Alterative Tea

Dr. Tooba Durrani, ND, MSOM, L.Ac.

Alterative
An action that improves or promotes the elimination of the body's metabolic wastes and in so doing restores the normal body functions affecting the supply of nutrients to the body.
Tea
An infusion made by steeping processed leaves, buds, or twigs of the tea bush, Camella sinensis, in hot water for a few minutes.
Herbal Tea
A "tea" made from plants other than Camella sinensis, tea bush.

Herbal tea can be made with fresh or dried flowers, leaves, seeds or roots. It is made by pouring boiling water over the plant parts (flowers, leaves) and letting them steep for a few minutes (called an infusion or tisane), or the seeds and roots can also be boiled on a stove from 10-15 minutes (called a decoction) to draw out the essence of these constituents.

(Aside: Tea, made with Camella sinensis, is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. China is considered to have the earliest records of tea drinking, with recorded tea use in its history dating back to the first mellenium BC. The word tea came into the English Language from the Chinese word for tea (茶), which is pronounced tê.)

Today Naturopathic practioners and Chinese Medicine practioners use "tea", specifically herbal tea, as a mode of delivery for the medicinal properties of plants to help their patients treat specific conditions that are determined by them, the practioners, in an office visit.

The information contained here is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to medically prescribe or promote the use of any product, nor is it intended to replace qualified medical healthcare. If you have, or think you have a condition that requires medical attention, you should promptly seek a qualified healthcare practioner.

Contents of Alterative Tea

Burdock Root
Burdock root is known as a blood purifier, antibiotic, diuretic, and digestive aid. Burdock root supports the body's ability to cleanse through the liver and skin.
Dandelion Root
The dandelion plant, currently considered a prolific weed which must be eradicated from our yards, was brought to the USA by immigrants from Europe as a food and medicinal plant. The food uses: the leaves are used in salads and teas, while the roots are often used as a coffee substitute. The medicinal uses: leaves and roots have been used for hundreds of years to treat liver, gallbladder, kidney, and joint problems. In some traditions, dandelion is considered a blood purifier and is used for ailments as varied as eczema and cancer. As is the case today, dandelion has also been used historically to treat poor digestion, water retention, and diseases of the liver, including hepatitis.
Oregon Grape Root
The state flower of Oregon, Oregon Grape Root, a common and prolific plant, is increasing in medicinal formulas due to its similarities to the endangered plant, Goldenseal. Both herbs contain berberine and hydrastine compounds that act as natural antibiotics. It is especially effective in clearing infections and chronic fatigue. Oregon Grape Root increases thyroid metabolism, restores proper liver function, and has a general restorative effect in the whole body. It is tonic, anti-microbial, cleansing (blood purifier and waste cleanser), and aides in the digestion of fats and oils.
Fennel Seed
This herb has long been used for GI complaints. It has antispasmodic and anti gas formation properties, for which it is well known, which make it an effective, tasty, and gentle addition to GI teas. If an infant is nursing, the mother may consume the tea and it will not only promote lactation but will also relieve colic in the infant. (Weiss, Rudolf) And, it supports liver function.
Orange Peel
It stimulates digestion and adds flavor. This common fruit, peel of ripe sweet orange, is rich in the powerful antioxidant, vitamin C, which works by scavenging free radicals in the body and decreasing the oxidative damage that they cause to the body's cells.
Licorice Root
Known for its sweet taste, this root is actually 50 times sweeter than sugar. It aids in decreasing inflammation of urinary and digestive tract, promotes mucosal cell growth (healing to the small intestine, sooths oral and bronchial membranes). And, it is helpful as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment of asthma and eczema.
Cinnamon Bark
The Cinnamon tree is an evergreen that grows up to 7 meters (21 feet) tall with aromatic bark and angular branches. Known for its aroma and taste, it is also used for its antibacterial, fungistatic and astringent properties. It is also effective as an appetite stimulant and for complaints of the GI tract. Prevents gas formation, flavoring agent, stimulates digestion (esp. in stomach).
Ginger Root
This medicinal plant has been used for thousands of years in China and India. This hot, spicy herb is a stimulant of many bodily functions such as circulation and the sympathetic nervous system. It is also anti-inflammatory, and prevents gas formation.
Yellow Dock Root
This member of the buckwheat family helps the body detoxify. The root has laxative, alterative and mildly tonic action.

References

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