What are herbs?
The dictionary defines herbs as "Various aromatic plants used in medicine or as a seasoning." TCM see herbs not only as the various parts of plants and trees, but also as minerals and certain animal products. We will not be discussing any substances that are derived from killing or harming animals. We will discuss deer antler, but it should be clearly understood that deer antler is harvested without any harm coming to the deer.

Okay, why should you learn about herbs and what can herbs do for you?
By learning about herbs you will have tools to become healthier, get sick less frequently, recover faster from illness when you do get sick, and have more energy. In short, you will have the power to build and balance your health. Herbs are natural substances that have powerful effects on the body. As well as increasing your energy levels, herbs can be used to strengthen your immune system, they can help you increase your sexual vitality, they can help you transform your emotions, and they can help you cultivate spiritual well being. Herbs can also be used to stave off colds and flus, resolve coughs, treat sore throats and runny noses. Having a solid knowledge of herbs will give you the power to proactively build your vitality and aid you in developing The Power of Natural Health. Knowing when to take herbs can also minimize the need for taking pharmaceutical medicine, many of which have negative side effects. There is a natural spectrum of treatment protocols with diet and exercise on the least aggressive side, progressing towards herbs, which are somewhere in the middle, and with pharmaceutical medicines and surgeries on the most aggressive side of the spectrum. Another measure of health is being able to stay on the least aggressive side of the treatment spectrum. By knowing how to use herbs you will have the power to balance your health and stay healthier more often.

Why can't you just take vitamins instead?
Vitamins were developed to give the body what it should be getting from food. Think of herbs as super foods that give the body substances it can't get from food. While vitamins can balance your body on a nutritional level, herbs can powerfully strengthen your body in ways eating a balanced diet or taking vitamins cannot.

Now that we have discussed some of fundamental issues concerning health and herbs, lets look at the categories of herbs we will discuss:

1. Tonic Herbs
Tonic herbs are herbs that have been used for centuries to build health and vitality. They have been shown to have no negative side effects and to aid the body, mind and spirit in adapting to and dealing with the stresses of life.

2. Medicinal/Balancing
Medicinal and balancing herbs have also been used for centuries, although these herbs should only be used when the body becomes imbalanced. This category of herbs has the ability to fend off illness, and help the body, mind and spirit regain balance.

3. Culinary
Culinary herbs are herbs that are used in cooking. They have a long history of use and also have tremendous healing properties. Many of the culinary herbs are also tonic herbs, such as ginger and garlic. Culinary herbs have various functions but in general they are balancing and can be eaten on a daily basis to strengthen digestion, increase immune function, and for general detoxification.

4. Teas
Herbs that are used for tea also have excellent healing properties. They are similar to the culinary herbs in that they help balance the body in a gentle yet powerful way. They have been consumed on a daily basis for centuries and promote general wellness.

Tonic Herbs
We will begin our discussion of herbs with the tonics. The tonics are the most powerful category of herbs for building vitality. On the other hand, the other categories of herbs, while they also build vitality, have more to do with maintaining or reestablishing the body's balance, but tonics actually feed the body the various substances that replenish and rebuild the storehouses of energy within the body. The tonics have the ability to strengthen the energy making systems within the body and thus empower the body to maintain its own equilibrium.

Ginkgo:
The Ginkgo tree is one of the oldest trees known to man. It has survived since prehistoric times. The beneficial components of Ginkgo are found in the leaves. Ginkgo's primary function is to increase blood circulation. It is used to enhance memory, or to increase mental power, but it is also effective for treating asthma, blood vessel diseases, and is sometimes used to treat impotence caused by the use of certain kinds of anti-depressant medication. Ginkgo should not be taken by pregnant women, or by children.

Ginger:
Ginger has a very long recorded history of use in Chinese medicine as both a culinary and tonic herb, and it is one of the most powerful tonic herbs in all of Chinese medicine. The beneficial components of ginger are found in the root. The primary functions of ginger are warming, strengthening and harmonizing to the digestion, and generally invigorating for the whole body. Ginger also has strong anti-inflammatory functions. It is used to treat nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, arthritis, stomachache, diarrhea, and toothaches. It strengthens the cardiovascular system, and lowers cholesterol. It is contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties. On a personal note, My Uncle Vic suffered for many years with colitis, an inflammatory disease of the bowel. He tried many different allopathic anti-inflammatory medications with no success. One day he read that ginger had anti-inflammatory properties. He began making himself a big pot of ginger tea and drank it throughout the day. Almost immediately he began to see results. Within a couple of months his colitis was gone. He still drinks a big mug of ginger tea everyday. Ginger doesn't have any major contraindications, although pregnant women should use it with caution.

