December 1, 2010

Herbal Teas for What Ails You This Winter

One of my favorite mystery writers and thoughtful Hill Country blogger, Susan Wittig Albert, was kind enough to let me reprint some herbal remedy teas from her most recent "All About Thyme" newsletter. Full of herbal facts, recipes, and seasonal notes, her newsletter can be found at abouthyme.com. There you'll also find information about her books, a sneak peek from her upcoming China Bayles mystery Morning Gloria, recipes, and more. 


Ginger and Lemon Tea for Colds and Flu
 
1½ cups water
½ cup lemon juice
4 slices fresh gingerroot, about ¼" thick
¼ teaspoon cayenne
1 tablespoon honey
Bring water to a boil in a non-reactive pan. Bruise the slices of gingerroot and drop them into the boiling water. Reduce heat and simmer about five minutes. Remove from heat, strain into a cup. Add lemon juice, honey, and cayenne. Stir and sip. 


Thyme, Sage, and Peppermint Tea for Coughs and Fever
 
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried peppermint
1 cup boiling water
Place the herbs in a tea ball or strainer in a cup. Pour the boiling water over them, cover and steep 8-10 minutes. Sweeten with honey. Sip while warm, up to two cups a day, for 3-4 days. 


Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme Tea for Headaches
 
½ teaspoon dried lavender flowers
½ teaspoon rosemary, bruised
½ teaspoon thyme
1 cup boiling water
Place the herbs in a tea ball or strainer in a cup. Pour the boiling water over them, cover and steep for 8-10 minutes. Sweeten with honey. Sip while warm.



Dry, high pressure days (like today) do a number on my head and nose so I'll be sipping some of these shortly. What are your favorite herbal teas for what ails you?

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