Herbal Teas That Contain Vitamin B
Vitamin B is a group of eight vitamins referred to as "vitamin B complex." Available from plants and animals, they facilitate mental development and physical growth. The nutrients are also vital for proper organ functioning and for transforming food into energy. Various plants used for herbal tea are the source of vitamins in the B complex. Talk to a doctor if you plan to treat a condition or a vitamin B deficiency with herbal teas.
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DANDELION
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dandelion flushes the kidneys. It also helps to relieve digestive problems and high blood pressure. Dandelion tea is prepared from the plant's dried leaves. One to 2 tsp. of dandelion steeped in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes three times daily may have a therapeutic effect, UMMC states. Dandelion contains not only the vitamin B complex, but also vitamins A, C and D as well as several minerals.
PEPPERMINT
Peppermint almost has the complete vitamin B complex. It lacks vitamins B-7 -- biotin -- and B-12, also called cobalamin. This herbal tea is prepared with 1 tsp. dried peppermint leaves infused in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. UMMC recommends 1 cup four to five times daily between meals. As a home remedy, peppermint treats digestive problems, skin irritations, headaches, colds and the flu.
BURDOCK ROOT
Burdock root tea bags are available commercially. Two to 6 grams of the dried root steeped in 2 cups boiling water also makes an infusion you can drink three times daily. Traditionally, burdock tea has been used to detoxify the body. (See References 5, "How to Take It" and "Overview") Burdock root contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9. It does not have B7 or B12. (See References 1, "Scientific/medical name(s)," and References 6, green table on the right)
BORAGE
Borage is a rich source of niacin, or vitamin B-3. It also provides riboflavin, thiamin, pyridoxine and folate. As a home remedy, the infusion of borage leaves and seeds has been given to breastfeeding mothers to increase milk production. The plant may also help relieve skin inflammation, arthritis and pain associated with menstruation. Borage contains six of the eight vitamins in the B complex. It lacks B-7 and B-12.
LEMONGRASS
An herb widely used in Asian recipes, lemongrass is the source of B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6 and B-9. It also provides the antioxidants vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium and zinc in addition to other minerals. In alternative medicine, lemongrass is recommended for gastrointestinal problems. The tea may help to soothe sore throats and relieve bronchitis symptoms.
REFERENCES
- American Cancer Society: Vitamin B Complex
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dandelion
- www.nutrition-and-you.com: Peppermint Herb Nutrition Facts
- Medical News Center: Peppermint
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Burdock
- Nutrition-and-you.com: Burdock Root Nutrition Facts