Having a cuppa is a special time of getting together with a friend, chatting over a cup of herbal tea, taking the time out for yourself from your busy day, or relaxing in the evening. It somehow has a nurturing effect and this can be emotionally and physically. I love a beautiful personalized cup or mug or tea pot, harvesting herbs for tea, or buying a beautiful new blend. Having your favourite tea in your favourite cup does wonders for the soul.
Unlike coffee and regular tea, herbal teas do not contain caffeine, and have an amazing array of beneficial qualities, tastes and healing properties. Herbal teas can help you to feel calm and relaxed, aid digestion, help you to sleep, boost your immune system to fight off and reduce symptoms of colds and flu, reduce inflammation, help detoxify, and so much more.
Different parts of different herbs are used to make tea. It may be the roots, leaves, flowers, seeds or even the bark. Generally these are dried and then steeped in hot water. As a general rule, the longer the herbs are steeped, the greater the strength. If you can grow your own herbs for teas, this is ideal. If you buy tea either loose or tea bags it is best to find organic teas to minimize the risk of pesticide residue. Herbs can be used individually or in a combination.
Peppermint tea is my every day favourite tea.
Another favourite of mine is Chai tea. Generally this includes a mixture of whole spices including cinnamon, cardamon, cloves, ginger, pepper, and may or may not include black tea aswell. Chai means spice blend and can be known as masala. Properties include anti- inflammatory, antioxidant, aiding digestion, cardiovascular support. A chai latte is made on any type of milk. (Be aware when you order this from a café it is often based on a syrup or powder that has high amounts of sugar).
My recommendations for herbal teas with many other benefits include:
Calming, relaxing, assisting with sleep, stress and anxiety: Chamomile, passionflower, kava, lemon balm, valerian, lavender.
Aiding in digestion: Peppermint, ginger, chamomile, lemon balm, cinnamon
Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric, ginger
Colds and flu: Ginger, garlic, lemon, honey, elderberry, thyme, rosehip, echinacea, licorice
Detoxification: Dandelion, green tea (contains caffeine)
Hot sweats: Sage
Brain function, cognition, memory: Brahmi (bacopa), gotu kola, rosemary, ginkgo
