ALMOST everyone is familiar with the herb chamomile and its yellow and white daisy-like flowers that are used to make the popular tea.
Since ancient times, herbs like chamomile have been used as teas to ease certain ailments and to improve health.
Today, they are just as appropriate, and also provide a refreshing taste alternative to conventional teas.
Many herbal teas are now readily available as tea bags from health food stores and supermarkets, and are sold singularly or in blends.
For something a little different, why not try cinnamon tea. This delicious, spicy tea is a favourite with my family, especially on cold nights, and can be enjoyed morning or night as a refreshing alternative to conventional tea.
Put 250 grams of dried white clover blossoms and one large cinnamon stick, broken into pieces (both available from your local health food shop), in an enamel or stainless steel pan and add half-a-litre of boiling water. Bring to a simmer, add one teaspoon of finely grated orange rind and cook gently for five minutes.
Remove from the stove, cover and infuse for a further five minutes. Strain and sweeten to taste with honey.
Any excess tea may be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and warmed before drinking.
An excellent first tea to try, if you haven't already enjoyed the experience, is lemon grass. It is very palatable and refreshing, rich in vitamin A and is considered ideal for purifying the skin and refining its texture.
Peppermint has a refreshing and delicately fruity taste, and is by far one of the best known of the herbal teas. It acts as a tonic and is reputed to relieve congestion from any part of the body, bronchial, cold, etc, and will relieve indigestion, flatulence and digestive disturbances. It will also act as a mild sedative when taken prior to bed.
Drink it with a slice of lemon and honey and it will help to ease a nagging headache.
Chamomile is one of the safest and gentlest of all the herbs.
In Europe, many people drink a cup of this herbal tea as their customary nightcap to relax them before going to bed. Taken whenever needed, it will calm the nerves and is ideal at study time or when under stress.
It is also a time-honoured remedy to relieve menstrual pain, nervous tension and to help prevent migraine headaches.
Rose-hip tea has always been a very popular beverage for prevention of colds. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, as well as vitamins A, E and B, and can be drunk hot in winter with a slice of lemon, a little honey and a pinch of spice.
So next time you feel like a cuppa, try a herbal tea instead!
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