Page 18 - Fourways Gardens December20

Health & Wellness

the health BeneFitS oF tea

B y Michelle R a y M ond

Herbal teas have been used for thousands of
years by many cultures as medicine, muti and

preventative remedies.

I Tea for a cold or a sore throat
believe that a cup of tea can cure just
about anything. And in some cultures, it
• 1 - 2 cups of water
does just that.
• 1 spring onion (don’t knock it till you have found at most supermarkets. If you do not
have ghee, use butter)
Nowadays, herbal teas come conveniently tried it) • Sugar/honey to taste
packaged and readily available from any • A 2cm piece of fresh ginger, finely
store. But on closer inspection, many of chopped, or 2 - 3 pinches of ground ginger Place the milk in a saucepan over low
them contain artificial flavourings and • Half a teaspoon of ground black pepper heat and bring to a gentle boil. Add all
additives. So although they may taste nice, • A pinch of rock salt ingredients except the honey or sugar.
they are not very beneficial to one’s health. • A teaspoon of honey Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes,
stirring occasionally. Do not let the milk
Homemade herbal teas are a much better Boil the water in a pot. Add all the burn or boil over. Turn off the heat and allow
alternative and are so easy to make. ingredients except the honey. Turn the heat the mixture to cool to a warm, drinkable
Just remember: It is always best to make down and gently simmer for 10 minutes. temperature. Strain and pour into a cup and
these teas fresh and avoid reheating them. Turn off the heat and allow the tea to infuse then add honey or sugar to taste. Drink it
for a further 5 minutes. Strain the tea then while it’s warm, just before going to bed. Or
Here are 5 must-try herbal tea recipes to add the honey. Drink it as hot as you can better yet, drink it while in bed.
brew at home. handle it.
Cooling tea for summer
Tea to support digestion Did you know? The honey must never be • 4 cups of water
• 1 cup of water heated on a stove or microwave, as heated • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin honey is considered toxic (changes form • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• Half a teaspoon of ground black pepper and is very hard to digest) in Ayurveda. • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 2 - 3 pinches of ground ginger
• A pinch of rock salt Turmeric tea for a good night’s sleep Boil 4 cups of water in a pot. Add the spices
(aka Golden Milk) and simmer gently until the water has
Boil 1 cup of water in a pot. Add the spices • 1 cup of milk reduced by half. Turn off the heat and allow
and salt. Bring the water back to a boil then • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder the tea to infuse for another 5 - 10 minutes.
simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the tea into a • A sprinkle of ground black pepper Strain the mixture. Pour into a cup and
cup. Drink it hot 30 - 45 minutes before a meal. • A dab of ghee (ghee is clarified butter and enjoy hot or at room temperature.

Fourways Gardens • 16 • December 2020