Universal
Herbal teas (tisanes) make nice alternatives to black and green teas. Not only are they enjoyable to drink , but they also have medicinal properties. Their tastes cover all the flavor bases-bitter, sweet, spicy, sour, and salty--and they can be cooking or warming to the system; those are some of the qualities one would consider when making a formula for therapeutic purposes. While the medicinal uses of herbal teas are beyond the scope here, by choosing to drink herbal teas for pleasure you will also be giving your body the benefits of those herbs. It's fun to grow your own, drying them, and storing them in brown paper bags to have available for teas throughout the year. They can also be used to flavor black or green tea. Try mint, nettles, comfrey, lemon balm, anise, sage or rose.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) water
- 1 rounded tablespoon or 1 handful of herbs
METHOD
- Warm a teapot by filling it with hot water and letting it stand.
- Bring 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) water to a boil over high heat..
- Discard water from teapot and place herbs inside.
- Pour boiling water into teapot.
- Let stand before serving. Steeping time varies according to particular herbal mix. For most mixes, try 10 minutes; next time increase or decrease to your taste. Mint takes 5 minutes.
MIND REFRESHER
Serve with the motivation to bring others happiness.
Makes 2 cups (550 ml)
TWO HERB TEA BLENDS
- Thyme and a little hyssop
- Rosemary and lavender
- Clove and a little chamomile
- Marjoram and mint
- Chamomile and hibiscus flowers
- Elderflower and peppermint
- Nettles and mint
- Lemon balm and lavender
- Rosemary and hibiscus flowers
- Sage with lemon verbena
- Yarrow and peppermint
- Basil and lemon verbena