Page 12 - The Villager December 2020

The healTh benefiTs of Tea

By MICHELLE RAyMOND

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

muti and preventative remedies.

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

10 • Issue 12 2020 • The Villager