Photo by Rachael Brugger |
Believe it or not, the crops, herbs and even “weeds” that grow on your farm can do more than put a meal on your table. Many of these ingredients can be used as natural medications in the form of herbal teas.
“Medicinal teas may be consumed on a daily basis to maintain optimum health or to address acute conditions, such as a cough, cold, flu or respiratory infection,” says Christa Sinadinos, a clinical herbalist and founder of the Northwest School for Botanical Studies.
Plants in the mint family, fennel, lemon verbena and pineapple sage are great herbs to start growing for teas, she says, and they can be used alone or as a flavoring agent with other ingredients. If you want to take control of your health care and fight seasonal illnesses, mix together this recipe for Nutritive Tea.
Recipe: Nutritive Tea
Courtesy Christa Sinadinos, herbalist
Ingredients
- 2 parts peppermint or spearmint
- 1 part oat straw
- 1/2 part nettles
- 1/2 part alfalfa
- 1/2 part horsetail
- 1/2 part red clover
- a pinch stevia
Preparation
Crumble the ingredients to release their essential oils. Place herbs in a tea ball or piece of cheese cloth in a cup and cover with boiling water. (Do not boil the herbs in water.) Steep the herbs for about 4 to 6 minutes.
