Incorporating Herbs into Everyday Life

WARNING: The recommendations in this article are not a substitute for medical attention. Consult your physician before starting any new health routine. Pregnant women especially should never take anything new before consulting with a physician. Pregnant women should not follow the suggestions in this article AT ALL unless instructed to do so by a physician. The writer and publisher of this article are in no way responsible for any actions taken by someone who has independently decided to follow the suggestions in this article.

Many of us know about the effectiveness of herbs for a lot of our health concerns. But, many of us feel that we don't have the time to make a cup of fresh brewed herbal tea or take a long leisurely bath while soaking up the herbs' benefits.

There are many quick and easy ways to incorporate your favorite herbs into your regular routine.

Change Your Shopping Routine:
Do not restrict your shopping to your regular grocery store. By shopping at stores such as Whole Foods or your neighborhood health food store, you will find a wide variety of ready made herbal teas. In your local grocery store, you will find a few; but you will find many more herbs represented at a store such as Whole Foods or another health food store. Many people avoid those stores because they feel that they are expensive and/or they just feel that they don't know their way around with all these natural and organic foods. So, many people just avoid these stores altogether. But, a good way to start shopping in these stores if you are a little apprehensive is to start with the tea section. Most of the teas cost under $4.00 for a package of 24 or more tea bags. That is not too expensive.

Make a Few Pitchers Every Weekend:
Make a large pitcher or two of hot tea combining your desired tea blend. You can use about 5 tea bags of each herb for each pitcher; or you could use 1/4 cup each of the loose herbs tied in a homeade teabag made with cheesecloth. They carry cheesecloth in health food stores. Be sure not to boil the water with the herbs inside. This makes the herbal infusion too strong for you to drink. This is not reccomended.

Boil the water. Then let the herbs steap in the water. Sweeten it if desired. I prefer to use agave. Refrigerate it and drink it cool throughout the week or pour into a tea cup and pop into the microwave. Enjoy, hot herbal tea all week without the hassle.

A New Twist on Flavored Water:
Many people like to drink flavored waters nowadays. Some brands flavor water with fruit juice and an artificial sweetener. Some flavor the water with fruit juice alone. Now this particular idea is an acquired taste, but I enjoy it all the time. I take a glass of water and squeeze a lemon inside. I then add a tea bag. The water does not have to be hot. It can even be ice cold. I let it sit for a few minutes and drink. I continue to refill the glass up to 10 times a day only using 1 or 2 teabags all day and a few lemon slices.

I personally don't like the flavor of water and find this an easy way to drink more water during the day while getting some herbs in as well. I like the flavor with a little lemon. It is usually a bit bitter or sour and each tea tastes different; but for me, it works out great!