Many common discomforts are easily soothed by medicinal herbal teas. Tea makes upset tummies feel better, clears stuffy noses and also eases sleeplessness and anxiety.
Tummy Soother
You can grow the herbs in this blend in your back yard or in pots on a windowsill. Lemon Balm is a perennial and comes back every year. It likes to spread so keep an eye on it and don't let it take over your garden. Chamomile is also easy to grow and it too can be invasive. Parsley is also easy to grow and is extremely good for you. Some people consider it a super food, as a small bunch is equal in nutrition to a serving of veggies!
The amount of herbs need not be exact; I use the 'handful' method which works great. I simply fill my teapot with fresh herbs and add water - no measuring needed!
1 teapot
2 cups very hot, but not boiling water
1 handful of Lemon Balm (sometimes called Lemon Mint)
1 handful of Fresh Parsley
1 small handful of Chamomile flowers
1 tsp *Honey
Wash the herbs in a colander or strainer and place into the teapot.
Pour the hot water over the herbs
Let steep (sit covered) for about 8 minutes
Add 1 teaspoon of honey to a teacup and strain the tea into the cup. Enjoy!
This blends also sooths the nerves and helps you get to sleep at night.
STUFFY NOSE TEA
1 small teapot
1 Handful of Mint Leaves
1 drop of Peppermint oil (available online or at health-food stores)
1 cup of very hot water
1 tsp (or more if you prefer) honey
Juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
Place the mint leaves into the teapot and pour hot water over it. Let the tea steep for 8 minutes.
Add honey to the cup
Strain the tea into the cup
Add 1 drop of peppermint oil to the tea. Peppermint oil is very strong, so only use a drop.
This is a great medicinal tea that clears clogged sinuses and helps you feel much better if you have a cold. The vitamin C in the lemon juice also boosts your immune system and helps you feel better fast.
Night Time Soother
1/2 cup fresh or dried Chamomile flowers
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Honey to taste
Place the Chamomile into the teapot and add 1 cup very hot water.
Pour the tea into a cup and add the honey and lemon juice.
Drink this at bed time and it will help you get to sleep and also help build up your immune system and repair your cells while you sleep.
*Fresh honey produced locally is best. Honey bees gather pollen from flowers near their hive which will help you avoid allergies to local pollens. Many commercial honey brands may be collected for factories hundreds or even thousands of miles away from you. Check your local farmer's market for locally grown' honey. The flavor is also superior.