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Lots of women try herbs like black cohosh for menopausal symptoms like hot flushes – but does it work?

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sasha-taylor-1461085">Sasha Taylor</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-davis-10376">Susan Davis</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></em></p> <p>Menopause is the stage of life where the ovaries stop releasing eggs and menstrual periods cease. Most Australian women go through menopause between <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp20154">45 and 55</a> years of age, with the average age being 51 years, although some women may be younger.</p> <p>Hot flushes and night sweats are <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrendo.2017.180">typical symptoms</a> of menopause, with vaginal dryness, muscle and joint pains, mood changes and sleep disturbance also commonly reported. Up to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25706184/">75% of women</a> experience menopausal symptoms, with nearly 30% severely affected.</p> <p>These symptoms can negatively impact day-to-day life and wellbeing. The main therapies available include menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and non-hormonal prescription therapy. Some women will elect to try complementary and alternative medicines, such as herbal medicines and nutritional supplements. Black cohosh is one of them.</p> <h2>What causes hot flushes</h2> <p>The cause of hormonal hot flushes (also called hot flashes) still isn’t completely understood, but the decline in oestrogen at menopause appears to play a role in a process that involves the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3833827/">area of the brain that regulates temperature</a> (the hypothalamus).</p> <p>Factors linked to a greater likelihood of hot flushes include <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19675142/">being overweight or having obesity</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25706184/">smoking</a>.</p> <p>MHT, previously known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), usually includes oestrogen and is the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26444994/">most effective treatment</a> for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes. But women may choose complementary and alternative medicines instead – either because they shouldn’t take hormone therapy, for example because they have breast cancer, or because of personal preference.</p> <p>Close <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26224187/">to 40%</a> of Australian women report using complementary and alternative medicines for menopausal symptoms, and up to 20% using them specifically to treat hot flushes and sweats.</p> <h2>A long history</h2> <p>Complementary and alternative medicines have a long history of use in many cultures. Today, their potential benefits for menopausal symptoms are promoted by the companies that make and sell them.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6419242/">complementary and alternative medicines</a> women often try for menopausal symptoms include phytoestrogens, wild yam, dong quai, ginseng and black cohosh.</p> <p>Black cohosh (plant name <em>Cimicifuga racemosa</em>) was <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6599854/">traditionally</a> used by Native Americans to treat a variety of health concerns such as sore throat, kidney trouble, musculoskeletal pain and menstrual problems. It is now a popular herbal choice for hot flushes and night sweats, as well as vaginal dryness and mood changes.</p> <p>There are <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37252752/">many theories</a> for how the active ingredients in black cohosh might work in the body, such as acting like oestrogen, or affecting chemical pathways in the brain. But despite extensive research, the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6599854/">evidence to support these theories remains inconclusive</a>.</p> <p>It is also not clear whether black cohosh is effective for hot flushes. Results from individual studies are mixed, with <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17565936/">some</a> finding black cohosh improves hot flushes, while <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18257142/">others</a> have found it doesn’t.</p> <p>A 2012 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6599854/">review</a> combined all the results from studies of menopausal women using black cohosh to that date and found overall there was no proof black cohosh reduces hot flushes more effectively than an inactive treatment (placebo). <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6599854/">This review</a> also revealed that many studies did not use rigorous research methods, so the findings are hard to interpret.</p> <p>A more recent <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33021111/">review</a> of clinical trials claimed black cohosh may ease menopausal symptoms, but the included studies were mostly small, less than six months long, and included women with mild symptoms.</p> <p>There is also no meaningful evidence black cohosh helps other symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal symptoms, sexual problems, or poor general wellbeing, or that it protects against bone loss.</p> <p>Evidence for how black cohosh is absorbed and metabolised by the body is also lacking, and it is not known what dose or formulation is best to use.</p> <p>More good quality studies are needed to decide whether black cohosh works for hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms.</p> <h2>Is it safe to try?</h2> <p>A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33021111/">review of studies</a> suggests black cohosh is safe to use, although many of the studies have not reported possible adverse reactions in detail. Side effects such as gastrointestinal upset and rashes may occur.</p> <p>While there have been <a href="https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2008/188/7/liver-failure-associated-use-black-cohosh-menopausal-symptoms#0_i1091948">rare reports of liver damage</a>, there is <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21228727/">no clear evidence</a> black cohosh was the cause. Even so, in Australia, black cohosh manufacturers and suppliers are required to put a warning label for the potential of harm to the liver on their products.</p> <p>It is recommended black cohosh is not used by women with menopausal symptoms <a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/breast-cancer/impacted-by-breast-cancer/physical-changes/menopause/treatments-menopausal-symptoms">after breast cancer</a>, as its safety after breast cancer is uncertain. All women should consult with their doctor before using black cohosh if they are taking other medications in case of possible drug interactions.</p> <p>Many women like to try herbal therapies for hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms. While black cohosh is generally considered safe and some women may find it helps them, at the moment there is not enough scientific evidence to show its effects are any better than placebo.</p> <p>Women experiencing troublesome menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, should talk to their doctor about the best treatment options for them.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/211272/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sasha-taylor-1461085"><em>Sasha Taylor</em></a><em>, Research fellow, Chronic Disease &amp; Ageing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-davis-10376">Susan Davis</a>, Chair of Women's Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty </em><em>Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/lots-of-women-try-herbs-like-black-cohosh-for-menopausal-symptoms-like-hot-flushes-but-does-it-work-211272">original article</a>.</em></p>

