Teas for common ailments

Colds and flu
1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh elderflowers
1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh peppermint leaves
600ml water
Honey to taste

Make as above in a teapot. Enough for two or three cups; drink one every two hours.



Insomnia
20g dried Californian poppies
15g dried passionflower
10g dried wood betony
5g dried lavender flowers

Californian poppy is a sedative herb, which is far less powerful than and has a different effect from the opium variety. Store the mix in a dark jar until needed, then make as above.

Stress
20g wood betony
10g dried linden flowers
10g dried chamomile flowers
10g gotu kola

Wood betony is restorative and linden flowers are a nerve tonic. Store the mix in a dark jar until needed, then make as above. Drink three or four cups a day as required.

Heavy periods
20g dried lady's mantle
10g dried shepherd's purse
10g dried raspberry leaves
5g dried marigold petals
5g dried mugwort leaves
500ml water

Lady's mantle helps regulate menstrual imbalance and shepherd's purse is traditionally used to reduce excess bleeding. Add freshly boiled water to half the mix and infuse for ten minutes. The other half can be stored in an airtight container for the next day. Drink three cups a day, keeping the infused tea in a covered jug in a cool place.

Premenstrual syndrome
25g vitex seeds
600ml water

The seeds of the shrub Vitex agnus castus help to regulate the production of female hormones. Place seeds and water in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Strain and drink a cup 30 minutes before breakfast every morning.

Diarrhea
1 tablespoon blueberry jam
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
300ml boiling water

This is a popular American folk remedy for gastrointestinal infections. Place the ingredients in a large cup or mug, pour on boiling water, stirring to dissolve. Cover and infuse for five minutes.

Irritable bowel syndrome
1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh
chamomile flowers
1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh mint leaves
600ml water

Mint eases gut spasms and chamomile is soothing. Make as above in a teapot. Enough for two or three cups; drink one cup three times a day.