northern Africa, South Africa, South America, Asia, Australia, Europe and New Zealand, and is naturalized in the United States of America. The plant material is harvested at flowering time.
Description: A herbaceous, aromatic perennial plant, up to 1 m high; glabrous throughout, green or sometimes glaucous. Stems rounded, 2-winged, erect and branched at top. Leaves oval, linear-oblong, broadly elliptic, subcordate, flat or more or less revolute-marginated with pellucid glands and sometimes a number of brown-black glandular dots. Flowers numerous, forming a broadly paniculate, compound cymose inflorescence. Petals oblong to oblong-elliptic, inequilateral with numerous glandular dots. Seed 1 mm long, cylindrical, brown, minutely pitted longitudinally. Plant material of interest: dried flowering tops or aerial parts.
General appearance: Stem glabrous greenish-yellow to brownish-yellow branching, 2-winged, cylindrical with 2 equidistant longitudinal bands. Leaves glabrous, generally sessile, opposite, greenish-grey, oval, 8–35 mm long, with entire margins; laminal margin often more or less revolute-marginated. Brownblack glandular dots sometimes present along the edges; numerous pellucid glands on the entire surface. Flowers, 2 cm in diameter, regular, forming a broadly paniculate, compound cymose infl orescence at top of stem, composed of: 5 green, lanceolate sepals, containing punctiform, black glandular dots on the edges; 5 golden-yellow petals, with numerous glandular dots along margins; and 3 staminal blades, each divided into multiple golden-yellow stamens. Anthers with single, terminal, dark pigment dot. Ovary elongated and conical, parietal placentation, carries 3 styles. Fruits trilocular capsules containing numerous brown, triangular seeds.
Organoleptic properties.
Odour: weak, aromatic, balsamic; taste: bitter, acrid.
Microscopic characteristics: Transverse section of the stem circular and presents 2 lateral edges corresponding to the 2 longitudinal bands. From the exterior inwards are seen: epidermal layer formed of large polygonal cells; continuous collenchymal layer, slightly more developed at the 2 lateral edges; a cortical parenchyma containing crystals of calcium oxalate in the shape of a sea urchin; a ring of continuous phloem, distinct from the xylem, which consists of large vessels and a lignified parenchyma with a visible cambium; and a lacunose medullary parenchyma. Secretory pockets, almost invisible, rarely present in the endoderm. Upper surface of leaf section shows polygonal cells with sinuous, slightly beaded, anticlinal walls; cells of lower surface smaller, anticlinal walls more wavy with frequent paracytic, sometimes anomocytic, stomata; smooth cuticle, thicker on upper surface; straight-walled, elongated epidermal cells of veins occasionally beaded. Dorsoventral surface of leaf consists of a single palisade layer and large oil glands. Midrib shows single, collateral bundle with small area of lignified xylem. Microscopic characteristics of the sepal resemble those of the leaf. Petal narrow, elongated, thin-walled, epidermal cells with straight anticlinal walls on outer surface and wavy on inner surface. Stamen lignified fibrous layer of anther wall; elongated, thin-walled cells of filament with striated cuticle. Pollen grains spherical or elliptical, 20–28 µm in diameter, with 3 germinal pores and smooth exine. Ovary small polygonal cells with underlying oil glands. Seed testa brown, thickwalled hexagonal cells.
Powdered plant material: Yellowish-green or brownish-green. Leaf fragments abundant, most containing large characteristic hypericin oil glands with brown to red contents. Fragments of leaf epidermis, the adaxial side with thick-walled punctate, slightly sinuate cells, and abaxial side with sinuate cells and paracytic stomata; mesophyll fragments with large secretory pockets which are spherical, bright, containing strongly refractive oil droplets; fragments of palisade parenchyma; stem fragments with reticulate spiral vessels, areolate punctation, long fibres with thick walls, ligneous parenchyma, and small number of thick-walled, characteristically punctate medullary cells; fragments of petals made of elongated rectangular cells with irregular nodulous thickenings, containing numerous yellow droplets and large, round to oval secretory pockets; fragments of anthers; pollen grains 20–28 µm in diameter, smooth spherical or elliptical with 3 germinal pores; clusters of calcium oxalate crystals.