Body

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Are herbal teas good for you?

<p>If you’re a regular sipper of something herbal, chances are good that you’ve chosen your blend based on the way it tastes and the apparent health benefits of the blend in question. You might brew up a chamomile of an evening or put on a pot of peppermint when your tummy feels upset. But do these teas actually do what they say on the label? The short answer is yes! Herbal teas are a fantastic way to enjoy the medicinal properties of herbs in a safe and easily accessed way. If you’re keen to expand your “herbal tea wardrobe” try picking up a packet of one of the following next time you’re out shopping.</p> <p><strong>1.     Green tea</strong></p> <p>One of the herbal staples, green tea is often touted as a ‘super food’ (or drink) due to its high level of antioxidants. Recent research has also found that it contains high levels of L-thenanine, an amino acid that helps calm and soothe your system. If you’re not a fan of the taste of traditional blends, try Japanese green tea, which tends to be milder on the palette.</p> <p><strong>2.     Chamomile tea</strong></p> <p>Regularly drunk as a night time tea, chamomile flowers have a calming effect on the nervous system as well as on your digestive system, making them a great choice for when your tummy is unsettled or if you suffer from conditions like IBS.</p> <p><strong>3.     Peppermint tea</strong></p> <p>One of the most popular and easy to find teas, peppermint is widely regarded as a great digestive soother. These potent plants also have energy boosting properties and can help you remain alert.</p> <p><strong>4.     Ginger tea</strong></p> <p>Whether you use teabags or freshly grated root ginger, a ginger infusion is fantastic for increasing circulation and easing inflammation. This makes it especially good for the cooler months or for those who suffer joint problems.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Body

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Tea drinkers may well live longer

<div class="copy"> <p>Tea is good for you, according to new research from – perhaps not surprisingly – China.</p> <p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Habitual consumption – defined as at least three times a week – is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death, according to Xinyan Wang from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.</span></p> <p>In other words, it contributes both to longer life expectancy and more healthy years of life.</p> <p>The favourable health effects appear to be particularly robust for green tea and for those with a long-term love of it.</p> <p>In their study, Wang and colleagues followed 100,902 participants in the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27682885">China-PAR</a> Project who had no history of heart attack, stroke or cancer for a median of 7.3 years. All were classified into one of two groups – habitual and never / non-habitual.</p> <p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Regular drinkers were found to have a 20% lower risk of incident heart disease and stroke, a 22% lower risk of fatal heart disease and stroke, and a 15% decreased risk of all-cause death.</span></p> <p>The analyses estimated, for example, that 50-year-old habitual tea drinkers would develop coronary heart disease and stroke 1.41 years later and live 1.26 years longer than those who never or seldom drank tea.</p> <p>The potential influence of changes in tea drinking behaviour were analysed in a subset of 14,081 participants with assessments at two time points.</p> <p>Habitual drinkers who maintained their habit had a 39% lower risk of incident heart disease and stroke, 56% lower risk of fatal heart disease and stroke, and 29% decreased risk of all-cause death compared to consistent never or non-habitual tea drinkers.</p> <p>“Mechanism studies have suggested that the main bioactive compounds in tea, namely polyphenols, are not stored in the body long-term,” says Dongfeng Gu, senior author of a <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2047487319894685">paper</a> in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.</p> <p><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Thus, frequent tea intake over an extended period may be necessary for the cardioprotective effect.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The study found green tea to be more beneficial than black, though Gu acknowledges that may be because of the preferences of those studied. Only a few preferred black tea.</span></p> <p>Nevertheless, the researchers say their findings “hint at a differential effect between tea types” – and suggest two factors may be at play.</p> <p>First, green tea is a rich source of the polyphenols which protect against cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, but black tea is fully fermented and during this process polyphenols are oxidised into pigments and may lose their antioxidant effects.</p> <p>Second, black tea is often served with milk, which <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/28/2/219/2887513">previous research</a> has shown may counteract the favourable health effects of tea on vascular function.</p> <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=34602&amp;title=Tea+drinkers+may+well+live+longer" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></div> <div id="contributors"> <p><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/nutrition/tea-drinkers-may-well-live-longer/">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/nick-carne">Nick Carne</a>. </p> </div>

