Today, I would like to open you up to a whole new possibility, and that is making your own tea blends
Last Christmas, a client/student/friend was the kind giver of a recipe book on herbal teas.
I love natural remedies, so that book was right up my alley. Frequent readers of this blog know that I grow my own favorite herbs, although the majority of the herbs in my collection still come from my local herbalist shop here in Italy or imported from the US.
I have used the book already many times. That gift brought my repertoire of self-healing teas up a few notches….
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lemon verbena
By now you must be thinking ‘which book???’
This book! It is called Herbal Teas: 101 Nourishing Blends for Daily Health & Vitality
It starts of with information about how to work with herbs, and how to create healing teas in general.
Then the book goes on to share recipes from a range of medical and other herbalists to help with a whole range of common health problems, ranging from stress, fatigue, mood swings, PSM, to common colds and respiratory problems. There are also some recipes for lotions and tinctures.
The last part of the book describes the healing benefits of a long list of herbs from A to Z.
Highly recommended.
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Now , in the depth of winter when many people are a tat bluesy, I thought to share just one recipe from this book, and I am anticipating you will love it.
Mood Boosting Herbal Tea Recipe
This herbal blend recipe is called ‘HAPPY SPIRITS tea’. This tea will perk you up no matter how bleak your outlook. Start sipping this gentle, nourishing herbal blend and your mood will soon improve.
Try it. Here is the ‘Healing Herbs’ recipe.
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HAPPY SPIRITS TEA
2 parts lemon balm leaves
2 parts lemon verbena leaves
1 part catnip leaves
1 part oatstraw
1 part passiflora leaves
1/4 part tangerine slices (organic)
1/10 part cinnamon chips
To Brew Your Tea:
Combine all ingredients in a pot with boiling water. Stir well, cover and let it steep for 15 –20 minutes, while covered.
If you find you made more than one serving, keep the rest. Cooled and covered, herbal teas can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
This tea works for me. Let me know if it works for you too.
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Preparing Your Blend:
To simplify life, pre-mix these dry healing herbs and store them in a glass jar. Then, when you want some ‘happiness tea’, simply take out the herbs for just one cuppa.I find that if I have premixed blends, I will use them a lot more often. There is no waste in the process, as you can just measure and make. Our happiness tea will last a long time this way.
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Where to Buy:
If you have a local herbalist nearby, I’d start there and ask him/her to make the blend for you in a small trial amount. That way you get to try the taste and see if you like it and if this herbal tea works for you.
Ask for a really small amount because tea is very light. It is easy to end up with two years’ worth of supply. Take it from someone in the know.
Once you start making your own teas, there is way back. It’s so much fun, and a lot more economical and healthier than commercial teas.
Then, if/when you love it, consider buying your herbs online from a place like Kalyx.com, which sells Herbs, Foods, Supplements, Aromatherapy oils, Bach Flowers, and Bath & Body products. They carry organics, and a really wide range of health products. They feature good prices, and sometimes even excellent prices for larger quantity packs. Check them out.
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Reference:
This particular recipe was provided by Lynda Lewit, from Soquel, California. Lynda is a public health nurse for Children’s Protective Services. She works in combination with allopathic doctors before suggesting herbal remedies.
The authors of this book:
Kathleen Brown is an herbal teacher, writer, and gardener. She has served as president of the Rocky Mountain Unit of the Herb Society of America and currently lives in California.
Jeanine Pollak has been a herbalist, nutritionist and consultant to businesses and individuals for 20 years. She is the founder of Botanic Adventures and has written several books on herbs.
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Disclaimer: this article does not constitute medical advice. It is meant for people who are overall healthy. In this context, those with ‘minor’ or natural mood disorders such as caused by life’s events, the seasons, PMS or menopause, and the likes, consider Reiki treatment to help you obtain balance.
For serious mood disorders, please consult a qualified medical doctor. I prefer to work alongside medical practitioners for clients who are mentally unstable.