TEA is the perfect pick-me-up but also packed with goodness ...particularly if you opt for the Herbal variety.
Medicinal herbs are easily taken as atea, either as an infusion where boiling water is poured over them, or after they've been simmered in a pan to soften them up.
Anna Hill is Glasgow's tea lady. The qualified herbalist is an expert in coming up with the perfect brew to help different ailments.
She's quick to stress herbal infusions aren't technically tea because the herbs haven't been fermented, but tea has become a term everyone uses.
Anna, 35, co-owner of Woodland Herbs, says some herbs are best taken hot and others cold. And it's best to check with an expert such as Anna if your having a particular problem.
Anna graduated in neuro-science but had been interested in herbal medicine from a young age after a remedy including marigold banished her teenage eczema.
Here she explains which herbs in tea help different health problems.
CAMOMILE (SLEEP AND DIGESTION)
Relaxing but also good for the digestion. Ideal if you are going to bed with an upset stomach.
PEPPERMINT (DIGESTION)
Particularly good for wind and bloating. After-dinner mints are a modern equivalent. Spearmint tea is a refreshing alternative.
LIMEFLOWER (RESTLESS CHILDREN)
Children's prams used to be left under a limeflower tree to aid a relaxing sleep. The tea is beneficial to both children and adults who need to relax.
ROSE PETALS (ANXIETY)
Rose tea has a pleasant aroma and can be very calming. As it has a very dry taste, it is often combined with other herbs. Rose, lavender, camomile and limeflower make a very tasty and relaxing tea.
SAGE (HOT FLUSHES)
Most herbs common in cooking are good for the digestion. Sage and onion stuffing aids the digestion of the heavy Christmas dinner. Sage tea is useful as a warm gargle for sore throats or, taken cold, for excessive sweating and hot flushes.
NETTLE (LOW ENERGY OR ALLERGIES)
Very nutritious, containing iron, vitamin C and B vitamins, it also has a natural anti-histamine action, making it useful for allergic conditions such as hayfever.
LEMON BALM (MEMORY)
A pleasant tasting and relaxing tea. In the Middle Ages, it was recommended to students at Oxford University to help with their studies. Current research has shown it does improve memory.
VALERIAN (OCCASIONAL INSOMNIA)
Traditionally used for sleep problems, its effects have been confirmed by recent research.
MEADOWSWEET (HEARTBURN)
Contains salicylic acid, which was used to develop aspirin. Its old name was spirea, from which aspirin got its name.
PAU DIARCO (FUNGAL INFECTIONS)
From a Brazilian tree prized as a cure-all, Pau DiArco has a reputation as an immune supporting and anti-fungal herb.
Woodland Herbs, 100 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6HB 0141564 3184 www.woodlandherbs.co.uk Before taking these herbal teas, seek professional advice if suffering from a medical condition, on medication or if you are pregnant.
IF YOUR TEA'S NOT QUITE RIGHT, TRY THESE TIPS
Not sweet enough?
Why not add some honey or liquorice (the herb, not a sweet) to your herbal tea?
Not cool enough?
Do not add milk to your herbal tea. Either let the tea stand for a few minutes, or add cold water.
Not strong enough?
Herbs should be allowed to infuse in the hot water for about 10 minutes to get the full benefits. If you like your tea to taste stronger or weaker, add more or less herb per cup.
Not tasty enough?
If you feel you should be taking one herb for its health benefits but do not like the taste, then consider mixing a few herbs together to make your own blend.
'Peppermint tea is good for wind. After-dinner mints are a modern equivalent'