Pocket sized, this cute little book contains information on the benefits of tea, the specific health properties of black and especially green teas both of which Sach classes as herbal teas as well. There is a chapter covering specific complaints such as allergies, poor digestion, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, joint and muscular pain, skin problems and stress, and the type of tea to address each complaint.
Reviewed by Magdalena Ball
Healing and Cleansing with Herbal Tea
by Penelope Sach
Penguin
March 2003, pb, 117pgs
ISBN 0-14-300145-0
RRPA$8.95
“Tea is social. Tea is delicious. Tea is healing. Tea will surprise you.” Did you know that herbal teas are full of antioxidants, and together with their green and black counterparts, can help slow the aging process, assist in preventing atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and even help minimise hangovers? In addition, teas have a greater ability than even vegetables to “disable free radicals.” These are the claims that herbalist and tea maven Penelope Sach makes in her latest book Healing and Cleansing with Herbal Tea.
Pocket sized, this cute little book contains information on the benefits of tea, the specific health properties of black and especially green teas both of which Sach classes as herbal teas as well. There is a chapter covering specific complaints such as allergies, poor digestion, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, joint and muscular pain, skin problems and stress, and the type of tea to address each complaint. There are also chapters on some of the more beneficial herbs for herbal teas and their properties, including chamomile, ginger and licorice, with recipes for things like hair rinces, compresses and foot baths. The book concludes with information on why loose leaf tea is far superior to bags, information on how to choose quality tea and the best way to make a pot of tea.
While this is hardly a comprehensive book of herbs for healing or even of tea in general, it is a fun, easy to read book which will certainly inspire you to drink more herbal tea. Many of the blends which Sach cites are her own, such as the lovely sounding “red wine” blend: “Berry,” and since these are not so readily available, this might just taunt readers (although you can find Australian stockists from Sach’s website, http://www.penelopesach.com.au/about.htm, and they are promising direct ordering in the future. Nevertheless, this book does provide a nice overview of the benefits of tea drinking. If it inspires you to drink a bit more herbal tea, well, as Sach suggests, the increased fluid alone is sure to improve your health. If even some of the claims about the health giving properties of herbal teas are also true (and Sach cites some serious authorities), you’ll be laughing. This book would also make a lovely gift for a tea drinker, perhaps with a few boxes of quality tea and an infuser.
For more information visit: http://www.penelopesach.com.au/books.htm