Herbal Teas – Medicinal Herbs, Loose and in Tea Bags - page 7

This category contains single-herb teas – dried medicinal herbs of one species, loose and in tea bags: chamomile, mint, lemon balm, sage, nettle, wild thyme, St John's wort, linden, elderflower, rosehip, Rtanj tea, marshmallow root, yarrow and many more. It is part of the Teas category.

Leaf, flower, herb or root – how to prepare

Plant part	Examples	Preparation
Leaf, flower, herb	chamomile, mint, lemon balm, linden, sage, nettle	Infusion: pour boiling water, cover and steep for 5–10 minutes
Root, bark, fruit	marshmallow root, elecampane, oak bark, rosehip, juniper	Decoction: simmer for 5–10 minutes; marshmallow root is soaked in cold water for a few hours
Tea bag	Fructus, Zlatni čajevi, Adonis	Pour boiling water and steep for 3–5 minutes

Loose tea is usually more economical and easier to dose, while tea bags are handier at work and when travelling. One cup usually takes one teaspoon of herb per 200–250 ml of water, unless the pack says otherwise.

What to watch out for

St John's wort may affect how contraceptive pills, antidepressants and anticoagulants work
Senna is for short-term use in constipation – do not use for more than 1–2 weeks without medical advice
Comfrey root is intended for external use (compresses), not for drinking
Do not use sage, St John's wort or senna during pregnancy without consulting your doctor

Pharmacist's advice

Store herbs in a tightly closed pack in a dry, dark place and use them before the expiry date. If you drink herbal tea every day for several weeks, take breaks and alternate herbs.

If you take medicines for a chronic condition, ask a pharmacist before regularly drinking St John's wort, mistletoe or hawthorn tea.

Ljubica Barbulović, MPharm