Do you drink tea? Hot or cold? Being from the South, i definitely LOVE my sweet tea to be iced, but during the winter, a nice warm cup of tea really hits the spot.
Teas have been used for centuries, by many different cultures, for ceremonial rituals and ailments. Researchers have found evidence of a tea-like concoction in Native American pottery. This tea, called "black drink", is thought to have been used for a purification ritual by the Cahokia men prior to battle or other important events. This drink was made by steeping dried holly leaves and stems. (Source: Daily Mail UK) |
| My favorite mug. *Get it here: Amazon |
According to lore, tea was first discovered by Shen Nung, the second Emperor of China, in 2737 B.C., when the wind blew tea leaves into his pot of hot water. This is said to be the first ever infusion of tea. (Source: China.org)
So, what about medicinal properties? Throughout history, you can find references to tea for a wide range of concerns. Even in the world we live in now, there are many that still use these flavorful concoctions to treat their symptoms. And it's not just tea leaves! You can make a tea out of any herb! Here are a few ideas for you:
Peppermint
Why It’s Powerful: Helps to relax the muscles of the digestive tract and reduce spasms.
Recipe to Try: Chocolate Mint Tea Blend
Chamomile
Why It’s Powerful: Calming and great for digestion.
Recipe to Try: Chamomile Tea Latte
Turmeric
Turmeric
Why It’s Powerful: Strongly anti-inflammatory and rich in anti-cancer properties.
Recipe to Try: Ginger Turmeric Herbal Tea
Cinnamon
Why It’s Powerful: Great for balancing blood sugar. Cinnamon also offers a natural sweetness.
Recipe to Try: Make your own tea bags AND Vanilla Cinnamon Tea
*Or try these disposable tea bags: AMAZON
Ashwagandha
Why It’s Powerful: Relieves stress, calms the mind, boosts energy levels and reduces inflammation. Also supports thyroid health.
Recipe to Try: Stress-Busting Adaptogen Latte
Marshmallow
Why It’s Powerful: A mucilaginous herb that soothes the mucus membranes of the digestive system, respiratory tract and urinary tract.
Recipe to Try: Marshmallow Root Tea Recipe
Lavender
Why It’s Powerful: Has a calming and sedative effect, helps to relax the muscles.
Recipe to Try: Lavender Chamomile Mint Tea
Do you have a favorite tea? Homemade or store bought? Share in the comments below!
