Humans are sensitive, perceiving organisms and our health and wellness relies on how well our bodies respond to the world around us. We are able to manage significant amounts of stress by having simple and thoughtful awareness of the changing seasons. By paying close attention to the growth of the plants and animals in your environment, you can become more conscious of the changes in your own thoughts and feelings as the seasons also change.
Each season presents the body with different kinds of support and stress. In the heat of summer - knowing how to stay cool and hydrated with nourishing iced teas can have a powerful impact on your energy, stamina and cardiovascular function. During wintertime, the body struggles to keep warm, so different herbs and teas are helpful for boosting immunity and feel cosy in your own skin. Drinking teas for seasonal health does not have to be complicated. I usually have half a dozen teas on hand during each season to provide the tender support my body needs.
Here are few simple recipes for those that enjoy experimenting at home and making their own tea blends. It’s very simple - you only need few things including: clear glass jar, marking tape, mixing bowl, spoon and dried, organic plants and herbs from Santos Organics bulk section.
The following recipes are my top recommendations to take in the change of season from Winter to Spring.
1) Immune Tea
- harmonizing blend for sinus, lungs & Immunity
Ingredients:
- 1 part elderberry - antiviral
- 1 part elecampane root – lung decongestant
- 1 part echinacea – immune support
- 1 part eucalyptus – sinus support
- 1 part eyebright – sinus support
- 1 part lemon balm -antiviral
- 0.5 part licorice root – sooths sore throat
- 0.5 part slippery elm or marshmallow root – sooths sore throat
Method:
Pour 1.5 cups hot water over 1 tablespoon tea. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
2) Rejuvenate Tea
– tonic blend for stress, trauma and chronic fatigue
Ingredients:
- 5 parts burdock root
- 3 parts dandelion root
- 3 parts fenugreek seeds
- 2.5 parts ashwagandha (Indian ginseng)
- 2.5 parts codonopsis
- 2 parts chaga mushrooms
- 2 parts rhodiola
- 2 parts astragalus
- 2 parts cinnamon (optional)
- 1 part reishi mushrooms
- Fresh ginger, grated (optional)
Method:
Combine 3 tablespoons tea and 4 cups water in a lidded saucepan. Slowly bring to a simmer. Simmer for 20 to 60 minutes or longer. The longer you decoct the tea, the more potent the tea becomes and the more water is necessary for the simmer. If you do not initially like the strong, potent flavor, use more water to dilute and mellow it.
3) Allergy Tea
- reliving tea for allergy symptoms in change of season
Ingredients:
- 3 parts nettle leaf – lymphatic and antihistamine
- 1.5 parts albizia – sinus support and antihistamine
- 1.5 parts peppermint – sinus support
- 1.5 parts anise seeds = prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria
- 1 part eye bright – sinus support
- 1 part elderflower – respiratory support
- 1 part marshmallow root -demulcent
- 1 part local bee pollen or 1 teaspoon local honey (optional) – reduces the severity of seasonal pollen allergies
- 0.5 part red clover blossoms – lymphatic
Method:
Pour 1.5 cups hot water over 1 tablespoon tea. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Add a touch of local honey for a sweeter taste.
4) Transition Tea
– a revival tea when winter opens to spring (contains caffeine)
Ingredients:
- 1 part nettle leaf – mineral rich, lymphatic support
- 1 part black tea or oolong – antioxidant, energy support
- 1 part fennel – digestive support
- 0.5 part mint – digestive support
- 0.5 part rose petals – high in vitamin C, reduce inflammation
Method:
Pour 1.5 cups hot water over 1 tablespoon tea. Steep for 3 minutes. Strain. Re-steep for another 4 minutes. It is important to strain the tea out of the water in between steepings so the black or oolong tea does not go bitter on you.
5) Glowing Skin Tea
– cleansing tea for all skin types
Ingredients:
- 1 part Dandelion root – liver and digestive support
- 1 part Nettle leaf – nutritive and lymphatic support
- 1 part Burdock root – liver cleanse
- 1 part or chamomile – soothing digestive and nervine
- 1 part Nettle leaf – nutritive and lymphatic support
- 1 part Burdock root – liver cleanse
- 1 part of chamomile – soothing digestive and nervine
- 1 part Schizandra Berries – adaptogenic and cleansing
- 1 part rosehip – antioxidant
Method:
Pour 1.5 cups hot water over 1 tablespoon tea and steep for 5 min. you can steep 2-3 times but each time it will taste little weaker.
Enjoy.