Food & Wine

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Can herbal supplements treat mental health issues?

<p>Stress, anxiety, and depression. Three mental health issues that are widely felt amongst amongst New Zealanders, yet often go unchecked.</p> <p>For anybody who suffers with their mental health, herbal and off-the-shelf remedies and supplements are often the first thing they seek out before discussing their needs with a professional healthcare provider.</p> <p>But is there any science proving that any of these herbal treatments actually work?</p> <p>It's essential to know that just because a product is natural, herbal, or available without a prescription, doesn't mean it's safe. Some products can also cause negative interactions when used with other drugs.</p> <p>You must also be aware that no herbal or natural supplement will address the underlying cause of any kind of mental illness. You may be provided with a temporary solution, but it's value will likely be short-term.</p> <p><strong>Lemon balm</strong></p> <p>Use of Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm, dates back to the Middle Ages for stress and anxiety relief.</p> <p>This herb is part of the mint family and <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/lemon-balm" target="_blank">some small scientific studies</a></span></strong> have shown consumption of it can produce slight feelings of calmness for several hours.</p> <p>Positive effects are only felt when consuming a lot of this herb (1600mg has been linked to six hours of calmness), but luckily, no scientific studies have shown adverse effects of lemon balm even in high doses.</p> <p><strong>St. John's wort</strong></p> <p>Commonly found as a tea or in pill supplement form, St. John's wort has been proven in some clinical trials to help with some types of depression because it can raise serotonin levels. However, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://nccih.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/sjw-and-depression.htm" target="_blank">it's potentially very dangerous</a></strong></span>, too.</p> <p>St. John's wort interacts with many prescription medications, and should never be taken without your doctor's consent if you're being prescribed anything.</p> <p>Particularly, if combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine, and other antidepressants, St. John's wort can trigger psychotic events, autonomic dysfunction (sweating, increased blood pressure), and motor effects, because your body struggles with such an increased level of serotonin.</p> <p><strong>Vitamin B</strong></p> <p>Many vitamin B supplements are marketed for stress relief in New Zealand. Fatigue and low energy are scientifically linked with a vitamin B deficiency, but it is plentiful in the average diet and only usually recommended for vegetarians, vegans, and other vulnerable groups.</p> <p>There's very little scientific evidence that stress increases a person's need for vitamin B, or that a big dose of it is required to "get through" times of stress.</p> <p>However, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4290459/" target="_blank">one promising Australian study</a></strong></span> from 2014, which looked specifically at work-related stress, saw reductions in it between weeks four and 12 when taking a regular vitamin B supplement.</p> <p><strong>Probiotics</strong></p> <p>Though the link between the gut and mental health is an emerging issue in the health industry, there's no clear evidence that probiotics (e.g. as a pill supplement form) reduce symptoms of stress or anxiety.</p> <p>However, <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/changing-gut-bacteria-through-245617" target="_blank">one University of California Los Angeles study has found</a></span></strong> that it found people that consumed two cups of probiotic yoghurt per day (which contained four types of live bacteria: Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Lactococcus, and Lactobacillus) had calmer reactions to stressful situations than those who didn't eat the yoghurt. What constitutes a "calmer reaction", however, is subjective so we can't take this as conclusive evidence.</p> <p>The only known side effects of probiotics are bloating and digestive gas.</p> <p><strong>Valerian root</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/valerian" target="_blank">There's not enough evidence to show that valerian root</a></strong></span> – a common ingredient in natural sleeping medications – actually works.</p> <p>Limited research shows it can reduce heart rate and feelings of stress when put under pressure, and there's even one study that showed it was more effective that diazepam for anxiety during a two-week period, when used alongside St. John's wort.</p> <p>Low doses are considered to be safe, but high doses can result in blurred vision, headaches, and lethargy.</p> <p><strong>Kava</strong></p> <p>Kava, a plant (and mild intoxicant) that grows in some Pacific nations, is supposedly useful in treating anxiety.</p> <p>It can bring about feeling of relaxation, and sometimes even euphoria, as it causes the body's dopamine levels to rise. There is also <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-015-0986-5" target="_blank">some clinical evidence</a></strong></span> that it helps with stress, insomnia, and depression and is generally considered safe in when consumed occasionally.</p> <p>However, it's potential to interact with other drugs is high. It can be addictive, and can't be combined with alcohol, dopamine, haloperidol, acetaminophen, and benzodiazepines. It can cause excessive drowsiness when used alongside SSRIs, and it can injure the liver in healthy people.</p> <p><em>Written by Lee Suckling. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p>

