Hi,
I hope I don't offend anyone with this post... And I do not wish to start a debate. I'm just curious about something.
Do herbal teas have the same amount and/or potency as herbal supplements? For personal reasons, I don't like taking herbal supplements because they're not regulated, etc. And many, such as kava kava, have caused serious complications.
Is there similar possible "harm" in drinking herbal teas on a daily basis:?:
Thanks in advance.
For the most part herbs are very safe...if used in moderation/common sense. Generally the only trouble you'd have would come from MASSIVE doses, or for some strange reason you are allergic...but peanuts can do that to people you know. I have a friend allergic to strawberries. So in my opinion eating is as harmful (just stating not debating 
).
Potency:...well...that depends on what you're using, how much, and how much the supplement has, wether the tea is more potent..generally fresh herbs aren't as potent as dried, and if you just make a quick tea (not steeping 6-12 hours like an herbal infusion/as a medicine) then you'll be fine. The supplements are usually extracts (meaning the oils etc. from ALOT of leaves/twigs/buds/roots), or a fair quantity of the whole herb..the whole herb means your body has time to process it first in the stomache, then keep taking what it can out of it in the small intestine, so ends up much stronger than if you just used a few teaspoons in boiling water for 6-15 minutes & strained, a.k.a tea. Is that what you were asking? And if you are extra worried about it, don't use the same herb over and over, mix it up every couple of days.
Hope that helps, though I know I can be confusing..
Also...MOST of the herbs sold as teas/tissanes are very safe...otherwise most of us would be dead right now, because we are teaholics.
(and about the pregnancy herbs.....Red Raspberry leaf is something you WOULD take. It helps prepare the uterus for birth. But I believe the dose is just a cup a day until the actual labour where you make a double strength liter...just thought I'd clear that up...if someone you know is pregnant I do reccommend a good herb book to ensure safety {some herbs and even hot peppers can stimulate the uterus/cause contractions too soon})
Moderation and common sense really are the key to everything in life. I hope you enjoy your teas or tissanes thoroughly!
).Potency:...well...that depends on what you're using, how much, and how much the supplement has, wether the tea is more potent..generally fresh herbs aren't as potent as dried, and if you just make a quick tea (not steeping 6-12 hours like an herbal infusion/as a medicine) then you'll be fine. The supplements are usually extracts (meaning the oils etc. from ALOT of leaves/twigs/buds/roots), or a fair quantity of the whole herb..the whole herb means your body has time to process it first in the stomache, then keep taking what it can out of it in the small intestine, so ends up much stronger than if you just used a few teaspoons in boiling water for 6-15 minutes & strained, a.k.a tea. Is that what you were asking? And if you are extra worried about it, don't use the same herb over and over, mix it up every couple of days.
Hope that helps, though I know I can be confusing..Also...MOST of the herbs sold as teas/tissanes are very safe...otherwise most of us would be dead right now, because we are teaholics
.(and about the pregnancy herbs.....Red Raspberry leaf is something you WOULD take. It helps prepare the uterus for birth. But I believe the dose is just a cup a day until the actual labour where you make a double strength liter...just thought I'd clear that up...if someone you know is pregnant I do reccommend a good herb book to ensure safety {some herbs and even hot peppers can stimulate the uterus/cause contractions too soon})
Moderation and common sense really are the key to everything in life. I hope you enjoy your teas or tissanes thoroughly!
With just a tea, you steep it for a shorter period of time. Most herbal supplements are a lot more concentrated and stronger. It would definitely take many mugs of tea to have the same effect. Generally, without taking into account food allergies, herbal teas are safe since they are a small dose. If you really want a good explanation, ask a pharmacist or your doctor. I only remember some of what I looked up when I looked up something similar to what you are asking a long time ago.
That being said, a mug of tea sometimes just helps any ways. I know, for me, peppermint tea is my preferred way to deal with sinus issues and headaches.
That being said, a mug of tea sometimes just helps any ways. I know, for me, peppermint tea is my preferred way to deal with sinus issues and headaches.
Thanks. I do currently drink tea bags of chamomile or peppermint. I like the idea of herbal tea because they have no caffeine, and some taste really good. I'll ask a pharmacist or doctor as you suggested...Cinnamonkitty wrote:With just a tea, you steep it for a shorter period of time. Most herbal supplements are a lot more concentrated and stronger. It would definitely take many mugs of tea to have the same effect. Generally, without taking into account food allergies, herbal teas are safe since they are a small dose. If you really want a good explanation, ask a pharmacist or your doctor. I only remember some of what I looked up when I looked up something similar to what you are asking a long time ago.
That being said, a mug of tea sometimes just helps any ways. I know, for me, peppermint tea is my preferred way to deal with sinus issues and headaches.
I take olive leaf tea instead of swallowing the capsules
I drink anywhere from 2-5 cups per day instead of taking the capsules. My blood pressure and cholesterol are down!!!
