Health Potential of Zhourat Middle East Herbal Tea

Abstract

The Mediterranean area in general and Lebanon in particular is known for its plant diversity due to its climate and geography. It hosts a particular richness of medicinal plants that has been traditionally used in the remedy of many illnesses since generations. Herbal infusions are very common home remedies used since ancient times for treating several diseases. Zhourat is one of those herbal infusions popular in the Middle East consisting of a mixture of different parts of many plants. This chapter provide an overview on the biological potential (antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity) of some plant species constituting this remedy and their extraction conditions. The 11 main plant species discussed here include Rosa × damascena Herrm., Viola odorata L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Alcea setosa (Boiss.) Alef., Aloysia citrodora Paláu, Elaeagnus angustifolia L., Foeniculum vulgare L. Mill., Pimpinella anisum L., Salvia fruticosa Mill., Prunus amygdalus Batsch., and Zea mays L. The knowledge about bioactive compounds in Zhourat can be used to indicate the role of herbal mixtures in health-promoting activities and defense against different diseases.