Mind

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3 herbal remedies to beat insomnia

<p>When you’re all tucked into bed and insomnia strikes, many people reach for that bottle of sleeping pills. However, there are many natural remedies that could help you drift off without those nasty side effects.</p> <p><strong>1. Hop pillow</strong></p> <p>Most of us know that hops are a key component of beer - but in herbal medicine they're favoured for their calming effect on the nervous system.</p> <p>That's good for those who suffer from insomnia, and it's especially good for those who cannot take valerian (which has the opposite effect on some people) though frequently, you see the two herbs combined. </p> <p>Hop pillows were first made popular by King George III, who supposedly used one to relieve his insomnia. </p> <p>You can make your own hop pillow easily enough – just fill a small bag with fresh hops and sew it closed, then sleep with the bag in such a way that you can smell it. Replace it every few months as the therapeutic properties will diminish over time.</p> <p><strong>2. Valerian tincture</strong></p> <p>The active constituents in valerian depress the central nervous system in a similar way to GABA, a relaxing neurotransmitter in the brain. Clinical studies have shown that valerian is effective in the treatment of insomnia, mostly by reducing the time it takes to go from fully awake to asleep and improving sleep quality. </p> <p>Valerian is easy to grow in rich, heavy loam with good moisture. It's a hardy perennial, with summer flowers reaching up to 1.5m high, but as it's the root that is used, you may want to snip off the flowers so that the plant puts more energy into the rhizomes.</p> <p>You can make a tincture by soaking the chopped roots in three times their volume of vodka. Place both in a jar, screw the lid on tightly and store in a cool, dark room. Shake daily for 4-6 weeks, then strain. Alternatively, you can steep slices of fresh or dried root in freshly boiled water to make a tea. </p> <p><strong>3. Scullap tea</strong></p> <p>Scullcap is a relaxing nervine used to relieve stress and anxiety, and it can also be taken at night to quieten a busy mind. It is often used with passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) as an overall herbal mind-body sedative. Skullcap leaves can be used either fresh or recently dried, as they lose their potency as they age. For a good night's sleep, make a strong tea with a couple of tablespoons of leaves, taken perhaps an hour before retiring.</p> <p>How do you overcome sleeping problems? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by Jane Wrigglesworth. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/05/how-to-tell-if-youre-getting-enough-sleep-each-night/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to tell if you’re getting enough sleep each night</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/05/reasons-why-we-talk-in-our-sleep/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The reason why some of talk in our sleep</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/health/mind/2016/05/yawning-reveals-a-lot-about-your-level-of-empathy/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Yawning reveals a lot about your empathy</span></strong></em></a></p>

Body

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The herbal tea everyone should drink

