Anti-Inflammatory & Healing Tea

I feel like I'm facilitating a new relationship with my body now that I have this Endometriosis diagnosis. The last 6 years have been a battle of trying to find answers, and now that I have an answer, a whole new journey begins. This is a journey of sitting with this chronic illness and finding the wisdom it is here to teach me. I am also learning to treat my pain and inflammation. There is no cure for Endometriosis, but I can take steps each day to keep my inflammation down and to manage my pain the best I can. 

With the Endometriosis diagnosis, I am more aware that my hormones are imbalanced and have been working to maintain balancing them through stress management, my diet, moving my body, sleep, and more. I'm also on a medication that has put me into menopause so I'm trying to manage the imbalance of my hormones from the Endometriosis itself in combination with the hormone imbalance on menopause. It's been a lot to take in but I'm taking it one day at a time!

One nutritional component I have added to my daily routine since my diagnosis is a tea containing Lemon Balm, Raspberry Leaf, and Nettle Leaf. If you're not familiar with these plants, I will be reviewing the benefits of each tea separately. Each of these teas are great for balancing hormones, fertility issues, digestive struggles, and more. Feel free to explore each tea on its own or do what I do and just put all 3 tea bags in your hot water together! Why not get all of the benefits of these plants in one cup?!

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm was traditionally used to treat headaches, migraines, stomach cramps, and urinary infections, amongst other ailments. 
Lemon balm is beneficial for easing abdominal cramping and promotes a healthy digestive system. The oils in Lemon Balm contain chemicals that relax muscles and relieve symptoms such as excess gas. For digestive relief, drink Lemon Balm tea immediately after meals.

Lemon Balm contains an enzyme that increases GABA (gamma amino-butyric acid) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter used by the brain to prevent over-excitement and maintain balance. Lemon Balm works as an anxiety-fighting tool by increasing stimulation of GABA receptors and producing a calming effect.

Lemon Balm also has a benefit of assisting in regulating the thyroid. Studies have found that Lemon Balm blocks the attachment of antibodies to the thyroid cells that cause Grave's disease (hyperthyroidism).

Raspberry Leaf

Raspberry leaf is full of potassium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins C, B, and E, along with a number of powerful antioxidants that give the tea an expansive range of health benefits.

Raspberry leaf is anti-inflammatory in nature and helps sooth stomach aches and prevent constipation. It has the ability to maintain optimum digestive functioning in addition to ease bloating and cramping. Please note that in excess, however, these effects make this tea a laxative, so please consume in moderation.

Raspberry leaf has the ability to balance hormone levels, and was traditionally used to stimulate fertility in both men and women. It can also be used to soothe symptoms of arthritis, gout, headaches, fever, and gastrointestinal issues.

Nettle Leaf

Nettle leaf is perfect for water retention and high blood pressure because it's diuretic in nature. It can also relieve urinary tract inflections and flush the kidney and bladder. Nettle leaf tea is considered safe in pregnancy and can help with painful swelling in the legs and ankles (*of course, consult your physician before introducing this and any dietary changes while pregnant). 

Nettle leaf tea is anti-inflammatory (are you sensing a theme here?), and has the ability to flush excess uric acid from muscles and joints. This tea can help ease allergies by treating itchy and watery eyes, as well as runny noses and sneezing.

Nettle leaf is high in plant chemicals called polyphenols. Studies have shown that polyphenols may play a role in preventing and managing chronic diseases related to inflammation, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

That's a lot of information, but these plants are so incredible! All of these teas are caffeine free so feel free to enjoy them any type of the day.

​Enjoy!