Medicinal Uses for Herbal Teas: Evidence, Dosing, and ...

1 Medicinal uses for Herbal Teas: Evidence, Dosing, and preparation Methods Herbs have been used for centuries to treat a there are potential allergic reactions to all the variety of medical illnesses. Many of the uses herbs. Dosing is recommended from various have come from folklore or cultural traditions. sources. However, like other therapies, dosing Scientific evaluation of herbals has only may be adjusted according to the tea effect in recently begun, but, for many herbals and many the patient. Studies referenced in this ailments, is still lacking or has inconsistent monograph used a variety of methods to results. This monograph evaluates the administer herbs (tea, extract in liquid or pill scientific evidence for 10 common Herbal tea form, ground herb, etc). The tea dosing is listed preparations and their effectiveness. There are based on the general recommended ranges from many other common Herbal teas used studies.

2 Dosing for children is only known for a medicinally; these 10 were chosen as the focus couple herbs and was included in the table if of this Supplement Sampler edition for their known. If patients do not care for tea, many of good safety profiles, lower drug-herb interaction these herbs come in an extract or pill form that rates, better side effect profiles, and better they may take as an alternative. This is a good evidence ratings. Also, recommended dosing, alternative especially if using peppermint for IBS, safety information, drug-herb interactions, side since enteric coated peppermint tablets are effects, and tea preparation are also included in available. To convert the tea dosing to pill this edition. dosing (rough conversion): 1 g dried herb tsp dried herb Medicinal uses for 10 common herbs How do I know if tea is right for my patient?

3 Information has been collected through a Herbal teas are commonly used as a food PubMed search as well as utilizing Natural product by many people. These teas can be Database and Micromedex to develop an offered to patients who are looking for a evidence table (see pages 3-5). Level of complementary therapy and/or are not interested evidence is rated according to the SORT in pharmaceuticals. Most scientific evidence is criteria1. Known safety information is listed. compared to placebo, but some more recent Many herbs are GRAS (generally regarded as trials compare Herbal preparations with the safe) in food doses, but have insufficient standard first line pharmaceutical therapy. In information or limited evidence to evaluate their some studies, the Herbal preparation shows safety in Medicinal concentrations. Most herbs better results with fewer side effects than the do not have good evidence for use in pharmaceutical therapy.

4 Pregnancy and for children because studies have not evaluated long term use. However, Like any other prescription, before herbs and teas have been used commonly for recommending a tea therapy, check the patients'. years in these populations in many cultures. food and environmental allergies, look for any The drug-herb interactions are listed; most of potential drug-herb interactions, and, for female these interactions are possible interactions patients, be aware of potential herb-pregnancy given the mechanism of the herb and not concerns. absolute contraindications for using the teas. Side effects are listed as for any drug or food, SUPPLEMENT SAMPLER. University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Medicinal uses for Herbal Teas Tea preparation tea bags, so the plant oils are better preserved. Therefore, you obtain a more concentrated tea Teas can be prepared from either fresh or dried with no filler.

5 Herbs. Most patients have easier access to dried herbs in the form of tea bags or bulk herb. Some retailers are listed below. 2. Infusion : Community Pharmacy (Madison, WI). This is the most common way to prepare teas. Whole Foods Markets Pour 1 cup boiling water over the tea bag or Penzey's Spices (cinnamon especially). dried herbs. Steep (let herbs remain immersed The Herbalist (teas and bulk herbs). in hot water) for designated time. Remove tea Clinical Pearls How long will tea last? Herbal teas can be a good alternative or The shelf life of tea depends both on the extent addition to pharmaceuticals for some that the herb is crushed and the way in which the patients. herb is stored. The more an herb is cut up or Side effects are generally few, but are crushed, the less the shelf-life because it will generally allergic in character. lose oil faster (due to increased exposed surface As with any prescription, check allergies, area).

