Winter Tea Recipes from Savayda Jarome
(See "The Joy of Tea in Winter" by Savadya Jerome for more information on winter tea blending.)
Breath of Life Tea
Mix equal parts:
Balsam fir needles
Mullein
Peppermint
Hyssop
Cardamom seeds
Mullein is a lung tonic and is helpful in cases of lung congestion and cough, hyssop is also helpful for coughs and asthma. Balsam fir must be harvested during a forest walk, which is also good for our lungs : -)
Sunshine in My Cup of Tea
Calendula 2 parts
Holy basil 3 parts
Rosemary 1 part
Orange or lemon peel 2 parts
Ginger root or powder 1 part
The bright orange and yellow blossoms of calendula remind me of the sun. Holy basil is very tasty and is very sustaining to the nervous system, rosemary clears the mind and helps chase away the winter blues. Citrus peel reminds me of sunshine, and the heat of ginger feels like sun rays in the tummy.
February 14th
2 tsp. Damiana
2 tsp. Rose petals
1 Tbsp. orange peel
a pinch of cayenne powder
2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 cup water
1 cup milk of any kind - dairy, soy, almond, rice, oat
Simmer the damiana, rose and orange peel in the water for five minutes. Strain. Add the cayenne, cocoa and milk and return to the boil, stir and watch that it doesn’t boil over. Sweeten to taste with honey. This one is best shared with the special person in your life, all winter-long and especially on February 14th. Damiana is a relaxant that stimulates certain desires.
Spicy Chai
6 parts cardamom
4 parts cinnamon
2 parts fennel
1 part clove
1 part black peppercorns
The secret to making good chai is to grind the whole spices in small batches in a coffee grinder – this will triple the aroma and flavour. To make chai, simmer 1 tsp. of the spice mix per cup of water, covered, for five minutes, include 1 tsp. black tea or rooibos tea (caffeine free) in the pot. Strain. Return to the pot and add an equal amount of milk of any kind and return to the boil. Sweeten to taste with honey.
This tasty traditional tea of India makes an excellent after dinner tea, or for after coming in from the cold.
Immune Power Blend
Elderberries 3 parts
Hibiscus 1 part
Star anise 2 parts
Orange peel 1 part
Juniper berries 1 part
Simmer ingredients in water for 15 minutes (1 tbsp of the mixture per cup of water). Strain. I like to sweeten this one with pomegranate syrup, available at Middle Eastern and Indian grocery stores. This one has a very strong flavour, drink ½ cup as needed if you feel a cold or flu coming on.
