I use to be a huge fan of coffee but over the years I started leaning more towards a nice cup of tea.  Don’t get me wrong I still love a great cup of organic coffee, a few teaspoons of turbinado or cane sugar and a few drops of organic creamer or organic coconut milk YUM!  But there’s something about a cup of tea that keeps me going back for more.

As my thirst for tea has grown, so has my knowledge surrounding it.  Did you know all tea comes from virtually the same plant?  There are several different processes or times that the tea leaves are picked that make the flavors different but most tea comes from the CAMELLIA SINENSIS aka tea plant.

I’ve also learned that there are several health benefits to tea that many are not aware of and that there is a difference in herbal teas vs non herbal teas.  Herbal tea do not usually contain caffeine and are made from a blend of different flowers and herbs which not only offer health benefits but also have amazing aromatic properties associated with them.  Non herbal tea, such as green tea and black tea both of which have many varieties contain some amount of caffeine (depending on the tea and process) are extremely flavorful and versatile.  You can add milk, cream, herbs and flavors extracts such as cinnamon or vanilla to create an amazingly unique cup or pot of tea.

And who says you have to drink tea hot?  Allow your tea to cool in the refrigerator for few hours and enjoy a cool and refreshing drink on a hot day!

Create Your Own Herbal Tea Blends

Here are a few herbal tea blends that help when your not feeling well.  You can combine all herbs or use individually.  Steep 1 tsp of your blend per 6oz of water (use good clean water not from tap for best results) for about 5-7 minutes depending on the strength you want to obtain and add sugar, honey, agave, stevia to your taste.

Nausea – Ginger, Peppermint

Sore Throat – Peppermint, Spearmint, Ginger, Licorice root *Add a few drops of Lemon or lemon zest

Headache – Peppermint, Rosemary, Basil * you’ll want to make sure you inhale the vapor/steam coming from your cup for the aromatic effect

Insomnia/Hard time falling asleep – Chamomile, Lavender

Always try and use herbs/flowers/leaves that are natural and free from chemicals and pesticides.