by Joan Haynes, NMD
Alterative herbs are those which improve overall health by supporting basic bodily processes. They “do a little bit of everything”. I learned this inexpensive, great-tasting, 9-herb tea formula from Jill Stansbury, NMD, professor at the National University of Natural Medicine and have been recommending it for over 20 years. Drink daily to stay hydrated and healthy all year long. For sale in the clinic for only $8.00.
Useful in So Many Ways
Alterative herbs contain nutrients, minerals including trace minerals, electrolytes, and hormonal precursors that all nourish and stimulate metabolism. Alteratives also stimulate digestive and absorptive functions thereby optimizing nutrition. Alteratives also promote eliminative functions and thereby the removal of wastes, minimizing toxic accumulations and enhancing intestinal aerobic flora. Due to these actions, alteratives are considered to be cleansing and general tonics.
Ingredients
Equal Parts:
Taraxicum officinale “Dandelion root”
Arctium lappa “Burdock”
Berberis aquafolium “Oregon grape, Mahonia”
Glycerrhiza glabra “Licorice root”
Astragalus membranosus “Milk vetch”
Citrus aurantium “Orange peel”
Cinnamomum zeylanicum “Cinnamon”
Foeniculum vulgare “Fennel
Zingiber officinale “Ginger”
Tea Preparation
Instructions for Decoction – 1 heaping tsp per 1 – 1½ cups of water. Make a single serving or a whole pot. Simmer the tea covered for about 20 – 30 minutes in stainless steel or glass pot. Strain. This tea is naturally sweet, but if you want it to be sweeter, sweeten with stevia or honey.
Tips for Tea Drinking
If you like your tea cold consider quart glass mason jars for storing your tea. It encourages you to drink a lot and is easy to travel with. It’s worth investing in plastic lids. (They have ones with fun straws and straw holders too). You can make a quart each morning and drink room temp or iced.
If you like your tea hot, invest in a good thermos for when you work and travel. When you are home, you can just leave your tea on the stove in its cooking pot. Reheat it each time you want a cup. You can strain after the 30 minutes of simmering or leave the plant matter in the water if you like a stronger brew.
Precautions
This tea contains licorice and in rare cases may increase blood pressure in susceptible people. Avoid licorice if you are also taking an Ace inhibitor, diuretic, steroid, or blood thinner. This tea is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers, but is encouraged in children. Do not take if you have heart, liver or kidney disease. Do not take if you have hormone sensitive cancers.