TEA AND ADDICTION
"I like a nice cup of tea in the morning
Just to start the day you see
And at half past eleven, well my idea of heaven
Is a nice cup of tea....."
so the popular ditty goes. We all recognise tea as the quintessentially British beverage. A cup of tea in bed with the Sunday papers, afternoon tea with scones and jam. But a rather less well known view of tea is that of health promoter. In no field is this of more relevance than that of addiction, one of the more pernicious ills and least welcome gifts of the modern age. Addictions come in many guises, food, drink, alcohol or prescription or non-prescribed drugs to name but a few. All involve an over indulgence in one or a set of substances with attendant adverse effects on lifestyle and diet, an attack on mind and body. Tea can be of great benefit in the recovery from addiction. We are not necessarily talking here of the traditional and familiar better known black leaf tea - although some research would suggest that drinking this milder form of stimulant (as part of an overall package of prescribed care) can be an aid to weaning oneself from harder, more damaging forms - but of herbal infusions: mixtures of naturally occurring products which treat the body and spirit and aid recovery. Below are some herbal infusions for various
- Herbal treatments can help remove the residues of drug substances from the system by promoting sweating. Yarrow, elder flowers and peppermint are efficacious in this respect.
- Red root and Echinacea can assist in cleansing the lymph system
- Blend of Fennel, Fenugreek, Flax, Liquorice, Burdock and Peppermint can help to stimulate the elimination of wastes from the body by providing a liver flush.
- Bergamot, chamomile, geranium, lavender, patchouli, rose, sandalwood and ylang-ylang are all effective in helping to counter depression.
- Clary, sage and jasmine can help to lift spirits.
- Nervous tension can be eased with basil, marjoram, neroli, rose and tangerine.
- Irritability can be alleviated by the use of chamomile, cypress, lavender and thyme.
- Insomnia might be eased through chamomile, marjoram, rose and ylang-ylang.
- Ginger and jasmine help to improve confidence
- Basil and patchouli are said to help where indecisiveness is an issue
- Chamomile, lemon and thyme are all said to boost the immune system.
Blends of herbs and essential oils taken as infusions can, then, be very effective as part of packages of care in the treatment of, and recovery from, addictions of many sorts. So, instead of 'more tea vicar?' Why not 'tea, the healthier alternative'?
NB In considering the use of any herbal remedy as part of your care programme, it is always wise to consult with your GP or a specialist in your particular addiction.
Visit www.teaworld.co.uk where you will find some of the finest herbal teas.