Garlic:
Garlic is another powerful herb that has a long history of use in cooking and is a powerful tonic herb. As many of you know, the beneficial components are found in the bulb. The primary function of garlic is to warm and invigorate the body, while also being detoxifying. It is used to strengthen the immune system, the cardiovascular system, and as an all around tonic. It is said to have anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antiviral, and antibiotic properties. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, combats infections and intestinal worms, and is effective in preventing heart disease and stroke. Garlic has no major contraindications, although because it is warming and quite strong, people who are sensitive to hot food and pregnant women should use it with caution.

Ginseng:
Ginseng is probably the most famous of all herbs. It has been a favorite of the imperial court in China for centuries and has gained a far-reaching reputation. The beneficial components of ginseng can be found in the root. Ginseng helps the body adapt to the stress of life. Ginseng functions to empower the body to rise and meet the challenges of life, and as such has been classified as an adaptagen. In general ginseng is used to strengthen the digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. It is important to understand, as with all herbs, that better quality ginseng will yield better effects within the body. There are at least five different kinds of ginseng:

Korean Red Ginseng:
Korean Red Ginseng is the hottest and most invigorating form of ginseng. It is the same as Chinese Red Ginseng, except that after it is harvested it is cured with other herbs that enhance its invigorating action. Korean ginseng functions to strengthen and warm the body. It is used to strengthen the digestive system, the lungs, and the muscles. It is wise to take Korean ginseng in small doses as it is tremendously warming and vitalizing. If too much Korean ginseng is consumed it can cause nervousness, increased heart rate and respiration, headaches, and raise the blood pressure. In general pregnant women and children should not take Korean ginseng.

Chinese Red Ginseng:
This is typically what people think of when they think of ginseng. It is not as hot as Korean Ginseng, although it is quite warming. It functions much in the same way Korean ginseng does, except that it is not quite as invigorating. It strengthens the digestive system, the lungs, and the muscular system. It promotes vitality, endurance, warms the body and improves circulation. Chinese ginseng can be very warming, so it is wise to consume it small quantities, and in balanced formulas. Pregnant women and children should avoid Chinese Red Ginseng.

Siberian Ginseng
Siberian Ginseng functions differently than the previous two forms of ginseng. It is slightly warming, so it is safe for both men and women to consume. Siberian ginseng functions to enhance endurance and blood circulation, and has been taken by Russian climbers as it helps the body to adjust to higher altitudes. It is also used to promote endurance and vitality. Siberian Ginseng aides the body in oxygenating the blood, increases endurance and stamina, strengthens the heart, and generally tonifies the body. It is most prized for its ability to build physical endurance and mental toughness.

American Ginseng
American Ginseng is the safest form of ginseng and is highly recommended for women because of its cooling and nourishing nature. In general, women's bodies respond very well to herbs that are gentle and nourishing. American Ginseng functions to moisturize the lungs and the body fluids, strengthen the digestive system and generally nourish and vitalize the body. American ginseng is safe for pregnant women and children and is highly beneficial.

Wild Ginseng
Wild ginseng has been one of the most prized herbs throughout China's history. It is very expensive, in fact it is worth more than gold! There is a story about a healthy businessman in Hong Kong who paid $30,000 for a 50 year-old wild root that weighed less than an ounce. Wild ginseng is understood to have an almost intelligent quality to it because it has had to survive in the wild through harsh winters and hot summers and live through being chewed on by rodents. Each year of survival makes the ginseng stronger and more refined, and increases its value. The older the root the more expensive it becomes. Wild ginseng was typically reserved for the emperor of China and the mountain men who hunted the high peaks in search of it. Consuming wild ginseng aides one in cultivating wisdom, and sublime open mindedness, that is, if you can get your hands on it.

He Sho Wu:
He Sho Wu is one of the most important tonic herbs and has been used in China for hundreds of years. The beneficial components are found in the root. He Sho Wu functions to restore the body's deep energy reserves. He Sho Wu is used to rejuvenate sexual vitality, increase sperm count in men, restore the luster to hair, aid the body in achieving states of deep sleep and increase women's fertility. Regular consumption of He Sho Wu transforms the body to a state of youthful vitality. He Sho Wu is a very safe and balanced herb and has no contraindications.

