Herbal Teas

Posted on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 08:41

Good Morning HSB!  What a glorious day...Spring is in the air!

My good friend Jen and I have been sharing quite a bit over the last few days about our Spring dreams.  She has the best eye for design and creativity!  When we spoke at length of gardens and our love of this wonderful Earth, I was absolutely blown away by her incredible knowledge base.  She has been encouraging me to share some of my own small knowledge about herbs, ...the growing, uses and incredible versatility they offer for flavorings and health benefits.  As a result, I am starting a new catagory for my blog...that of herbal recipes and growing tips.  I hope you will all enjoy it!

Herbal Teas for Health and Enjoyment.

Most of us have tried herbal teas at one time or another.  But few of us have a real understanding of just how awesome herbs can be!  They have such incredible properties, and each plant, root, or leaf has a benefit.  All of which I truly believe the good Lord has given to us, to aid and heal.

Today, I want to share some recipes that have been passed on in my family for years.  Each recipe is tried and true, and the benefits are enormous!

Chamomille Tea

Chamomille is a very versatile herb.  It is used for everything from lotions and shampoos to hair dyes.  As a matter of fact, during mid-evil times, chamomille was used to lighten and brighten gray hair.  Of course, it was also used for flavoring, particularly in stews and soups.. it has a mild and earthy flavor, and lends itself well to lamb and beef dishes.

Teas made with chamomille have several health benefits. It is a great calming herb, and also has the added benefit of being a muciallage relaxant.  A cup taken before bedtime will help clear stuffy sinuses, relax tired muscles and calm a racing mind.

Simply use two or three whole leaves, and simmer gently in three cups of water for about five minutes, remove from heat and allow to steep for two or three minutes more.  Flavor with a dash of orange extract or vanilla if desired, and honey to taste.  Enjoy!

Raspberry Tea

This is one of my favorites!  Unfortuantely, it is also the one of the most difficult for me to come by.  Raspberry canes prefer a cooler climate than where I live, so I do have to purchase them.  But, oh, it is so worth the little extra expense!  Fresh raspberry tea is a flavor sensation.  Raspberry tea also has great cardiovascular benefits.  It is what we call a strengthening tonic.  The active ingredients in the berry fight cholesterol build-up, and increase blood flow to the body.

To prepare, wash and clean beries thoroughly, being certain that no dirt residue remains.  You can have a whole berry tea, or simply crush the berries and then strain for a milder tea.  Simmer the whole berry for ten minutes, allowing them to become almost translucent.  If using crushed berries, simmer for five to seven minutes, or until the berries are tender.  Steep for an additional five minutes.  If using whole berry, just pour out and enjoy!  If using crushed, strain and flavor with honey or suagr in the raw.  Sip slowly, and savor the taste.

One note:  Using granulated sugar in these teas will sweetenen them, but they will also add to the waistline!  I never use white sugar in my teas.  I find that clover honey or raw sugar is so much better!  If you are able, you can even use a bit of sugar cane to flavor...delish!

Of course, there are many good herbal tea blends on the market today.  But, I have found that while they do have a good taste, something is just missing!  Maybe it is the stisfaction of growing and tending the plants on your own, or it might even be that they are a weaker blend.  Whichever, I still prefer the homegrown variety!

Have a blessed day, ya'll and enjoy the moments.

Hello

Posted by Isabella on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 09:50 - Link

Misty, Got your message. Glad you are back. It is beautiful weather here. We put our seedlings out on the deck to get sunlight and water. Spring is in the air. I just hope it stays. lol. I

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Posted by gabbie427 on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 09:51 - Link

Ahhhh I love herbal tea. Raspberry of course is my favorite. I never use sugar in my tea either, just honey. YUM!!! I tihnk while Noah is napping today, I will relax with a nice cup of tea!!!

Thanks for this post, and reminding me to take a few minutes for myself!!

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

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Posted by tractorchick72 on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 10:01 - Link

I can't wait to hear more! I need to get back to drinking herbal teas again instead of coffee lol.

Have a Blessed day

Tricia

Yum!

Posted by Jonash2004 on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 02:17 - Link

I crave my herbal teas now, sans sugar!

At first, I had to develop a taste for tea - I drank Teavana teas with cream and sugar. Then my son Elijah was born at 35 weeks. A friend bought the Mama's Milk Tea blend from the bulkherbstore.com and sent some to me. The knowledge that it would help me produce milk and provide important nutrients for him was all the encourangment I needed.

I will do anything for my boys - and I have learned to *love* this tea. :) I seep the leaves twice, as I have to buy them all, to get every bit out of them ....

Anyways, I *love* herbs and herbal teas. Great post!!

Ashley

Thanks

Posted by fcusick on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 11:27 - Link

This is definitely an area I have no knowledge of.

Blessings,
Flossie