Tea and Addiction
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"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
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.
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Herbal Treatments
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 whilst a blend of Fennel, Fennugreek, Flax, Liquorice,
Burdock and Peppermint can help to stimulate the elimination of wastes from
the body by providing a liver flush.
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Calming Herbs
Bergamot, chamomile, geranium, lavender, patchouli, rose, sandalwood and
ylangylang are all effective in helping to counter depression whilst 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 and chamomile, lemon and thyme are all said to boost the immune
system.
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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'?
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Please Note
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.
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Where Can I Get Some?
Take a look at the herbal tea selection at teaworld, it's quite extensive and
only includes the highest quality brands. We'll be happy to provide you with
free samples of any of their herbal teas to ensure you get a product you like
before you spend any money.
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