Gardens, supermarkets, and health-food stores are filled with edible flowers, herbs, bushes, trees, even some weeds that when steeped make delicious and healthful hot brews.
And drinking a tea brewed from freshly gathered herbs is an easy way to get nature’s healing force into your body, according to Bessie Rice of Coon Branch nearIaeger in McDowell County.
“It’s something we all need,” explained the herbal enthusiast, who spends much of his time tending wild plants. “Whether we are healthy or fighting an illness, fresh herbal teas help strengthen the immune system and help us detoxify.”
Rice said herbs from the garden or wild plants from the forest are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, essential oils, soluble fiber, minerals (including calcium), enzymes, chlorophyll, and numerous compounds to boost our health.
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Herbs are plants that are also valued for their medicinal, and aromatic qualities.
Many are tasty too.
And a tea made from fresh herbs captures the therapeutic ingredients of the plant, Rice noted, explaining:
“Much of what we can use in our tea may already be growing in our gardens, and what is not there we can easily plant or purchase.”
Tea enthusiasts drink with their eyes and nose as well as their palates, according to Rice.
“When boiling water is poured over herbs, the plants’ soluble organic compounds are broken down. The resulting fragrance excites the senses. The bitter taste associated with many herbs is an indication of the herbs’ inherent therapeutic qualities.”
Teas may consist of leaves, blossoms and/or roots, Riceexplained. “Those who already like herbal tea will be pleased with the smooth, rich flavor of their own garden tea.”
However, the herbalist warned, “Teas from your garden are a surprising departure from those brewed with ready-made tea bags. Patrons just starting out should be prepared for a fresh, vibrant, unfamiliar mix of tastes.”
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At the same time, herbal teas can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They can be used to relax the soul, heal the body, or just as a refreshing beverage.
Soaking your herbal teas might include the following steps:
Place one to two teaspoons of the plants you gathered per cup of water in a big pot or sparkling clean coffee press free of oils and pour boiling water over them.Then cover and steep for 15 minutes.
Rice suggests using a glass pot. “This allows you to see the beauty of your herbs.”
“For variety,” she added, “try a cup of catnip or lemon balm tea before bedtime to relieve anxiety for a good night’s sleep. Try a cup of peppermint tea for a headache, or rosemary tea to relieve a migraine,” the herbalist offered good naturedly.
Sage tea can relieve a sore throat and aid in digestion. Teas made from edible kitchen herbs can serve a variation of purposes, including basil for insect stings, dill for flatulence, marjoram for sinus congestion, oregano for bloating, parsley for urinary tract health or for treating bad breath, thyme for bronchitis and verbena for nausea.
For a noble fragrance in the kitchen, Rice suggests using a potpourri of bay leaves, hyssop, lemon thyme, rosemary, sage, and lemon peels. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spice can be added to create your own individual scent.
However, persons should avoid harvesting herbs for consumption from roadsides, under power lines, or in other areas that might have been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides. Herbal enthusiasts should avoid poisonous greens, such as the leaves of tomato or potato plants.
Proper identification is a must when dealing with wild herbs, according to Rice, a family matriarch who is quick to point out that there are many dangerous plants that resemble safe ones.
“For those who are interested,” the woman explained,“the U.S. Army maintains a comprehensive website of poisonous plants at www.apgea.army.mil/ento/plant.htm.”
A cup of herbal tea offers a diversity of social opportunities, Rice pointed out. “When you invite someone over for a cup of tea, you are announcing both your friendship and appreciation,” she said.
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Top o’ the morning!
Editor’s note: Many herbs now are used for their healing and calming qualities. Some have medicinalassets and should be treated with caution. In today’s world, it is imperative that consumers research all herbs they are using to avoid experiencing adverse reactions with prescribed pharmaceutical drugs theyalso are taking. Everyone should check with a qualified physician before embarking on a mission to explore herbs for their healthful benefits, herbalists warn.