I wanted to add more bone building and strengthening vitamins and minerals to my diet . I was reading some articles that suggested infusing herbal teas is a great way to do it.
Herbal teas are made from nutritive herbs that have pleasant tastes and are easy to make.
You are probably most familiar with herbs like chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus which are commonly found in commercially sold tea bags, but herbs like dandelion, nettle and oat straw are less familiar and usually need to be ordered on line or purchased in some health food stores .
These wonderful herbal teas come in bulk and are prepared by making an infusion.
Infusing tea is as simple as boiling water, adding the tea and allowing it to steep for a specified amount of time. Generally an hour or longer.
It seems that the vitamins and the minerals that are stored in the roots and leaves of the herb have traditionally been used for centuries by herbalists who suggest remedies to their clients for the medicinal and nutritive benefits.
This formula is known as a bone building formula because herbs like nettle and dandelion, oatstraw, and horsetail are rich in calcium, magnesium, and other nutrients needed for bone building or mending. Also for hair, teeth, nails.
Bone building Herbal Teas
These are the main nutrients found in each herb, but they also contain other nutrients in lesser amounts plus trace nutrients
***Oatstraw- rich in calcium and magnesium ( oatstraw is not gluten free unless labeled certified gluten free)
Nettle leaf- Vit C and D , Calcium Magnesium and zinc
Dandelion leaf- rich in Vit A , C, and D and iron, zinc, and magnesium
Horsetail- contains silicon which is necessary for good bone density
Stevia leaf tea- a natural herb that adds a sweet taste without affecting blood sugar levels and also contains vitamins and minerals. This is not the powder- this is the actual leaf cut up.
The herbs are often sold in bulk and are dried and cut so they are ready to use for tea. I like making tea because I find it easily digestible making it perfect for me with celiac. ( however, I would never try something new without checking with your medical doctor first especially if you are taking medications)
Recipe for Bone Building Tea Infusion
I like to make my tea infusions in a mason jar. Caution: I Make sure to rinse the jar with warm water first ( so I don't add boiling water to a cold jar) and place a metal spoon to help distribute heat in the jar before adding the boiling water. I cover loosely, but never seal the with its lid ( I use a different cover)
1. Mix together 1 tablepsoon of each herb ( nettle, dandelion, and horsetail ) and add to mason jar.
2. cover with 8 cups of boiling water ( I let the boiling water cool for a few minutes)
3. Cover and steep for 4 hours or overnight is best.
4. Strain and Drink 3-4 cups daily ( refrigerate to store for up to 3 days)
If you prefer using tea bags: I would only use only when traveling-bc there are only small amounts in each bag
Nettle leaf tea bag
***Please note tha
t Nettle leaf and Stinging Nettle leaf are the same product ( they use the name interchangeably)
I read more ideas on how to use tea for bone building on
Susan Weed who is an herbalist who teaches about using tea for nutrition. I recently listened to a lecture and she said it is best to steep your tea separately like a container of nettle and a container of horsetail. She also recommends red clover tea .
Read the reviews on Amazon of the benefits people share
If you read the reviews on Amazon by individuals using these products, they will help you understand how beneficial nutritive herbal teas are. In addition to helping build and mend bone growth, the nutrients in these teas ( and other teas) people are using them for allergies, edema, hair, nails, joint pain, muscle pain and more -
I am not an expert- I am just starting to use nutritive herbal teas- so I will keep you posted on the results and benefits. I'm looking to strengthen my nails, bring more vitality to my hair, and strengthen my bones - I will let you know as soon as I see ( or don't see) results.
Nettle leaf Tea:
Dandelion Leaf Tea:
Horsetail :
*** my good friend Laura and Co- Author of Food No Matter What is an expert on making herbal tea infusions. She suggested to me that I grind ( not to a powder) the loose tea in a coffee grinder before infusing. ( I believe it is to make the tea stretch further) Laura correct me if I am wrong! - gotta give Laura a plug for her newest book which is an actually an exciting
time travel book
Frontier Natural Products Organic Horsetail Herb (Shavegrass) Cut and Sifted -- 16 oz
Frontier Stinging Nettle Leaf - Cut & Sifted - Organic - 16 Ounces
Dandelion Leaf Cut & Sifted Organic - 1 lb,(Frontier)
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and I am not trying to diagnose or treat disease. The information in this post and on my blog are strictly for educational purposes. I am sharing what I am doing. Always consult your doctor before taking herbs or making any changes in your diet especially if you are taking medication. Herbs can interfere with medicine- so check with your doctor before trying any herbal tea.
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Beth Fish Reads where anyone can share a food related post!
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