Hibiscus & Linden Flower Herbal Tea
Night sweats are one of the most common symptoms women experience as they enter the ‘Change’. Not only is it not pleasant to wake up dripping with sweat but the impact it has on our overall health and well-being can lead to long term problems such as depression. Just one night of broken sleep can affect our mood and performance during the day, but repeated nights of interrupted sleep can make it difficult to continue to function normally.
Depression, forgetfulness, brain fog and fatigue, although common symptoms associated with the menopause in their own right are exacerbated by broken sleep. So if night sweats are causing you problems, waking you up in the middle of the night covered in sweat try this cooling herbal tea.
Hibiscus has an estrogenic effect on the body due the levels of phytoestrogen (plant-based estrogen) that it contains. This plant based estrogen binds to the estrogenic receptors in the body mimicking the effects of estrogen which is naturally produced in the body which can help ease some of the symptoms associated with the menopause such as night sweats and hot flashes.
Linden (Lime) flowers have strong sedative, relaxant and anti-depressant properties which can help promote unbroken sleep.Marshmallow root is a soothing herb which can help with water retention and PMS helping to balance hormones and reduce the likelihood of hot flashes.
Borage has been used over the ages by women during menopause to help with symptoms from hot flashes to the mood swings and depression that is often associated with this stage in a woman's life. Due to its toning and anti-inflammatory properties Chamomile is beneficial in helping to make the transition through menopause, not least as its well known as a sleep aid with its relaxant and sedative properties it can help to settle back to sleep after being woken due to a night sweat. While its febrifuge properties can help to reduce the severity of hot flashes and night sweats.
You can make a batch during the day to drink as needed during the night.
INGREDIENTS
60g (4 tablespoons) - Borage Stems, Leaves and Flowers (Borago Officinalis)
60g (4 tablespoons) - Hibiscus Flowers (Hibiscus Sahdariffa)
60g (4 tablespoons) -Linden (Lime) Flowers (Tilia Species)
15g (1 tablespoon) - Marshmallow Root (Althaea Officinale)
15g (1 tablespoon) - Chamomile Flowers (Chamaemelum nobile; Anthemis nobilis)
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix all of the herbs together.
Add 2 tablespoons of the mixed herbs to 750ml of boiling water.
Cover and leave to steep for 15 minutes.
Strain the liquid.
Leave to cool before drinking, drink at room temperature for best results.
DOSAGE
Hot Flashes
2 Large glasses twice a day, you can drink 2 glasses in the morning and 2 in the evening.
Alternatively you can drink 1 cup during the day as needed or sip throughout the day.
Whichever method you chose the effect should still be the same.
Night Sweats
Depending on need you can drink between ½ to 3 cups on waking in the night to help cool the body down and returning to bed.
To prevent being woken by the need to use toilet start by drinking ½ a cup and increase if necessary.
SIDE EFFECTS
Although most herbs are generally considered safe to use there is the slight possibility of allergic reactions or adverse reactions when used with other medication although this is rare.
It's not advised to use Borage in large doses as it can affect the liver. Care should also be taken if using blood thinning medication. Hibiscus is generally considered safe for general use, however, if used in large doses it can be toxic. Linden is considered safe, however avoid using medications to increase blood pressure, as their effects could be decreased.
Chamomile is generally considered safe for general use but should not be used during pregnancy due to its uterine properties which could induce miscarriage. Also people taking prescribed sedative medications such as benzodiazepines and anticoagulant medication such as warfarin should consult their doctor before using Chamomile.
Whilst Marshmallow is considered safe to use, Marshmallow works by coating the lining of the stomach which may interfere with the absorption of other drugs so take other medications before or several hours after Marshmallow. Diabetics should also closely monitor their blood sugar if using Marshmallow as it can interfere with blood sugar control.