Valentine’s Day seems like an appropriate time to discuss Rosehip (Rosa canina) tea. Rose hips are the fruits that remain on the bush after the flowers are gone. Rose hips were called “the Food of the Gods” by the ancient Greeks and regarded as beneficial for a number of health reasons. Rose hips are, indeed, a valuable food source as one of the richest sources of vitamin C, complete with flavenoids.

Because of the abundance of vitamin C and flavenoids, rosehip tea is useful for fighting colds and respiratory infections.  It is also helpful against stomach problems involving inflammation and/or diarrhea with infection or because of food-borne illness, and is a common ingredient in colic remedies. It also has astringent properties and may be used cosmetically, but the rose oil derivatives are more commonly used for cosmetic purposes.

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) is one of the best teas to promote liver health. Those with any liver condition can use it continually to their benefit. It does also have a very mild laxative effect.

It is a common herb in food use, with the roots being used in salads or cooked as a vegetable or added to other vegetables, and the leaves are used as salad greens. It is sometimes brewed as a coffee substitute, an can be used in making root beer.

This is the same dandelion that is the bane of many homeowners, popping up in otherwise well-manicured lawns. If not exposed to pesticide, herbicide, or car exhaust, common dandelions can be harvested and used as salad greens. Dandelion is very rich in nutrients, including vitamins A, B, C, and D and minerals, particularly potassium and calcium.

Dandelion is also used as a natural dye plant, with the whole plant being boiled down to make a deep magenta colored dye.

Elderberry (Sambiacus nigra) is another wonderful immune system herb with a variety of other uses as well. It works as an anti-viral and so is helpful to fight colds and flu, but if one is already ill, it also works as an expectorant, soothes throat inflammation, and helps fight fever. It also helps stimulate blood flow, and has been used as a mood enhancer as well.

The berries are very nutritious, offering high levels of vitamin C, biotin, beta carotene, protein, fiber, sugars, and tyrosine.

Elderberry syrup is also popular for colds and flu. It soothes the throat, helps with coughing up mucous, and helps fight infection.

Alfalfa tea (medicago sativa) is generally taken as a nutritive tea. It provides small amounts of vitamins (including a precursor to Vitamin A, vitamin E, B1, B2, C, D, and K) and minerals. It also offers phytoalexins, alkaloids, saponins, and chlorophyll. Because alfalfa roots grow deeply in the soil, the plant has access to minerals not commonly found in many herbs.

Chlorophyll is one of the main reasons alfalfa is used. You should be aware that it also increases appetite in most individuals, which can be a benefit to some, but should of course be avoided or used with caution by anyone trying to lose weight.

Chickweed (Stellaria media) has long been used for its nutritive purposes, offering lots of protein and minerals. The plant is often eaten as a vegetable or as part of a salad. As an herb, it has mild diuretic properties and can also work as an appetite suppressant.

If used as support in a weight-loss program, the leaves alone should be used. The leaves provide protein, fiber, ash, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, rutin, and some fat. The seeds, which are also often used for food, include oils and extra fats along with protein and vitamin C.