Re: Herbal Teas Vs. Herbal Supplements
Health Benefits of Tea: Herbal Teas. Made from herbs, fruits, seeds, or roots steeped in hot water, herbal teas have lower concentrations of antioxidants than green, white, black, and oolong teas. Their chemical compositions vary widely depending on the plant used.
Re: Herbal Teas Vs. Herbal Supplements
The problem is, because as you say herbal supplements are pretty much completely unregulated, it's hard to give you a straight answer to your question. Herbal teas do have to tell you ingredients, but there have also been cases of the wrong herb going into a tisane--such as the highly toxic datura (devil's trumpet) being mistaken for trumpet vine.
Add to that the uncertainty of how soluble whatever active ingredient you're interested in is in water (as opposed to whatever extraction method the makers of the herbal supplements use) and it gets even harder to guess which will have a higher dose of what.
The bottom line is this: if a substance is effective--if it does something to your body--then it has the potential for side effects or overdoses. Being "natural" or "herbal" doesn't mean it's safe. There are long-established traditional remedies that can cause serious side effects or death even in healthy people. Medicating yourself with herbal medicine without knowing what dose you're taking of the active ingredients is like a doctor handing you a bottle of pills and telling you to take "a bunch, every so often."
Also, if you are taking any other medication, NEVER take any herbal supplements or drink any herbal tea more exotic than peppermint without talking to your doctor. There are a lot of teas that interact with common medications in potentially dangerous ways. If you're on the wrong meds, even chamomile can be fatal; the same goes for black cohosh, saw palmetto, valerian, St. John's wort, ginseng, feverfew, and many others. Even some foods (notably grapefruit and cranberries) can have serious interactions.
When I say medication, that includes birth control; there is a long list of herbal treatments that can make your birth control stop working. And while we're on the same subject, anyone who is or might be pregnant should not mess around with herbal medicines, some of which are known to cause miscarriage.
Basically, if you're taking herbs as a substitute for other kinds of medicine, you need to treat it like medicine, and that means taking it seriously. Don't do anything with a "medicinal" leaf that you wouldn't do with a pill.
Add to that the uncertainty of how soluble whatever active ingredient you're interested in is in water (as opposed to whatever extraction method the makers of the herbal supplements use) and it gets even harder to guess which will have a higher dose of what.
The bottom line is this: if a substance is effective--if it does something to your body--then it has the potential for side effects or overdoses. Being "natural" or "herbal" doesn't mean it's safe. There are long-established traditional remedies that can cause serious side effects or death even in healthy people. Medicating yourself with herbal medicine without knowing what dose you're taking of the active ingredients is like a doctor handing you a bottle of pills and telling you to take "a bunch, every so often."
Also, if you are taking any other medication, NEVER take any herbal supplements or drink any herbal tea more exotic than peppermint without talking to your doctor. There are a lot of teas that interact with common medications in potentially dangerous ways. If you're on the wrong meds, even chamomile can be fatal; the same goes for black cohosh, saw palmetto, valerian, St. John's wort, ginseng, feverfew, and many others. Even some foods (notably grapefruit and cranberries) can have serious interactions.
When I say medication, that includes birth control; there is a long list of herbal treatments that can make your birth control stop working. And while we're on the same subject, anyone who is or might be pregnant should not mess around with herbal medicines, some of which are known to cause miscarriage.
Basically, if you're taking herbs as a substitute for other kinds of medicine, you need to treat it like medicine, and that means taking it seriously. Don't do anything with a "medicinal" leaf that you wouldn't do with a pill.
Mar 25th, '25, 02:18
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Re: Herbal Teas Vs. Herbal Supplements
Herbal teas and herbal supplements are both popular for their potential health benefits, but they differ in terms of form, usage, and effects. Here's a comparison:
1. Form and Consumption
Herbal Teas:
Made by infusing herbs in hot water, typically consumed as a drink.
Often used for relaxation, soothing, or mild health benefits.
Can be made from a wide variety of plants, including flowers, leaves, or roots.
Herbal Supplements:
Available in many forms, including capsules, tablets, tinctures, powders, and liquid extracts.
More concentrated than herbal teas.
Often taken for specific health conditions or needs, such as improving digestion or boosting energy.
2. Potency and Dosage
Herbal Teas:
Generally milder and lower in concentration compared to supplements.
The dosage is typically determined by how much herb is used per serving (a tea bag or loose leaves).
The effects are usually gentler and may take longer to be noticeable.
Herbal Supplements:
Typically more potent, with higher concentrations of active ingredients.
Dosage is clearly marked on the product, making it easier to control how much you're consuming.
Supplements are often taken for more specific therapeutic effects.
3. Health Benefits
Herbal Teas:
Can provide mild benefits like relaxation (e.g., chamomile), digestion support (e.g., peppermint), or mild anti-inflammatory effects (e.g., ginger).
More of a holistic approach, providing gentle support to overall health.
Great for promoting general wellness or aiding in mild symptoms like stress or digestive discomfort.
Herbal Supplements:
Can be used for more targeted health concerns, such as boosting immunity, enhancing mental clarity, or improving sleep (e.g., valerian root for sleep).