Deer Antler:
Deer Antler Tips are one of the most exclusive and revered herbs in the entire Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia because of their power to invigorate sexual prowess and vitality. It has traditionally been very difficult to collect and therefore except for the last 50 years or so was consumed only by royalty. Deer are not harmed in way during the collection of their antler. Deer farmers raise and care for their deer, and once a year they trim the new growth antler off. It is similar to trimming fingernails. The only time antler is valuable is when it is in the new growth state. Anything past the first inch of the antler is basically worthless. Once the antler has grown and falls off it is useless. The tip of the antler is a very powerful tonic and can drastically improve vitality, strength and sexual vigor. Consuming deer antler tips helps to build up vitality, well being and passionate creative energy. Because Deer Antler Tips are such a strong tonic, it is wise, as it is with all herbs, to consume them in a balanced formula. When He Sho Wu and Deer Antler Tips are consumed together it strengthens the benefits of each and aids the body in becoming more youthful, vigorous and deeply healthy. Deer Antler Tips should not consumed by children.

Schizandra:
In Chinese, Schizandra is called the five-flavor herb because it is said to be a balanced herb that strengthens and harmonizes all the organ systems. Schizandra is a berry that grows on bushes all over China and is accessible to every one. Because of this the emperors of China often overlooked Schizandra, but the truth is that Schizandra is one of the most balanced and effective herbs. Schizandra was used throughout Chinese History by female members of China’s imperial court, and became famous for its ability to beautify the skin and replenish sexual energy and fluids. Schizandra functions to tonify the whole body, deeply strengthen the life force, strengthen the sexual energy and function, build sexual endurance and staying power, and replenish body fluids. Schizandra also functions to calm the spirit, soothe the emotions, and sharpen the mind. It also detoxifies and regulates the liver. Schizandra is used in a variety of ways including overall health building, calming emotional and spiritual imbalance, improving sleep, detoxifying the body, building energy and endurance, and sharpening the mental processes. It is truly one of the great herbs and has no contraindications.

Reishi Mushroom:
Last but certainly not least, reishi mushroom is called the mushroom of immortality and the herb of good fortune because of its ability to profoundly balance the body, mind and spirit. Reishi is a woody mushroom that grows at the base of old trees in the remote forests of China, Japan, and Korea. In the last twenty years there has been a flurry of interest in reishi and because of its mass cultivation it is now, for the first time in history, readily available. Traditionally reishi was one of the most prized herbs, and was the exclusive domain of the mountain men who collected them and the emperor of China. Recently there has been a tremendous amount of scientific research done on reishi in China and Japan. Those studies show reishi has a dramatic regulatory effect on the body, especially on the immune system. If taken consistently, Reishi will strengthen the immune function of a weak immune system and lower the immune function of a hyperactive immune system. Reishi has also been shown to powerfully aid the immune system regulate and respond to abnormal and cancerous cells. Reishi also functions to detoxify the liver, regulate the cardiovascular system, and stabilize the emotions. Reishi was famed in ancient China because of its ability to aid in the cultivation of wisdom. Reishi has the ability to open the mind in subtle ways, enabling one to see life in a new and creative way. Reishi is best taken on a consistent basis over a long period of time. There are no contraindications for consuming Reishi.

Medicinal/Balancing Herbs
We will now continue our discussion with the medicinal/balancing herbs. These herbs are a powerful category of herbs for helping the body regain its natural wellness when it becomes imbalanced. The medicinal/balancing herbs should be taken at the first indication of illness or imbalance. Signs that show you your body is becoming imbalanced include a tickle in your throat, excessive tightness in your neck and shoulders, mild chills or fever, irritability and severe lack of energy. By the way, One nice side effect of learning about herbs is you tend to pay closer to attention to your body and how if feels which gives another way to monitor and look out for your health. Typically, Medicinal/balancing herbs should be taken for only 4-7 days while you are fending off the onset of illness, or regaining balance after an illness.