<p>By Erin Young, founder of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.zengreentea.com.au/" target="_blank">boutique Australian tea company Zen Green Tea</a></strong></span> that specialises in premium matcha green tea powder. </p> <p>Matcha green tea powder is being hailed the new health hero for older Australians. Unlike standard green tea, matcha is the whole tealeaf stone ground into a fine powder forming a light and naturally sweet green tea flavour. Drinkers simply dissolve a quarter teaspoon of matcha into hot water. It’s the equivalent to 10 standard cups of green tea bags in terms of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Why is drinking matcha important? Medical studies are showing that matcha green tea helps prevent and manage a huge number of age related conditions. The health benefits include.</p> <p><strong>1. Helps to lowers blood pressure</strong></p> <p>A major cause of hypertension (high blood pressure) is an enzyme secreted by the kidneys called ACE. Studies have shown green tea aids in inhibiting ACE and as a result helps lower blood pressure in people who drink green tea.Helps lower bad cholesterol</p> <p>Research studies have highlighted that drinking up to 10 cups of green tea a day has a positive impact on your blood cholesterol levels. Green tea helps lowers your bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) while leaving your good cholesterol (HDL) untouched. One serve of matcha green tea powder equals 10 cups of standard green tea so is an easy way to reach this cholesterol lowering level.</p> <p><strong>2. Helps relieve arthritis symptoms</strong></p> <p>Studies have shown green tea can help reduce inflammation and arthritis pain because of its active ingredient EGCG which is a powerful antioxidant that works to stop the production of certain inflammatory chemicals in the body. Matcha contains a much higher level of EGCG compared to standard green tea bags making it the perfect anti-inflammatory drink.</p> <p><strong>3. Alzheimer’s and Dementia</strong></p> <p>The main antioxidant in matcha green tea powder is EGCG. Studies have shown that EGCG aids in counteracting memory loss caused by plaque deposits in people with Alzheimer’s. Unlike tea bags that involve whole tealeaves steeped in water, matcha tea is comprised of the entire tealeaf that is ground up into a fine powder. The powder is dissolved in warm water and the entire leaf is ingested. For this reason, matcha drinkers are able to consume much higher levels of EGCG</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/breakthrough-pain-relief-patch/">Scientists create breakthrough pain relief patc</a>h</em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/2015/11/arthritis-pill-helps-alzheimers/">Arthritis drug may help fight Alzheimer’s</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2015/11/healthy-foods-that-are-unhealthy/">‘Healthy’ foods that could be harming your health</a></em></strong></span></p>

Body

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5 Herbal teas to relax aches and pains

<p><strong><em>By Erin Young, founder of <a href="http://www.zengreentea.com.au" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">boutique Australian tea company Zen Green Tea</span></a> that specialises in premium matcha green tea powder. </em></strong></p> <p>During the course of our daily tasks we can experience many aching muscles and pains, whether it be from existing conditions such as arthritis or simply from straining ourselves physically. These aches and pains can cause stress and fatigue and can often aggravate more conditions, so treating them immediately is paramount. There are some wonderful herbs and plants which can aid in relieving some of these symptoms. Here’s my edit below of the top five herbal teas to aid in relaxing aches and pains.</p> <p><strong>1. Common sage</strong></p> <p>Sage is a wonderful herb for treating muscle soreness. Sage is an antispasmodic, which means that it helps to relax muscle fibres It’s a great natural cough medicine too, helping to relax the lungs and throat. It works well as a hot tea to drink and also applied to the skin by steeping a strong hot tea (for 10-15 minutes), waiting it for it to become lukewarm, and then applying it with a tower as a compress on the area experiencing soreness. This herb can be bought at your local supermarket.</p> <p><strong>2. Matcha green tea</strong></p> <p>Matcha is a form of green tea where it is the tea leaf stone ground into a fine powder so it actually dissolves in water to form a highly concentrated tea. Studies have shown green tea can help reduce inflammation and arthritis pain because of its active ingredient EGCG which is a powerful antioxidant that works to stop the production of certain inflammatory chemicals in the body. Matcha contains a much higher level of EGCG compared to standard green tea bags making it the perfect anti-inflammatory drink. Additionally, matcha contains an incredibly high level of antioxidants so when you drink matcha your body is flooded with antioxidants that help to stop cell damage that can be the cause of other conditions and inflammation. To make matcha, you simply mix ¼ teaspoon of the powder into a cup of hot water and enjoy. This tea can be bought online at Australian boutique business Zen Green Tea: www.zengreentea.com.au</p> <p><strong>3. Lavender tea</strong></p> <p>Lavender is known for its soothing, sleep inducing properties. The tea can assist with flatulence, colic, or an upset stomach. It can be also applied as a wash to the chest to reduce any respiratory conditions like coughs or colds. Drinking a lavender tea and soaking in a bath with lavender oil with some relaxing music is the perfect way to relieve any stress which can often be the cause of muscle spasms. You can steep lavender flowers (bought at your local florist) to form the tea or purchase the dried flowers at your local health food store.</p> <p><strong>4. Cardamom tea</strong></p> <p> Cardamom tea, like lavender tea is great for treating stomach conditions i.e. indigestion and nausea. Interestingly, cardamom also works as a caffeine detoxifier if you have consumed too many cups of coffee it helps to remove the caffeine from your system. Cardamom can be bought at your local supermarket and it is a tea often enjoyed with milk. It’s featured in many chai tea mixes (ensure you buy chai leaves though not the powdered sugar laden varieties).</p> <p><strong>5. Peppermint tea</strong></p> <p>Peppermint tea is a fantastic overall herb which contains both menthol and camphor- two substances which help relieve muscle tension.  Additionally, peppermint aids in indigestion, and helps in relieving headaches and anxiety which can cause stress related muscle spasms. This tea can be bought at your local supermarket.</p> <p><strong>HOT TIP: Relaxing bath</strong></p> <p>Soaking in a bath is a great way to relax and adding muscle-relaxing herbs both feels great and helps you relieve your stress and aches faster</p> <p>Instructions: In a muslin bag mix a handful of lavender flowers, a tea bag quantity worth of peppermint tea, sage, a teaspoon of matcha and a few drops of lavender oil. Steep the bag in your bath and enjoy the relaxing effects, the light green colour and the beautiful smell!</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/inside-a-1950s-tea-factory/"></a></strong></span></em></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/inside-a-1950s-tea-factory/">Inside a tea factory from the 1950s</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/inside-a-1950s-tea-factory/"></a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2016/01/are-herbal-teas-good-for-you/">Are herbal teas good for you?</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/inside-a-1950s-tea-factory/"></a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/popular-food-myths-busted/">21 popular food myths busted</a></em></strong></span></p>