Often used for chronic or specific issues because they provide higher, more consistent doses.
Some supplements are marketed with claims for serious health benefits, though these should be approached with caution and a critical eye.
4. Absorption and Bioavailability
Herbal Teas:
The active compounds in herbal teas may be less bioavailable because they are diluted in water.
While enjoyable to drink, some of the beneficial compounds may not be absorbed as efficiently compared to more concentrated forms.
Herbal Supplements:
Typically formulated for better absorption, as they are concentrated and sometimes combined with other compounds (like black pepper extract) to improve bioavailability.
Since they are more potent, the active ingredients might be absorbed more effectively.
5. Side Effects and Risks
Herbal Teas:
Generally considered safe with minimal side effects, especially if consumed in moderate amounts.
However, drinking large quantities of certain teas can sometimes cause gastrointestinal issues or interact with medications.
Herbal Supplements:
Since they contain more concentrated doses of herbs, they can have stronger effects, which may lead to side effects or interactions with medications.
Overuse or incorrect dosing can lead to adverse reactions or toxicity.
6. Convenience
Herbal Teas:
Often require more preparation (boiling water, steeping), which may not be as convenient for people on the go.
Some people enjoy the ritual of making tea, making it a relaxing part of their routine.
Herbal Supplements:
More convenient for people who need quick doses without having to prepare a drink.
Easy to take as part of a daily supplement regimen.
Conclusion
Herbal Teas are great for daily relaxation and mild health support, offering a gentle, enjoyable way to experience the benefits of herbs.
Herbal Supplements are better suited for more targeted, potent benefits and for those needing a more concentrated dose.
Both can be useful depending on your health goals and lifestyle preferences, but it's important to use them responsibly and, if necessary, consult with a healthcare provider, especially when dealing with chronic health issues or potential herb-drug interactions.
1. Form and Consumption
Herbal Teas:
Made by infusing herbs in hot water, typically consumed as a drink.
Often used for relaxation, soothing, or mild health benefits.
Can be made from a wide variety of plants, including flowers, leaves, or roots.
Herbal Supplements:
Available in many forms, including capsules, tablets, tinctures, powders, and liquid extracts.
More concentrated than herbal teas.
Often taken for specific health conditions or needs, such as improving digestion or boosting energy.
2. Potency and Dosage
Herbal Teas:
Generally milder and lower in concentration compared to supplements.
The dosage is typically determined by how much herb is used per serving (a tea bag or loose leaves).
The effects are usually gentler and may take longer to be noticeable.
Herbal Supplements:
Typically more potent, with higher concentrations of active ingredients.
Dosage is clearly marked on the product, making it easier to control how much you're consuming.
Supplements are often taken for more specific therapeutic effects.
3. Health Benefits
Herbal Teas:
Can provide mild benefits like relaxation (e.g., chamomile), digestion support (e.g., peppermint), or mild anti-inflammatory effects (e.g., ginger).
More of a holistic approach, providing gentle support to overall health.
Great for promoting general wellness or aiding in mild symptoms like stress or digestive discomfort.
Herbal Supplements:
Can be used for more targeted health concerns, such as boosting immunity, enhancing mental clarity, or improving sleep (e.g., valerian root for sleep).
Often used for chronic or specific issues because they provide higher, more consistent doses.
Some supplements are marketed with claims for serious health benefits, though these should be approached with caution and a critical eye.
4. Absorption and Bioavailability
Herbal Teas:
The active compounds in herbal teas may be less bioavailable because they are diluted in water.
While enjoyable to drink, some of the beneficial compounds may not be absorbed as efficiently compared to more concentrated forms.
Herbal Supplements:
Typically formulated for better absorption, as they are concentrated and sometimes combined with other compounds (like black pepper extract) to improve bioavailability.
Since they are more potent, the active ingredients might be absorbed more effectively.
5. Side Effects and Risks
Herbal Teas:
Generally considered safe with minimal side effects, especially if consumed in moderate amounts.
However, drinking large quantities of certain teas can sometimes cause gastrointestinal issues or interact with medications.
Herbal Supplements:
Since they contain more concentrated doses of herbs, they can have stronger effects, which may lead to side effects or interactions with medications.
Overuse or incorrect dosing can lead to adverse reactions or toxicity.
6. Convenience
Herbal Teas:
Often require more preparation (boiling water, steeping), which may not be as convenient for people on the go.
Some people enjoy the ritual of making tea, making it a relaxing part of their routine.
Herbal Supplements:
More convenient for people who need quick doses without having to prepare a drink.
Easy to take as part of a daily supplement regimen.
Conclusion
Herbal Teas are great for daily relaxation and mild health support, offering a gentle, enjoyable way to experience the benefits of herbs.
Herbal Supplements are better suited for more targeted, potent benefits and for those needing a more concentrated dose.
Both can be useful depending on your health goals and lifestyle preferences, but it's important to use them responsibly and, if necessary, consult with a healthcare provider, especially when dealing with chronic health issues or potential herb-drug interactions.