6 Tea that is stored in air-tight containers medications, and other medical (metal or glass canisters) will last longer than tea conditions before recommending a tea stored in bags. Even though the flavor of the tea regimen. is preserved for extended amounts of time, the Some herbs, like ginger root, rosemary, Medicinal properties are based on the oil, which and fennel seed can easily be found at decreases in concentration with age. Therefore, neighborhood grocery stores. the recommended ranges below are for optimal Cinnamon effects on glucose and tea oil concentration and Medicinal properties: cholesterol levels are species specific. Crushed tea stored in bags is best if used Check source for Cassia cinnamon. within a few months. If patients don't care for tea, many of Herb shelf life is extended if herbs are these herbs come in extract pill or stored whole and crushed just prior to tea powder form.

7 preparation . bag or strain off dried herbs. Drink full cup of Tea or herbs stored in an airtight tea. container are best if used within a year. Where do my patients get teas or herbs? Many herbs, such as ginger root, fennel seed, and rosemary can be commonly found at grocery stores. Many teas are also carried in This handout was created by Stephanie Wagner, BA, local grocery stores in bag form, however, the Medical Student, University of Wisconsin-Madison age of these is not always known and some School of Medicine and Public Health, and David manufacturers put filler into the tea bags. Teas Rakel, MD, Asst. Prof. & Director of the UW. Integrative Medicine Program, Dept. of Family do lose oil concentration as they age, so added Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison. age on store shelves will make the tea less effective. Bulk dried herbs or dried whole tea leaves can be found at specialty tea stores or Date created: September 28, 2007.

8 Through online distributors. Whole leaves are pure herb and are less processed than Herbal SUPPLEMENT SAMPLER 2. University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Medicinal uses for Herbal Teas Herb 1) Chamomile3-6 2) Cinnamon6-8 3) Fennel6, 9-11. *. Medicinal GI: relieves intestinal Metabolic effects : lowers Dysmenorrhea Use cramps, nausea, vomiting, blood glucose, LDL, Infant colic GERD, ulcers, diarrhea cholesterol, and TG Upper respiratory infections, Anxiolytic GI: flatulence, appetite cough, bronchitis Sedative stimulant, diarrhea, GI: dyspepsia, flatulence, Infant colic bloating, appetite stimulant Level of C B: Metabolic syndrome C.. Evidence12 B : Childhood acute C: GI disturbances B: dysmenorrhea and infant diarrhea and colic colic . Safety6 Possibly safe Possibly safe Possibly safe P/L: likely unsafe (Roman P/L: likely unsafe P/L: insufficient information subtype possible abortifacient).

9 Allergic reaction Allergic reaction Potential Lowers blood glucose Side Effects Contact dermatitis Photosensitivity Allergic reaction Vomiting Seizures Potential Benzodiazepines, Antidiabetes medications, Contraceptive drugs, Drug-Herb contraceptive drugs, tetracyclines estrogens, tamoxifen, Interactions estrogens, tamoxifen, Possible : Warfarin ciprofloxacin 6, 13. alcohol . Possible : Warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDs, Tylenol, opioid Suggested Infusion: to 5 tsp dried Infusion: to 3 tsp Infusion: to 4 tsp crushed Dosing flower heads in 1 cup water cinnamon bark in 1 cup water fruit or seed in 1 cup water. for 5-10 min. Drink 1 cup for 5 min. Drink 1 cup tea Take 1 cup tea TID. Children: tea TID. Children: daily. (may steep black not to exceed not to exceed teabag with bark for flavor if adult dose. adult dose. desired). *. These properties were evaluated specifically for the Cassia cinnamon species; check source species before recommending.

10 These studies looked at both pure chamomile and combined Herbal mixtures for childhood acute diarrhea and infant colic.. Safety ratings: P/L stands for pregnancy and lactation. Possibly safe means GRAS (generally recommended as safe) in food quantities and possibly safe at Medicinal concentrations. Possibly safe is listed due to lack of scientific research about long- term safety in Medicinal quantities.. Possible interactions based on herb mechanism of action (not generally observed in studies). Monitor patients closely. SUPPLEMENT SAMPLER 3. University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Medicinal uses for Herbal Teas Herb 4) Ginger6, 14-18 5) Lemon Balm6, 11, 19-21 6) Motherwort6, 11, 13. Morning sickness Sleep disorders (may ** Amenorrhea Medicinal Use Post-op nausea and vomiting combine with valerian) Hyperthyroidism prevention Anxiety/restlessness Cardiac insufficiency, Arthritis Cold sores (apply steeped tachycardia.