Action: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial. Used to treat difficulthealing wounds. You could say that St. John’s wort is one of the most commonly used herbs as a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract – withgastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, chronic inflammation of the gallbladder and kidneys, in sciatica and as a diuretic agent.Positive effect on the nervous system by increasing mood and removes sadthoughts, insomnia and feelings of fear of disease. – Depression – St. John’s wort impact positively on brain metabolism and stimulates the production ofmood-enhancing hormones.

Coriander ( Coriandrum sativum )

Coriandrum sativumBotanical name: Coriandrum sativum
Origin: Egypt/ Israel
Therapeutic actions: Anti-halitosis; Aromatic; Carminative; Expectorant; Narcotic; Stimulant; Stomachic.
Drug Interactions: No known drug interactions.
Description: The fruits (seeds) are Coriander; the leaves are known as Cilantro. Cilantro has been found to chelate (remove) heavy metals like mercury, aluminum and lead from the body. In fact, it is believed to cross the blood-brain barrier and actually remove said metals from the brain in as little as two weeks. A researcher, Dr. Yoshiaki Omura discovered this by accident.
Internal uses: Coriander is used for the digestive system, treating flatulence, loss of appetite, diarrhea and colic. It settles spasms in the gut and counters the effects of nervous tension. The raw seed is chewed to stimulate the flow of gastric juices and to cure foul breath and will sweeten the breath after garlic has been eaten.

Calendula ( Calendula officinalis )

Herb: CALENDULA

Botanical name: Calendula officinalis

Origin: Egypt

AKA MARIGOLD

Therapeutic actions: Anti-phlogistic; Anti-fungal; Anti-inflammatory; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic; Aperient; Astringent;

Cholagogue; Diaphoretic; Emmenagogue; Skin; Stimulant; Vulnerary; Warts.

Nutrients: Calcium, coenzyme Q10, phosphorus, vitamins A, C and E.

Drug interactions: No known drug interactions.

Description: It has been used for the blood and skin both internally and externally. Romans used it to treat

scorpion bites.

Internal uses: It has been used for gastritis, bile production, digestion, painful menstruation, amenorrhea, Candida

albicans (or thrush), varicose veins, beneficial for inflamed and ulcerated conditions. Other uses: cancer, colitis,

anemia, fevers and conjunctivitis.

External uses: The flowers make an excellent poultice or compress for burns, scalds, stings, impetigo, varicose

veins, ear and eye infections, chilblains and eruptive skin diseases. Other uses include: acne, chicken pox, measles,

frostbite, sprains, poison oak and ivy, breastfeed support and sore nipples.

You can order Calendula from our online shop.

Shave Grass (Equisetum arvense)

Botanical name: Equisetum arvense
Origin: Bulgaria
AKA HORSETAIL
Therapeutic actions: Anodyne; Antiseptic; Astringent; Cardiac; Carminative; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Galactogogue; Hemostatic;
Nervine; Vulnerary.
Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.
Drug Interactions: Interacts with: Loop Diuretics, Spironolactone, Thiazide, Diuretics and Triamterene.
Description: Shavegrass is a storehouse of silica. Silica is needed for the absorption of calcium in the body. It helps to check fatty deposits in the arteries.
Internal uses: It works best as a diuretic. It is used as a tissue builder and may be employed in the treatment of debility and anemic conditions. It is strengthening to the hair, fingernails and broken bones. White spots in the nails may indicate a calcium imbalance in the body; therefore, it may help to correct this imbalance. Its astringency makes it effective in stopping bleeding both internally and externally. It has also been useful for bedwetting in children.
Other uses: inflamed/enlarged prostate, cystitis, urinary stones, excessive menstrual flow and leucorrhea (may also be used as a douche), to heal wounds, for kidney and bladder imbalance, water retention, tuberculosis, gout, muscle cramps, bronchitis, gallbladder disorder and prostate disorders.
External uses: As a poultice, it has helped to depress bleeding and accelerate healing of burns and wounds.
Suggested Dosage: 6 grams daily. Tincture– 2 tsp—10 ml 3 times daily.
CAUTION: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

