Mentha x piperita (Peppermint)

A refreshing tea to have to calm your stomach and help with excess wind and cramping, great for people who suffer Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or mild gastrointestinal discomfort. It should be taken away from iron supplements or foods with iron, and caution should be used when breastfeeding.

Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion)

The roots can support liver and gallbladder function and is often used as a coffee substitute as it has a bitter flavour. The leaves have a diuretic effect and can assist with excess fluid or urinary conditions. However, anyone with an allergy to the Asteraceae plant family should not try this herb.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice)

This herb has a nice demulcent effect which makes it great to treat irritative coughs and is also known for its adrenal tonic properties. Liquorice tea is a sweet, woody addition to your routine, especially in times of stress, however it should not be used by people with high blood pressure or in pregnancy.

Salvia officinalis (Sage)

Commonly used by peri-menopausal women who suffer from hot flushes, or women that have night sweats. This herb should not be taken long term or in pregnancy/lactation and should be taken two hours away from food.

Valeriana officinalis (Valerian)

This herb helps with relaxation and is good for people that suffer from anxiety or insomnia. It is not advised for children.

These are just a few examples of how herbal teas can help you. You can also combine your favourite herbs to make your tea more enjoyable.

Your naturopath can help you:

• source good quality herbs for better health outcomes
• recommend a dose appropriate to your health concerns and individual needs
• check all interactions and cautions for safety
• provide instruction on how to correctly make your tea to get the most out of the herb you are using, different herbal parts require different preparation methods