Time for Tea

Some simple recipes for some tasty teas

I love tea, and I think I don’t have a ritual with it until someone comes over and then I realise I kinda do. I have to have a bucket mug, that mug needs to have a nice handle and the right shape so it won’t go cold quick - cold tea is such a disappointment! Are there any musts for you to have the perfect brew?

I’ve just been to a lot of tea ceremonies on my travels. I got the giggles in Japan, which take it all very seriously, I made eye contact with a sprightly Japanese lady sitting in the front row and that was it! She was laughing at me laughing at her, she spoke to me after, it was lovely and her tongue was bright green from all the Matcha. They go to school to learn how to make tea its wild and wonderful.

In a tiny tea house in the hutongs of Beijing we took shots of green tea as scalding hot water was tipped all over a frog statue with a lucky coin in its mouth between each brew.

Mark was brewed sweet herbal Bedouin tea for a tummy upset in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan. It really helped.

Tea, wherever you go is an integral part of human society. Where there is tea there is life and apparently in Britain we guzzle down 165 million cups a day!!!

I have been enjoying some herbal teas, as everything is in abundance at the moment and can be picked and popped straight into a teapot - no special skills required! I take about 2-3 shoots, really depends how strong you like it and then leave it to steep for 5-10 mins. I don’t add any sweetness but you can if you like.

These are the plants I have been enjoying drinking…

Thyme

Benefits:

1. Thyme contains phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that can help balance oestrogen levels, which is beneficial for managing hormonal imbalances.

2. It can help alleviate menstrual cramps and symptoms of PMS due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

3. Thyme tea is also good for respiratory health, which indirectly supports overall well-being and energy levels.

Mint

Benefits:

1. Mint, particularly spearmint, has been shown to reduce androgens, which can be beneficial for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and related hormonal conditions.

2. Mint tea aids digestion and reduces bloating, which can help with the digestive disturbances often associated with hormonal imbalances.

3. The calming effects of mint can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are often linked to hormonal fluctuations.

Sage

Benefits:

1. Sage is known for its ability to reduce hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women due to its phytoestrogen properties.

2. Sage has been linked to improved memory and cognitive function, which can decline with hormonal imbalances.

3. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for overall hormonal health.

Nettle

Benefits:

1. Nettle helps in the metabolism of oestrogen, which can aid in balancing hormone levels.

2. It supports the adrenal glands, which are crucial for the production and regulation of hormones.

3. Nettle is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron and magnesium, which support overall hormonal health and energy levels.

Lemon Balm

Benefits:

1. Lemon balm can help regulate the thyroid, which plays a significant role in hormone production and balance.

2. It has a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety, which can significantly impact hormonal health.

3. Lemon balm helps alleviate menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms due to its antispasmodic properties.

So enjoy a cuppa brew and while you are at it you are getting the bonus prize of all the great properties that are in the plants win win!!

Let me know how you got on and what you enjoyed :)