‘Combination Tea’

Ø  Composition

Ginger                                    Golden seal leaf

Capsicum                               Licorice

Ø  Properties

Carminative                          Antiseptic

Antispasmodic                     Analgesic

Antiemetic

Ø   General description

Ginger combination is used to alleviate nausea and the urge to vomit, often associated with influenza.  The herbs relieve muscle spasms, relieve pain associated with muscle aches, fight infections and promote the production of digestive fluids.

Chinese herbalists would describe this herbal combination as an earth reducing formula.  It also reduces the water and wood element while enhancing the metal and fire elements.

Ginger combination has traditionally been used to treat influenza, fevers, vomiting, motion sickness, chills, sore throats, headaches, swollen lymph glands, ear infections, belching, abdominal pains, hemorrhoids and dropsy.

·        Imbalances: indicating the use of this formula are commonly noted in the lymphatic rosary of both irises.  This formula is used primarily for acute manifestations of influenza and is not designed for chronic debility or pains. Do not use before surgery.

∞      Individual Components

---Ginger root--- contains aromatic compounds that increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. It also contains bitter compounds that reduce muscle spasms increase blood circulation and dilate blood vessels.  Ginger is an excellent herbal source of trace minerals especially silicon, magnesium, and manganese.  It has been used to treat nausea, motion sickness, flatulence, colds, coughs, indigestion, fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, chronic bronchitis and cold hands and feet.

---Capsicum--- contains aromatic resins that increase blood circulation, promote sweating, increase the production of digestive fluids and reduce muscle spasms.  It has been used to treat flatulence, colic, ulcers, rheumatic arthritis, cold hands and feet and dropsy.

---Golden seal leaf--- contains, bitter, astringent alkaloids that normalize liver and spleen functions by increasing the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, particularly bile. The compounds are antiseptic, constrict peripheral blood vessels, especially in the uterus, are laxative and relieve pain and inflammation in mucosal tissue.  Golden seal leaf is an excellent herbal source of trace minerals including cobalt, iron, magnesium, manganese, silicon and zinc.  It is also an excellent herbal source of vitamin C.  It has been used to treat hepatitis, gastritis, colitis, ulcers, menorrhagia, postpartum hemorrhages, dysmenorrhea, diabetes, infections, hemorrhoids, eczema, obesity and fevers.

---Licorice root--- contains bitter compounds that reduce inflammation, decrease the thickness and increase the production of mucosal fluids and relieve muscle spasms.  In addition, licorice stimulates adrenal functions, reduces the urge to cough, is mildly laxative and enhances immune response.  It has been used to treat coughs, colds, arthritis, asthma, peptic ulcers, Addison’s disease, dropsy and atherosclerosis.

---Catnip--- contains aromatic compounds that have a sedative effect, relieve smooth muscle spasms and induce sweating.  It has been used to treat coughs, colds, anxiety, colic, fevers, influenza, lung congestion and nausea.

 ---Lobelia leaves--- contains bitter compounds that alkaloids the system, in Western Herbology lobelia is recommended for nearly every complaint.  It is used as a balancing herb in herbal combinations much as licorice root is used in Chinese herbology.  Lobelia has traditionally been used as an antispasmodic, antiasthmatic, diaphoretic, expectorant, emetic and sedative.  It has been utilized in the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, bruises, ulcers, inflammations, sprains, ringworm, swelling, insect bites and poison ivy symptoms.

---Scullcap--- contains bitter compounds that have a sedative effect and relieve smooth muscle spasms.  This herb is particularly useful in calming the nervous and circulatory systems.  Scullcap is an excellent herbal source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids.  It has been used to treat insomnia, anxiety, nervous tension, headaches, enuresis and muscle twitching.

---Vitamin C--- is an antioxidant that is required for at least three hundred metabolic functions in the body, including tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, and healthy gums.  It also aids in the production of antistress hormones and interferon, an important immune system protein, and is needed for the metabolism of folic acid, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. Studies have shown that taking vitamin C can reduce symptoms of asthma.  It protects against the harmful effects of pollution, helps to prevent cancer, protects against infection, and enhances immunity.  Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron.  It can combine with toxic substances, such as certain heavy metals, and render them harmless so that they can be eliminated from the body.

---Vitamin B complex--- help to maintain the health of the nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, and mouth, as well as healthy muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and proper brain function.

  ---References--- “Medical Herbalism” The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine By – David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG; ISBN: 0-89281-749-6 Copyright 2003

  ---References--- “Nutritional Herbology” A Reference Guide to Herbs By – Mark Pedersen; ISBN: 1-885653-07-7 Copyright 2008

  ---References--- “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” Fourth Edition a practical A to Z reference to drug-free remedies using vitamins, minerals, herbs and food supplements By – Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; ISBN: 1-58333-236-7 Copyright 2006

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Ø  Recipe:  Per teapot full – Equal Parts of – Ginger, Capsicum, Golden seal leaf, Licorice. Steep 3 to 5 minute add honey.

Ø  Recipe: Per teapot full – Equal Parts of – Ginger, Capsicum, Golden seal leaf, Licorice and add 1 teaspoon of any one of these herbs [Catnip, Lobelia, Scullcap, Fruit juice]. Steep 4 to 5 minute add honey.

Ø  Recipe:

Ø  Recipe: