Growing up, I wasn’t much of a tea drinker. Sure I drank plenty of southern sweet tea, but herbal tea wasn’t even on my radar.
However, my eyes were opened to the world of loose leaf herbal tea when I got married.
You see, someone gifted us with a Bigelow tea sampler box that we took with us on our honeymoon road trip across the US. Over the next 2 weeks, we both fell in love with their Mint Medley blend. I remember the first time we drank it together. We were in Pennsylvania Amish country sitting outside on an upstairs balcony breathing in the clean, crisp summer air. We both had hot cups of honey sweetened mint tea in our hands. We were on top of the world… no place to go… together… with our whole lives ahead of us. I love that memory.
You know, they say our memories are linked to scents, and it never fails that anytime I drink a cup of mint tea, I’m magically transported back to that little balcony in Pennsylvania.
Over the years, I’ve linked other memories with scents and flavors of different teas as well. For example, a strong cup of hot, apple flavored chamomile tea before bed on cold winter evenings will put me to sleep like no one’s business, sipping on plain peppermint tea when my stomach feels unsettled will calm it right down, and drinking hot chai tea with my kiddos as we read our history and science lessons after lunch has become the norm lately. Maybe it’s the associations my brain has or maybe it’s the properties of the tea… probably both, but herbal tea has become a staple in my little family. My kids ask for tea any time they’re feeling under the weather.
Maybe it’s the associations my brain has with the situation or memory, or maybe it’s the properties of the tea. No matter, herbal tea has become a staple in my little family, and my kids ask for tea any time they’re feeling under the weather.
Today I want to share 7 simple herbal tea recipes for everyday ailments with you for two reasons. One, so herbal tea can become the norm for you, and two, so you can have your own scent associated memories to enjoy like I have.
7 Simple Herbal Teas For Everyday Ailments
Below you’ll find 7 simple herbal tea recipes you can use for different situations you may be dealing with. Simply steep the amounts below in 8 ounces of boiled water for 3-5 minutes, sweeten with honey if you’d like, and sip slowly. Don’t forget to breathe in the scents and steam. It’s good for your mind and body!
1. Chamomile for Anxiety
1 tsp dried/ 2 tsp fresh
2. Lavender for Sleep
2 tsp dried/ 4 tsp fresh
3. Peppermint for Upset Stomach
1 tsp dried/ 2 tsp fresh
4. Ginger for Nausea
3-5 thin slices, fresh
5. Sage for Sore Throats
3 tsp dried/ 6 tsp fresh
6. Rosehips for Immunity
4 tbsp dried
7. Dandelion for Muscle Cramps
4 tbsp dried
I purchase all of my organic herbs at Mountain Rose Herbs. They have a great selection, great quality, and their customer service has never failed me!
So there you go… some simple herbal teas to get you started not only drinking more tea and letting it help you when you’re feeling not so great but to also help you make beautiful, everyday memories too. Yeah, herbal tea can do that for you!
Do you have a specific tea that you drink that brings you back to a sweet memory? What is it? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below!
xo, Meagan
I love sweet chai tea before bed it helps me sleep.
Ummm! Chai! Love it. Thanks for your comment, Margaret!
As I sit up in the sun porch at TechReady. Building, I see a clock tower off to my right, and a large mansion straight ahead. I live in a valley in Newbie, surrounded by mountains. Drinking apple pie tea from bulk herb store, yes, I’m a fan of them too. Love their teas.. I too use to drink sweet tea growing up as a child, later in life started to grow mint teas also. So yes mint teas is my favorite too.. About three years ago, chocolate o mint taste great too, but I made them too strong.. I had to learn not to make it too pungent for taste . I didn’t like so much growing my teas, because I would have visitors come to my little one eight acre and use it for their potty break. That curve my appetite in growing my garden, until I put up raised bed all over the place, which keeps our friendly visitors out. So back to apple pie tea, helps me wind down at night, but still not enough to get in my hours of sleep. Oh yes once raising kids, then the menopause set in. Only get four to five hour s of sleep still not enough sleep for what I do during the day.. Working on a sleep medicine on four different herbs, catnip,lavender,chamomile and Passion flower in vegetable glycerin. Result: too sweet for me, must water it down, but is helping me get to sleep faster. Life here been busy in this Tech world, I juggle between making homemade food and helping with the customers. Waiting for the day I can ride my bike on our Redbank trail. It’s been raining here..?
Thanks for sharing, Monica!
What part of dandelion for muscle cramps, please?
Both the leaf and the root contain minerals that can help the body with muscle cramps. Hope that helps!
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