Echinacea:
Echinacea is an herb that was widely used by Native Americans for everything from treating wounds and snakebites, to healing colds and infections. The beneficial components are found in the flowers. Echinacea functions as a cooling herb that helps the body to fight off invading illness. It is commonly used to fight off the onset of colds, and sore throats, or for detoxification. Echinacea is most useful when there is too much heat in the body, such as during the onset of sore throats, fevers, and other inflammatory imbalances. Echinacea has immune boosting actions, is antiviral and antibacterial. Echinacea is best used for only a few days at a time. Because it is such a cooling herb, prolonged use can deplete the body of its necessary heat. Echinacea, like most herbs, is often used in combination with other herbs, such as Golden Seal. Even though Echinacea and Golden Seal have similar functions, they are frequently used together because when you combine herbs they often have stronger and more comprehensive actions, as well as helping balance out potential side effects. Echinacea should not be used by pregnant women and by those with auto-immune diseases.

Golden Seal:
Golden Seal was also widely used by Native Americans and is similar in function to echinacea. The beneficial components are found in the root. Golden seal is also a cooling and detoxifying herb. It is used to treat various forms of infection, parasites in the gastrointestinal tract, inflammations of the gall bladder, and diseases of the liver. Golden seal has antibiotic, anti infective, immune stimulating, and fever reducing properties. Golden seal should not be taken by pregnant women, or by people with auto immune diseases.

St. John's Wort:
St. John's wort is native to many parts of the world including Europe and the United States. St. John's wort has been used as an herbal remedy since the Middle Ages. The beneficial components are found in the flowers and the tops of the plant. It is cooling, slightly detoxifying, and reduces pain and inflammation. St. John's Wort is most commonly used to relieve depression, anxiety, and other emotional imbalances, including bedwetting in children. It promotes wound healing and has antiviral properties that can help counter herpes simplex, flu viruses and is being investigated as a treatment for acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS). St. John's Wort is also used to relieve menstrual cramping, sciatica, and arthritis. When taking St. John's wort the following foods and drinks should be avoided: Chianti, beer, aged cheese, chicken liver, chocolate and bananas as all of these are high in tryamine which is known to have adverse effects when mixed with St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort can also cause sensitivity to sunlight. Pregnant or lactating women should not take St. John's Wort. People who are taking anti-depressants like Prozac, or other medication should consult with a qualified health care practitioner before taking St. John's Wort as it is known to have a number of adverse effects when combined with certain pharmaceutical medications.

Milk Thistle:
Milk Thistle is native to the Mediterranean and grows wild throughout Europe, North America and Australia. The beneficial components are found in the seeds, which are ground into a powder and then extracted. Milk Thistle has been used in Europe as a remedy for liver problems for hundreds of years. It is cooling in nature and should be used with caution if taken for long periods of time for treating anything other than chronic liver disease. Milk Thistle is used to detoxify the liver, aid in liver function, treat hepatitis C, cirrhosis and other diseases of the liver as it stimulates production of new liver cells to replace old damaged ones. It is often used to treat the liver after the use of drugs, alcohol, or chemotherapy. Taking milk thistle after the use of drugs or alcohol will help your body recover faster from the side effects, not that I'm encouraging you to go out and party. It is not recommended for pregnant women, although it increases milk production in lactating women.

Ephedra:
Ephedra, also known as Ma Huang, has been used in China for more than 4000 years to treat symptoms of asthma, upper respiratory infections, headaches, fevers, colds and hay fever, and diseases of the lung. Ephedra functions to warm and dry the body, aids breathing, is a diaphoretic, which causes sweating, and it is a diuretic, which means that it increases urinary flow. It stimulates the nervous system, the thyroid gland, and increases heart rate and respiration. The beneficial components of Ephedra, which is a small shrub, are found in the whole plant. In the last few years Ephedra has gained popularity as a diet aid. It is often taken in large doses for extended periods of time. This is very different then the way it has been used for thousands of years. In TCM, Ephedra is used only in small doses, for short periods of time. When taken in large doses, ephedra has a speed-like effect that speeds the metabolism, increases heart rate and respiration, and suppresses the appetite. Taking ephedra in small quantities for a short period of time is fine. It is even okay to use ephedra in larger doses for a day or two, as long as you take tonic herbs to balance your system. But when you take large doses for an extended period of time it depletes the body's energy. Because ephedra is such a warm and dry herb it literally dries the body out and depletes the natural coolness of the body. This weakens the immune system, imbalances the cardiovascular system, and can cause many other problems. When you take a tonic herb the energy you feel is because the tonic is strengthening the systems in your body that manufacture energy, but ephedra is a stimulant, not a tonic, so the energy you feel from taking it comes out your reserves. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, it is wise to use the tonic herbs to build your system, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. By strengthening your body you will have more energy to exercise, you will digest your food better, and your body will naturally find its own balance. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, increased or unstable heart rate, hyperthyroidism, insomnia, or emotional instability should not be use Ephedra. Pregnant and lactating women, and children should avoid Ephedra.

