TEA’S JUST THE TONIC

It is great for your health to go

Focus on hobbies and interests that don’t require alcohol.

One man who found himself drinking heavily after retirement is former aircraft technician Vince Brown, 54, pictured right.

Vince, who lives with his wife Sandra and has two grown-up daughters, said: “In summer 2015 my old knee injury from playing rugby had become so painful that I just couldn’t continue the hard physical graft of my job any more.

“I had to be signed off and then retire. I really missed the Chai Tonic Tea Serves 1 This chai tea has added spices to boost digestion and your immune system, as well as to calm your mind. Ingredients 2 black peppercorns 2 green cardamom pods 1 clove, ½ a cinnamon stick 1 black teabag or 1 tbsp black loose leaf tea Few slices of fresh ginger root Few slices of fresh turmeric root 120ml water, 120ml milk of choice Sweetener of choice Method: 1 In a frying pan, dry roast the peppercorns, cardamom pods, clove and cinnamon stick, then lightly crush with a pestle and mortar. 2 Blend the ginger and turmeric with a little water to make a paste. 3 In a saucepan over a medium heat, add the water, ginger and turmeric paste, tea and spices. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 mins. 4 Add milk and sweetener. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and strain into a mug.

From Tonic: Delicious & Natural Remedies to Boost Your Health by Tanita de Ruijt (Hardie Grant, £12.99). Photography © Patricia Niven.