Herbal Guide

Herbs are fascinating. Our bodies crave them even if we don't realize it. Our ancestors all ate a diverse range of herbs, as food and as medicine. We have forgotten how to nourish ourselves as we get wrapped up in the quick and easy way to get through the day, eating packaged foods and less of the nutrient-dense foods that our bodies crave.

At Exclusivitea, we aim to make things easy for you. We provide quick easy blends to add to your daily diet as a tea, to spice up a meal or to add to a smoothie. Herbs can give an overall boost to your system and provide immune support which, we hope, will assist you with some of life's challenges.

Check back here often as we will continue to add new Herbs, Teas, Flowers and Mushroom information! 

Lemon Balm, Melissa Officinalis, Is one of my Favorite herbs. Lemon balm is fragrant & cooling, calming and balancing. A great nervine tonic to nourish the nervous system. You can brew tea from fresh or dried leaves. I love it as a potent iced tea, I pour boiling water over the dried leaves in a mason jar then steep for 15 mins to overnight in the fridge to get a healing blend. I find it calms my anxiety, settles my stomach & balances out my mood.

Hot tea or cold infusion: 1 – 4 cups a day 237ml – 946ml per day. 

Can be used as a tincture, supplement, tea or infusion.

If you are on medication for hypothyroid, hyperthyroid or Hashimoto's thyroiditis please consult with your doctor as it may effect thyroid hormone medications. Stop using lemon balm at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery as it can increase the sedative effects of the medications used during and after surgery. Always seek the guidance of a healthcare practitioner before mixing herbs with medications.

Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica, Is such a nutritious herb but watch out for her bite! The stinging hairs called trichomes on the leaves and stems, act like little needles, injecting histamine and other chemicals that produce a stinging sensation upon contact. This effect is removed when blanched or dried. Some people do find the sting soothing for arthritis or may understand how to handle it without getting stung but most people wear gloves when handling fresh Nettle! 

Full of Vitamins & minerals it is great for nourishing the whole body & your blood. You can drink or eat it every day. I make myself about 946ml (1 quart) a day of an intense infusion to boost my iron, vitamins, A, C, E, K & Magnesium (It has many more great minerals in it too). It eases my fatigue in the late afternoon, helped with my previously constant battle with hives & balances me. It's also great as a pesto or a replacement for spinach in soups.

Infusion: Steep 28g dried nettle leaf in 946ml of boiling water & drink 237ml, 1 - 4 times a day - US = Steep 1 ounce dried nettle leaf in 1 quart boiling water & drink 8 fl oz 1 - 4 times a day.

Nettle should only be taken by diabetics under supervision of a qualified health professional as it may modify glucose regulation. It can also decrease the efficacy of anticoagulant drugs. Always seek the guidance of a healthcare practitioner before mixing herbs with medications or if pregnant.