Culinary Herbs:
We will now discuss the culinary herbs. The culinary herbs are perhaps the most widely used group of herbs. They function to gently and mildly rebalance the body, and can be taken every day. Culinary herbs vitalize the immune system and detoxify the body. Many of the culinary herbs are diaphoretic, which they make you sweat. The gentle opening of the pores is enough to give the body a healthy cleansing. While culinary herbs are safe for everyone, they should be consumed in small seasoning sized doses. In extremely large doses, the culinary herbs can potentially be imbalancing to the body.

Basil:
Basil is one of the most widely used herbs in the world and has been used by the Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans. There are many different varieties of basil, each with a slightly different flavor. The medicinal components are found in the leaves, with the most potent time to pick them being just before the plant goes into its flowering stage. Basil functions to soothe the stomach, calm the nerves, move the bowels, and is diaphoretic. It is used to alleviate cramps, constipation, and sluggish digestion. It is also useful for morning and motion sickness, flatulence, and nausea. There are no contraindications.

Oregano:
Oregano has been used for hundreds of years, and originated in the eastern Mediterranean. It wasn't popular in the United States until after World War II, when soldiers who'd been stationed in the Mediterranean brought it and pizza home with them. The medicinal components of Oregano are found in the leaves. It functions to warm the body, it is diaphoretic, antibacterial, and is mildly stimulating to the digestive system. In TCM oregano is used to relieve fever, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice and itchy skin. In Europe, the herb is still used to improve digestion and soothe coughs. Pregnant women should take Oregano with caution and only in small, seasoning sized doses as in large doses it can promote menstruation.

Thyme:
Thyme has been used for hundreds of years as a culinary and medicinal herb. Thyme is a low growing shrub that has been grown in Southern European monastery gardens since the Middle Ages for use as a digestive aid, treatment for intestinal parasites, and cough remedy. The medicinal components of Thyme are found in the fragrantly aromatic, pointy leaves. It is warming and drying, strengthening to the immune system and has antibiotic, antiseptic and antiviral functions. It is used medicinally to treat coughs, bronchitis, colds, stomach aches, and can relieve menstrual cramps in women.

Rosemary:
Rosemary, which is native to the Mediterranean, is a member of the mint family and is related to basil and oregano. Rosemary has been used as far back as 500 BCE, when it was used by the Greeks and the Romans as both a culinary and medicinal herb. The beneficial components of Rosemary are found in the leaves. Rosemary is warming and drying and has tonic, diaphoretic, stimulant, diuretic, aromatic, antispasmodic and antiseptic properties. Rosemary is used to treat upset stomachs, menstrual cramps, dizziness due to inner ear problems, nerve conditions, headaches, bad breath, and muscle pain. Rosemary should not be consumed in excessively large quantities. Pregnant women should avoid using the essential oil of Rosemary, as it is very activating and could potentially induce labor.

Chiles:
The chile is one of the oldest know plants to be consumed, with records showing that it has been consumed for 7,000 years. The Aztecs and Mayas consumed chiles, knowing that they held nutritive and medicinal value. Along with corn, chiles have been the foundation of the Mexican diet. The Jalapeño chile, one of the most popular and certainly most intense chiles, is warming and detoxifying. Jalapeño chiles are rich in Capsicum, a potent chemical that strengthens the heart, detoxifies the body, and promotes a sense of well-being, stimulation, and euphoria. Jalapeños are an excellent source of essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, even more than citrus fruits and Vitamin A (equal to that in carrots). Pregnant women and young children should avoid consuming Jalapeño chiles as they could be potentially overpowering.

Cinnamon:
One of the oldest known spices, cinnamon is mentioned in the Bible and in Sanskrit writings. The medicinal components of cinnamon are found in the bark of the tree. Cinnamon functions to warm the body and increase circulation. Cinnamon is used both as a culinary herb and is added to many kinds of tea. It is used to strengthen the cardiovascular system, increase blood circulation and warm the body. Pregnant women should avoid cinnamon due to its enlivening actions.