Vervain ( Verbena officinalis )

Chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla )

Botanical name: Matricaria chamomilla
Origin: Europe, Africa
Therapeutic actions: Anodyne; Anti-inflammatory; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic; Anthelmintic; Carminative; Cholagogue;
Diaphoretic; Emmenagogue; Nervine; Sedative; Stimulant; Stomachic; Tonic; Vasodilator.
Nutrients: Choline, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, selenium, silicon, vitamins A, B1, B3, C, E and F.
Drug interactions: Reduces or prevents mouth sores if on chemotherapy, ciplatin, cyclophosphamide, doxetaxel, fluorouracil, methotrexate and pactitaxel.
Description: It has been able to reduce inflammation, stimulate the appetite, aids in digestion and sleep. It is a good diaphoresis, bringing a good flow of blood to the skin surface.
Internal uses: It has been beneficial for cramps, flatulence and other gastrointestinal disorders. Most known for its calming and sedative effects for the nervous system and headaches. It has helped to rejuvenate the texture of the skin and hair. It has also been used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia. Other uses: colitis, menstrual cramps, children’s colds, colic, eczema, gingivitis, wound healing, canker sores, conjunctivitis and gastritis.
External uses: A tea makes a good wash for sore eyes. When used as a poultice, it can help prevent gangrene while easing pain and reducing swelling. It is also used for eczema and inflammation.

You can order Chamomile from our online catalog.

Stinging Nettles ( Urtica dioica )

Botanical Name: Urtica dioica

Origin: Bulgaria

Other Names: nettle, stinging nettle, dog nettle, California nettle, dwarf nettle

Description: A common perennial with a square bristly stem 2-3 feet high, with opposite cordate petiolate deeply serrated pointed leaves which are downy underneath. Covered in rigid stinging hairs which contain an irritating fluid. Small greenish flowers in axillary clusters bloom in summer. Nettle root consists of the dried or fresh roots of Urtica dioica or Urtica urens. However, in many instances in herbals, nettle root is not referred to or recommended separately from the whole plant. Most often, herbals refer to nettle as the whole plant, and describe its uses accordingly. Germany”s Commission E and ESCOP recommend nettle root specifically for relieving urinary disorders associated with BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia. The British herbal Compendium recommends nettle leaf or herb as a mild diuretic and as a hemostatic (to check blood flow). But nettle”s uses are far broader. Dr. James Duke cites a multitude of therapeutic uses for nettle, which are listed here. In only a few instances does Dr. Duke specify leaf or herb versus whole plant. Those uses are noted here. He recommends use of nettle for allergies (leaf), Alzheimer”s disease, arthritis (leaves), asthma, baldness (leaves), bladder infections, bronchitis, bursitis, cough (leaves), gingivitis, gout, hives, kidney stones, laryngitis, multiple sclerosis, PMS, enlarged prostate (roots), sciatica, and tendonitis.

Medicinal History: Nettle root or whole plant has been used in traditional folk medicine as an astringent, a diuretic, and a tonic herb. Internally nettle has been employed to treat anemia, uterine hemorrhage, excessive menstruation, hemorrhoids, arthritis, rheumatism, gout and skin eruptions. Topically, preparations of nettle have been employed to relieve arthritic pain, gout, sciatica, neuralgia, hemorrhoids, scalp and hair problems, burns and insect bites and stings.

Nettle was used during the time of Hippocrates to treat bites and stings, and European herbalists employed nettle tea for respiratory disorders. Native Americans employed nettle for a plethora of purposes, including as a snuff for nosebleeds, an analgesic and anti-rheumatic, as an herbal steam to relieve pain, as a whip to relieve rheumatic pain, as an infusion to aid delivery, as a poultice applied to aching joints, as a decoction or infusion for various bladder and urinary disorders, as an inhalant for for grippe or pneumonia, as an infusion for fevers, as a general tonic, a hair wash, and to relieve skin inflammations.

