A BOTANICAL BREW
From the soothing qualities of camomile to the refreshing uplift of mint, herbal infusions are steeped in healing properties
Whether uplifting mint, soothing camomile or highly effective blends, herbal infusions are steeped in healing qualities
On a cold winter’s day, few things are as comforting as a hot drink. Teas and infusions have been used for centuries to treat ailments and promote good health, and many of us now opt for herbal brews as often as a traditional cuppa. As well as being naturally caffeine-free, herbs have a wealth of different properties: whether calming or energising, nourishing or
cleansing, soporific or hormone-balancing. Many of the plants may well be in your garden already, and the spices in your larder. All the equipment you really need is a kettle, a teapot and a tea strainer. And, of course, time to sit back and enjoy your cup. Try these brews devised by nutritionist Karen Sullivan and herbalist Paula Grainger. PM TEA
Get swift relief from irritability, bloating and other premenstrual symptoms with this restorative blend. Drink 1-2 cups as soon as you notice signs and continue to use until they recede, having up to four cups per day.
Makes 500ml 1 tsp dried lemon balm 1 tsp dried dandelion leaf 1 tsp dried lady’s mantle 1 tsp dried nettle leaf
Place the herbs in a warmed teapot. Bring a kettle of filtered water to just below boiling point and pour 500ml into the teapot, replacing the lid. Leave to steep for 10 minutes, then strain.
MEMORY BOOST TEA
If you are always hunting for your keys, try a cup of this blend. Many of the ingredients have long-term benefits that may aid memory and even help to prevent dementia. Drink a cup, hot or cold, daily. Ginkgo leaf should be taken only under medical supervision if you’re on blood-thinning medication.
Makes 2 mugs 1 tsp dried gotu kola 1 tsp dried lemon balm 1 tsp dried tulsi (holy basil) 1 tsp dried ginkgo leaf ½ tsp dried rosemary or 1 small sprig of fresh rosemary ¼ tsp dried bacopa leaf 1cm piece of fresh root ginger, finely sliced
Place the herbs in a warmed teapot and mix well. Bring a kettle of filtered water to just below boiling point and pour 600ml into the teapot, then replace the lid. Leave to infuse for 5 minutes, before straining into the mugs.
SWEET SLEEP TEA
Drink a cup an hour before bed so the herbs can start to work their magic before your head hits the pillow. Omit the hops if you have depression or an oestrogenic condition.
Makes 1 large mug 1 tsp dried camomile flowers 1 tsp dried linden flowers ½ tsp dried catmint leaf ½ tsp dried passionflower ¼ tsp dried hop flowers 1 twist of orange zest pinch dried lavender flowers
Bring a kettle of filtered water to just below boiling point. Stuff a tea ball or infuser with the herbs and place it in a mug. Pour over enough water to fill, allow to steep for 5 minutes, then remove the infuser.
TIME FOR TEA
Tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Traditional teabags are filled with black tea – fermentation turns the fresh leaves from green to dark brown or black. Green tea comes from the same plant, but is not fermented, while oolong tea is partially fermented.
Tea leaves are rich in antioxidants called polyphenols and catechins. Several studies have linked regular consumption with a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke, and evidence suggests drinking tea (of any type) could even help to protect against osteoporosis and lung disease.
A cuppa could also help boost your mood. Black tea contains caffeine and theophylline, which both make you feel more awake and alert, and a recent study found that drinking three cups of tea a day may reduce the risk of depression.