Pepper:
Pepper, undoubtedly one of the most common culinary herbs, has been used for centuries. In fact, it is said that once Attila the Hun demanded a large amount of Pepper as ransom for the city of Rome. The beneficial components are found in the berries. Pepper functions to warm the body and increase circulation, stimulate digestion, strengthen the lungs and heart, and vitalize the body. It is used medicinally primarily when there are diseases that result from too much cold in the body such as anemia, poor circulation, diarrhea, arthritis, muscle and joint pain and stiffness, fatigue, lethargy, incontinence, and impotence. Pregnant women, young children and people with inflammatory conditions should consume only seasoning sized portions pepper, because large doses could be too vitalizing.

Salt:
Most of us today take salt for granted, but consuming enough salt was the most crucial component of the ancient diet. Without the appropriate amount of daily salt intake most of out basic physiologic functions would cease. Salt has been instrumental in the rise and development of society as we know it. The word salary has it roots in the salt rations given to Roman soldiers. Were it not for the practice of salting fish, Europeans would have been unable to venture off the coasts of Europe and would have delayed the "re-discovery" of the "New World." It is ironic that salt is now so readily available that we have low-salt diets. Salt functions to balance the intracellular fluid within the body and is closely linked to the body's water balance. Medicinally salt functions to nourish the body and is involved in nearly all-basic physiological functions. It is wise to eat whole salt, such as sea salt, as opposed to just sodium chloride, which is salt with all the other trace minerals removed. When salt is refined to just sodium chloride, most of the natural balancing and health improving factors are removed. It is important to consume a moderate amount of salt, as it is now put into almost all processed food. Did you know that you get your daily-required salt intake from a single potato chip?

Herbs Used For Tea:
Herbs used for tea can be thought of as culinary herbs that are consumed in liquid form. They have balancing and nourishing properties that have made them a staple around the world. Before we get into our discussion of herbs used for tea, lets talk for a moment about one of the main substances found in most forms of tea: caffeine.

Caffeine has become a fixture in our culture, but some people may not realize that it has some harmful aspects. For one thing, it's addictive. People who consume caffeine on a regular basis develop a tolerance to it and require more caffeine to obtain the desired effect. Once a person has developed an addictive pattern, if they are deprived of caffeine, they usually develop withdrawal symptoms, including nausea and headaches. Caffeine, if consumed excessively can cause nervousness, increased blood pressure, increase heart rate, and insomnia. Caffeine also has positive effects on the body such as: it clears the sinuses, relieves headaches, prevents asthma attacks, and temporarily increases athletic performance. The moderate dose of caffeine is 300 mg a day for an average adult, children should limit their consumption to 100 mg a day. Here are few commonly consumed substances and their respective caffeine levels: Brewed Coffee - 40 to 180 mg. per cup, Instant Coffee - 30 to 120 mg. per cup, Decaffeinated Coffee - 3 to 5 mg. per cup, brewed black tea - 20 to 110 mg. per cup, Cocoa - 4 mg. per cup, Milk Chocolate - 3 to 6 mg. per ounce, soda and other soft drinks containing caffeine - 36 to 90 mg. per 12 ounces, and decaffeinated soda and soft drinks - 0 mg. per 12 ounces. Let us know begin our discussion of herbs used for tea.

Tea:
The use of tea began in China more than 4000 years ago. As legend has it, the Emperor Shen Nung was boiling water when a leaf happened to fall into the water. Shen Nung drank the water and was pleasantly surprised. The leaf had fallen from a wild tea tree, and so tea began its journey to becoming the most beloved and popular beverage in China. The Portuguese and Dutch claim to have introduced tea to Europeans in the 1500's, and by the second half of the 17th century it was being widely consumed throughout Europe. Currently throughout the world, water is the only drink consumed more than tea with some 2 and 1/2 million tons of tealeaves produced annually. While there are hundreds of varieties of tea, there are three basic types of tea, Black, Oolong and Green, with all of them coming from the same plant. What differentiates them is how they are processed after they are harvested. Black tea is allowed to ferment and is then dried, Oolong tea is partially fermented and then dried, and Green tea is dried immediately and is not allowed to ferment. Names like Ceylon and Darjeeling refer to the area in which the tea is grown. Jasmine tea is simply black tea that has been infused by jasmine flowers.