Habitat & Cultivation: Nettle is found widely throughout North America and Europe, where it grows abundantly as a weed. The leaves and stems are covered with stinging hairs, thus the name stinging nettle. The plant grows commonly in ditches, thickets, fields and pastures. Typically the whole plant is harvested, as the root is therapeutically valuable. Nettle is typically dried prior to preparation as a medicine, but fresh nettle is also be juiced or extracted for therapeutic purposes.

Though nettle”s therapeutic activities aren”t completely understood, the plant contains a variety of antioxidant compounds which protect cells and enhance tissue health. The plant contains a number of anti-inflammatory compounds, which may account for its multiple uses for treating inflammation. The plant is also rich in minerals of value to skin and hair, which may explain its beneficial uses for both. Nettle also contains diuretic agents and phytochemicals which help to control bleeding.

Contemporary Uses Approved by Authoritative Bodies:

Germany”s Commission E and ESCOP approve the use of nettle root:

For symptomatic treatment of urinary disorders in cases of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH. Nettle root helps to promote healthy urinary flow.

Allergy precautions: Some people may be allergic to nettle.

Usage Tips: Steep 1.5 grams of nettle root in 150 ml (5 ounces) of boiled water for 10 ” 20 minutes. Strain and drink, 3-4 times daily.

If you are using nettle root extracts or other supplement products, follow usage instructions on the labels.

Science Update: The use of nettle root for treating urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia is positive.

Nettle root contains a number of beneficial phytochemicals which appear to influence the function of the prostate, interact with sex hormones, slow the growth of prostate cells, fight prostate cancer, and reduce inflammation.

From our catalog you can order Stinging Nettles – leaves ( Folia Urticae ) and root ( Radix Urticae ).

Basil ( Ocimum Basilicum )

Folk Names: Albahaca, American Dittany, St. Joseph’s Wort, Sweet Basil, Witches Herb

History: Basil is an aromatic annual, native to tropical Asia and Africa and introduced into Europe in ancient times. The herb grows to a height of two to three feet and is now widely cultivated not only for its medicinal properties, but also for its culinary value as a flavoring agent. The high esteem in which this herb is held may be derived from its word origins. Its name may come from the Greek basileus, meaning king, or the Latin basilicus, meaning royal. The Roman, Pliny, described its now-well-known benefits as a digestive that was effective in relieving flatulence and stomach cramps. Its properties had an almost spiritual reputation, as some cultures associated it with misfortune, while others regarded it as a love token or a powerful protector. In ancient Egypt, the plant was used as an embalming herb, and it has been said that Basil was strewn in the tomb of Christ. In the Caribbean and parts of Mexico, Basil was used to return a lover’s roving eye and to attract money. In India, Basil(tulsi) is considered a sacred herb. Its divine essence is actually a disinfectant, and because it is used in almost every Hindu house, it protects the family. In Ayurvedic medicine, Basil is widely used for snakebites and as a general tonic for chills, coughs, skin problems, and earaches. Its chemical components include essential oils (including estragol, eugenol, lineol, linalol), tannins, vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Components: Basil leaves are rich in an essential oil called estragol that is comprised primarily of methylchavicol. The oil is credited for basil’s antispasmodic and germicidal effect. Basil also contains saponins, tannins and flavonoids. Fresh basil also contains carotenoids and folic acid. In its dried form, basil is a good source of calcium, potassium and iron.

Uses: Most people think of basil as a standard culinary herb, complimenting tomatoes and an essential ingredient in pesto, but this is really just scratching the surface. Basil leaves can be combined with a variety of other herbs including garlic, juniper, marjoram, mustard, oregano, paprika, parsley, pepper, rosemary, sage and thyme and can be used in soups, stews, stuffings and rices as well as with fish, chicken, vegetables and meats. They can also be a key ingredient in cheeses, vinegars, oils, jellies, teas, drinks and liqueurs, and seeds can be used in beverages. Purple basils make nice colorful vinegars, and lemon and cinnamon basils can be unexpected but flavorful additions to desserts.