Body

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DIY herbal-infused oils

<p>Many plants have therapeutic properties: some can help you sleep while others heal or invigorate you. In this DIY how-to, we’ll show you how to harness those properties into your own herbal-infused oil. These can be used as body moisturisers, bath oils, or as a diffuser serum. Plus, they make great gifts for loved ones.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>Handful of herbs, spices, petals or citrus rinds of your choice, fresh or dry, chopped</li> <li>½ cup of oil (olive, jojoba, almond, grapeseed, etc.)</li> <li>Jar such as a mason jar with lid</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method: </span></strong></p> <p>1. Sterilise your jar by either immersing it in hot water or running it through your dishwasher.</p> <p>2. Pour oil into jar and add herbs. Close jar and shake.</p> <p>3. Store in a cool, dry place and wait two weeks. Alternatively, you can put jars in crock-pot or oven on “warm” or “low” and cook for six to eight hours.</p> <p>4. Strain oil over a fine strainer or cheesecloth to remove herbs.</p> <p>5. Pour your infused oil into a dark glass jar/container. The dark glass will help your oil to keep longer and should keepfor about six months.</p> <p>NOTE: You can use your oil in a diffuser, as a moisturiser, or in the bath. Consider adding twine bows and rustic labels to give as a gift.<em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/03/make-your-own-lavender-soap/"><br /></a></strong></em></p>

Home & Garden

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DIY herbal soap

<p>Either as a gift or for your own bathroom, you can make your own soaps using home-grown herbs by following these simple steps.</p> <p>If the idea of DIY soap sounds a little daunting, there’s no need to be put off. You can now buy simple melt and pour glycerin bases for your soap from a craft shop so that the hard work has been taken care of. They are completely customisable so you can add your favourite herbs or essential oils to suit your tastes. Glycerin is available in many colours as a solid block that can be simply melted as needed.</p> <p>When it comes to the herbs to use, anything goes. Use whatever fresh or dried herb combinations you like. Popular choices include lavender, mint, lemongrass and basil. You can also add in some lemon, lime or orange rind for a boost of freshness.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">You will need:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>Soap mold</li> <li>A glass bowl</li> <li>Microwave</li> <li>A bamboo skewer for stirring</li> <li>A spray bottle with rubbing alcohol (optional)</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to:</span></strong></p> <p>1. Chop your selected herbs and set aside.</p> <p>2. Place your soap mold on a level surface.         </p> <p>3. Slice off enough glycerin to fill your molds. Chop it into smaller pieces as these are</p> <p>easier to melt. Place these into your glass bowl.    </p> <p>4. Place the glass bowl in the microwave to melt the glycerin. Use 30-second</p> <p>increments and keep checking until the soap is melted.</p> <p>5. Now add in your herbs and mix well with the skewer.</p> <p>6. Spray some rubbing alcohol into your mold to prevent bubbles forming in your soap. </p> <p>7. This step is optional but gives a more professional result.    </p> <p>8. Pour the soap into your molds, spraying some more of the rubbing alcohol on the</p> <p>top. Leave the soap to cool.  </p> <p>9. Remove the soap from the molds and they are ready to be used; or wrap in tissue paper to give as a gift.</p>

Home & Garden