Black Tea:
This shrub is cultivated all over the world where climate allows, and can grow up to 30 feet high. In some countries monkeys are trained to climb the tree and pick the leaves, although it is mostly cultivated to about 3 to 6 feet for ease of harvest. Black tea functions as a stimulant, diuretic, and mild pain reliever. It is used to aid digestion, and enliven the energy, with some varieties of tea helping to reduce high blood pressure. Medicinally black tea is used to treat diarrhea, and headaches that are positively effected by the use of caffeine. Black tea is considered safe, although pregnant and nursing women should limit their consumption to one cup a day. Those with stomach ulcers should drink black tea with caution as it can increase the excretion of stomach acid. Excessive consumption can lead to nervousness.

Olong Tea:
This semi-fermented form of tea is least popular of three forms of tea. Its medicinal benefits include the reduction of high blood pressure and the prevention of arterial disease. As with other teas, excessive consumption causes nervousness.

Green Tea:
Green tea is a very popular form of tea with many nutritive and protective qualities. It lowers occurrence of stroke and various kinds of cancers, has antioxidant properties, strengthens the cardiovascular system, and strengthens the immune system. As with other forms of tea, it is very safe. Although it can be high in caffeine, so excessive use can cause nervousness.

Mint
The custom of having an after dinner mint can be traced back to ancient Rome, and even today a cup of mint tea after dinner is quite soothing. In Greek mythology, Minthe was a nymph beloved by Pluto. When his jealous wife, Persephone, discovered his affair, she transformed Minthe into a lowly plant. Unable to undo the spell, Pluto eased it a little so that the more Minthe was stepped upon, the sweeter she would smell. The healing component of mint is in the leaves, which are typically used for tea. Mint functions to calm the stomach, cool the skin, ease fevers and colds and relieve minor pain. Mint is often used to aid digestion, reduce bad breath and flatulence, get rid of minor colds and fevers, and relieve minor aches and pains. While mint is considered generally safe it is best that children under 5 not consume it.

Chamomile
Use of Chamomile can be seen as far back as the ancient Eygptians and Greeks who both praised the calming healing powers of this flower. Chamomile functions to calm the nerves, sooth the stomach and relieve muscle and menstrual crams. Chamomile is used to relax frazzled nerves, soothe minor aches and pains, and calm an upset stomach. Although it is considered safe, it is advisable for people who are highly allergic to weeds to avoid Chamomile.

Coffee
Coffee is native to the southwest of Ethiopia, but due to its tremendous popularity it is now cultivated throughout the world. The name Coffee is actually derived from Caffa, a region in Ethiopia. Coffee was introduced to Arabia in the fifteenth century and for two hundred years Arabia was the world's main coffee supplier. At the end of the seventeenth coffee was presented to Louis 14th of France, at which point coffee's popularity began to rise. The coffee tree can reach heights of 30 feet but is kept shorter in cultivation. The dried kernel inside of the red and fleshy berries is what is used to make coffee. Coffee functions as a stimulant, and a diuretic. While coffee is not really used medicinally, it is used as a stimulant, and the caffeine in coffee can clear the sinuses, relieve headaches, prevent asthma attacks, increase athletic performance, and act as a diet aid. Due to its high caffeine content excessive consumption may cause sleeplessness, nervousness and elevated heart rate. Coffee can also cause an upset stomach as it aids the body in producing more stomach acid. Coffee is addictive and people who consume it regularly build up a tolerance and will develop withdrawal symptoms if they go with out it.

Cocoa
Cacao, from which cocoa and then chocolate is derived, was named Theobroma or 'food of the gods,' because of the goodness of its seeds. The tree grows 12 to 16 feet high and is generally cultivated on large estates under the shade of other trees. It is the seeds, which are frequently referred to as beans and grow within a capsule that are highly prized. The capsule contains 20 to 30 seeds, and when they are ripe they are cut open. The seeds or beans are surrounded by a sweetish acid pulp and are usually allowed to ferment so that they may be more easily separated from the shell. The beans are then typically dried in the sun, although a steam-drying shed is sometimes used. Cocoa is then made by grinding the beans into a paste, removing part of the vegetable fat, and mixing what is left over with sugar and starch. Chocolate is prepared in basically the same way, but with more of the vegetable fat retained. The vegetable fat in cacao is called coco butter. It is a yellowish white solid that is used as an ingredient in cosmetic preparations. It has excellent emollient properties and is used to soften and protect chapped hands and lips. Cocoa functions as an antioxidant, a mood elevator, and a mild stimulant. While cocoa is not really used medicinally it is clear that it has several health benefits, even though it is high in sugar and fat.