By Living Room Realty, September 19, 2019
As the leaves change and the weather cools, we bundle up and prepare for winter! Usually the winter months bring holiday stress, new germs from back to school, and the cold wet Portland weather we all know (and love?) This combo can bring colds and sickness into our winter months.
Herbal remedies like teas and tinctures can be a great way to fortify our immune systems before getting sick, or if you are already feeling under the weather a hot cup of tea is just the ticket! Try this blend full of vitamins and minerals that are perfect for combating the cold winter months ahead.
Winter Tea Blend:
1/2 cup dried red raspberry leaf
- Raspberry leaf is high in calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. It can also be helpful in reducing menstrual cramps.
1/4 -1/2 cup dried nettle
- Nettle has more chlorophyll than any other herb, and is high in vitamins A, C, D and potassium and iron. It can have a bit of a bitter taste, so feel free to reduce the amount down to 1/3 or 1/4 cup depending on your taste.
1/3 cup dried lemon balm
- Lemonbalm has antiviral properties, and adds a tasty element to our tea blend.
1/4 cup dried rosehips
- Rosehips are higher in vitamin C than even citrus fruit, and are also high in antioxidants
1/4 cup dried elderberry
- Various studies have shown that elderberry has an antiviral effect, and can help shorten and alleviate flu symptoms.
1/3 cup dried hibiscus flower
- Hibiscus is high in antioxidants and vitamin C, and adds a delicious tart flavor to the tea.
Combine all herbs in a large glass jar, and seal. When ready to drink, steep 2-3 tablespoons in hot water for 4-7 minutes. Enjoy on its own or with honey!
For all your herbal needs, stop by Dragon Herbarium in SW Portland! There you will find a wide selection of medicinal bulk herbs, culinary herbs and cooking spice blends, herbal tinctures, incense and essential oils, and gems and candles.
