Everyone dreams of having a beautiful herb garden in which they can grow a plethora of herbs in which to harvest, dry, and make teas and tinctures with. Unfortunately that is not always the case for most of us, with constraints such as where we live, time, or the lack of a verdant thumb we cant always be brewing up our own home grown potions to take care of whatever ails us. Well never fear! I am here to tell you about my top 5 favorite store bought home brews! With just a few ingredients and some hot water you can whip up an infusion that will uplift you.
So, to be clear before the tea snobs kick in - yes, a tea technically requires tea leaves to be tea. Anything else is just an infusion. That being said lets dive into my favorite things to drink when my mind, body, or spirit needs a pick me up. My Top 5 Home Infusions 1. Lemon, Ginger & Honey Infusion - Cure All This is my go to when ever I feel a sniffle or a scratch in my throat. It is very simple to make and more often then not you have the ingredients laying around your house. Simply brew a small piece of fresh ginger root, the peel of a lemon (be careful not to get the white pith - yucky), and some honey together for this cure all. Ingredients:
1 tea spoon Honey - your choice - but I love local wildflower honey.
1 slice of fresh ginger - about the size of a nickle or a quarter.
The zest of half a lemon.
Directions: Steep all the ingredients in hot water until the desired strength is reached. The longer it steeps the stronger the flavor. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and enjoy.
2. Mint Infusion - Tummy Tamer Any time I have a tummy ache, which I do often, I reach for mint. It is the simplest infusion to make, but soothes an upset tummy like none other. Simply steep fresh mint leaves in hot water. It is really that simple. Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of dried mint or a few springs of fresh mint
Honey, sugar, agave, or sweetener of choice to taste
Directions:This is literally the easiest one to make, simply steep the mint in hot water to taste. Feel free to add some fresh ginger too if want to spice it up. Also, a teaspoon of honey is great if you are having acid problems.
3. Golden Milk (Turmeric Infusion) - Soothing Sleep The first time I heard about this infusion I though the person telling me about it was insane. No joke. But try everything once, right? One thing I can say is if you enjoy Indian or Tibetan food you will likely really enjoy this one. It is fantastic for helping with your digestion and sending you off into a post Thanksgiving slumber. Ingredients:
1 cup milk (dairy, almond, or coconut)
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger (or a slice of fresh)
Directions
Combine the milk, honey, vanilla, and spices in a small pot, or mug, and heat over medium heat, or in the microwave, until warmed through. I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top. Enjoy enjoy this rich spiced beverage before bed to help relax you and send you off to dreamland.
4. Uplifting Sun Brewed Fruit Tea - Uplifting Empowerment
In the need of a pick me up? This will surely deliver and is one of my go to infusions during the summer! Ingredients:
Fruit of your choice - I love raspberries and blackberries!
2 black tea bags
Directions:
Place fresh fruit and tea bags in a sealable container such as a mason jar. Leave in a sunny window, or outside in direct sun for 4 hours. Warm through in a sauce pan or microwave, or serve over ice and enjoy!
5. Rosemary Tea - Energizing This delightful tea was introduced to me by a dear friend. It is now one of my go to teas when I want caffeine and some kick without the acid that comes along with coffee. Ingredients:
1⁄2 teaspoon loose green tea leaves, or 1 green tea bag
1 teaspoon fresh or dried rosemary
pinch of nutmeg
Directions: Steep tea in water until desired flavor is reached. Enjoy this in the morning with toast instead of coffee and get the same kick as you head out the door!
Tell me in the comments below what some of your favorite home brewed teas and infusions are!
**As always with my posts, these are my thoughts and opinions, I am not a doctor or medical expert, and if you feel you need help always consult your doctor first! Thank you for reading, and always remember: Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.