Delicious to eat, Basil is an effective remedy for a variety of digestive and gastric disorders. It has been used to relieve flatulence, ease stomach cramps and nausea and to help stop vomiting. Basil promotes normal bowel function and will relieve constipation, while easing the “griping” pains associated with laxatives. As an antispasmodic, Basil has sometimes been used for whooping cough. It is an expectorant that helps to ease dry coughs and bronchitis, and it relieves catarrh, the inflammation of mucous membranes. Basil has been recommended for the relief of headache. As an aromatic, Basil is considered a fine appetizer, and as a mild stimulant, it has also been used very effectively in cases of complete exhaustion. Its essential oil helps to allay mental fatigue and is said to be helpful as an antidepressant. Basil is an antiseptic. Its antibacterial properties have been used to inhibit organisms that cause dysentery. Topically, Basil was applied to relieve fungal infections and as a poultice to draw the poisons from snakebites and insect stings. The essential oil of Basil may be added to massage oils for sore muscles. Nursing women may benefit from this gentle tonic that helps expel gas in the infant and increases lactation in the mother. Traditional herbalists claim that Basil helps bring on suppressed menses.

Preparation: 2 teaspoons of the herb are flooded with 300 ml. boiling water and boil for 1 minute. Soak for 10 minutes. Drink 3 times daily before meals.

From our catalog you can buy Basil.

Sage ( Salvia Officinalis )

Sage – Salvia Officinalis is a savory evergreen herb with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue or purplish flowers. Sage is an herb that is most commonly used as an infusion, extract, tincture, poultice and spice.

The name Salvia comes from the Latin salveo, salvare – which means to save.

Sage can be used as a remedy for respiratory infections, nasal congestions, coughs, tonsillitis and sore throats. It is also a stimulant for appetite, relieves indigestion and has a beneficial effect on the liver. It’s given for night sweats, nervous sweating and kidney and urinary-tract problems. Some women also find that it helps to alleviate menopausal symptons.

Sage herb parts have many notable plant derived chemical compounds, essential oils, minerals, vitamins that are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.

Essential oils provide it with the mucus-thinning and antiseptic properties that make it ideal for a gargle, wound dressing, vaginal rinse, enhances concentration, attention span and quickens the senses. Its effects help deal with grief and depression. Sage’s bitter constituents relieve digestive difficulties with their appetite-stimulating effects and work to strengthen the constitution overall. Sage leaf contains numerous other substances including cineol, borneol, tannic acid; bitter substances with cornsole and cornsolic acid; fumaric, chlorogenic, caffeic and nicotinic acids; nicotinamide; flavones; flavone glycosides; and estrogenic substances. These compounds are known to have counter-irritent, rubefacient, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties.

This herb is exceptionally very rich source of many B-complex groups of vitamins, such as folic acid, thiamin, pyridoxine and riboflavin with many vitamins several times more than recommended levels. Sage contains very good amounts of vitamin A and beta carotene levels. Vitamin A is a powerful natural antioxidant and is essential for vision. It is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural foods rich in vitamin A known to helps body protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

Sage herb parts, whether fresh or dried, are rich source of minerals like potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids which helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.

Sage is a classic example of why herbs can score over man-made cocktails of chemicals, because as time goes by, research is discovering more and more benefits of this seemingly simple herb, which in the ancient used about everything..

Preparation of sage tea: Add one teaspoon of sage to one cup of boiling water and soak in a covered cup for 5 – 10 minutes. Add a bit of honey to enhance the taste.

Sage tea is beneficial in coping with stress. It is astringent, sedative and expels gas. It clears the respiratory tract, makes a good gargle for sore throats and helps overcome colds.

From our catalog you can order Sage.