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Tea is quite likely the oldest drink in the world.  It is said that a person brought tea to their people when, heating water to drink, some branches fell into the pot.  Pulling the pot from the fire and waiting for it to cool slightly before they were able to pull the leaves out, the leaves steeped in the water and tea was born.  Tea has maintained its integrity and charm ever since.  

Infused with any herbs you like, teas can be used to heal, calm, invigorate, center, or soothe.  The art of making tea is a meditation in itself.  Each tea drinker seems to have their own preferred ritual.  

Recipes are not set in stone.  A recipe comes from someone who created it, passed it on, you tried it, changed it, played with it, and  then passed it on.   Some people keep them a secret, which gives people like me a fun challenge, because I will  try to create something similar or even better. Then there are those who give with their hearts and share their recipes.    

Recipes are forever changing.   You need to add your spice to it, your enjoyment to it, what you crave to it,  take that recipe and add more of something,  or decrease an amount, or just omit an ingredient that you do not care for.  It is just that easy.  

Remember when you are creating your teas and herbal cocoas, roots, bark and seeds are the more tenacious parts of a plant, therefore it is a little harder to extract the constituents from these parts.  This means a slow simmer or an overnight infusion is often required.   When you use roots, barks and seeds, you will need to make a decoction

To make a decoction, place the herbs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water.  Heat slowly and simmer, covered, for 20 to 45 minutes.  The longer you simmer the herbs, the stronger the tea will be. 

When you are using the leaves,flowers and aromatic parts ( aromatic plant part, like valerian root,some people call it poop root), you make an infusion.   These parts of the plant are more delicate.  These fragile plant parts must be steeped, rather than simmered, because they give up their medicinal properties more easily than the tougher roots and barks.  

To make an infusion, simply boil 1 quart of water per ounce of herb.  Or 1 cup water to 1 - 3 tablespoons of herb.  pour water over the herb and let steep for 30 minutes.  

Pictured below is an Nourishing Herbal Infusion of High Calcium Tea.  The jar in the picture is a gallon jar. 

High Calcium Tea Recipe: Make as a tea infusion or nourishing infusion

1 part dried horsetail

1 part dried Nettle

1 part dried oat tops

1 part dried oatstraw

Nourishing Herbal Infusions:  A Quart A Day

You will need herbs, a scale, two quart canning jars with lids, boiling water, and a strainer. Boil a quart of water. While it is heating, measure out one ounce of dried herb and put it in one of the quart jars. When the water boils, pour it into the jar, filling it to the very top. Using a wooden spoon, stir the herb down into the water. If needed, add a little more water. Cap tightly and let sit. After it has brewed for four hours or overnight, strain the liquid from the herb. Use your hands to squeeze the herb so you get every bit of nourishment.  Store the liquid, the infusion, in the refrigerator. Drink it hot or cold.

Sexual Energy Boost: 

1 part dried Damaina

1 part  dried dried Oats

1 part  dried Oatstraw

1 part Epimedium/Horny Goat Weed

Mix, put in a jar and label.

Directions:  1- 2 tablespoon of dried herb to 2 cups of hot water. Bring to a slow boil, cover turn heat down and simmer for 20 minutes.

Kava Kava Root - has the unique ability to relax the body while awakening the mind.  It helps reduce tension, anxiety, and stress.   It's analgesic properties help alleviate pain.  

Kava Kava Hot Cocoa: 

Recipe: http://www.methowvalleyherbs.com/2011/02/kava-hot-cocoa.html

What I did differently: 

I added 1 tablespoon of sweet cinnamon chips. 

I used coconut milk plus water. 

This is my recipe: you will need: 

Kava Kava Root

Sweet Cinnamon Chips

Organic Fair Trade Cocoa Powder

Organic Coconut Milk

Organic Vanilla Extract 

Directions:

1/2 cup Kava Kava Root

1 tablespoon of sweet cinnamon chips

3 cups of spring water or filtered water 

Make a Decoction with the Kava Kava Root and Sweet Cinnamon Chips 

STRAIN: 

Heat strained herbal mixture, add: 

1/2 cup Organic cocoa powder, even better fair trade organic cocoa powder

1 can organic coconut milk

2 cups spring water or filtered water

Bring to a simmer: 

Add: 

1 Tbl. organic vanilla extract 

Stir

Drink 

Enjoy 

You could also top it with some wonderful Marshmallow Root Coconut Cream! Recipe below: 

http://sweetroots.blogspot.com/2012/09/peppermint-hot-chocolate-with-whipped.html

Some other links to Herbal Cocoas: 

http://www.herbco.com/t-chocolate-recipes.aspx

http://bellavistafarm.wordpress.com/tag/herbal-hot-chocolate/

Hot Dandelion Root Cocoa:

 http://mountainroseblog.com/dandelion-hot-cocoa/

Creamy Turmeric Tea, Yummy! 

1 can organic coconut milk

2 - 3 cups spring water or filtered water

1 tsp. Turmeric ( or 2 tsp.)

1 tablespoon fresh minced organic ginger or grated 

pinch of cayenne

pinch of cardamom powder

pinch of cinnamon powder 

Heat coconut milk and water

Then add the rest of the ingredients, stir really good! .  Strain and enjoy! 

Link below:  Turmeric Tea 

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/creamy-turmeric-tea/#axzz2mU0AS2L3

Benefits of Turmeric: 

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6873/25-Reasons-Why-Turmeric-Can-Heal-You.html

http://www.turmeric.co.in/turmeric_ayurvedic_use.htm

Herbal Tea Tasting: 

First Round: 

High Calcium Nourshing Herbal Infusion of horsetail, nettle, oats and oatstraw

Hops- valued for its relaxing effect on the nervous system, and great for insomnia.  Useful for hypertension and eases tension and anxiety in men, as well as decreasing excessive sexual desire.  potent bitter and is excellent as a digestive bitter.  Useful for indigestion due to nervous energy and anxiety. 

Passion Flower - Calming and relaxing.  Has been used to treat epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia and panic attacks.   Can be used for hyperactive children as well as adults. Can be used as a pan reliever for toothache, headache, and menstrual pain.  

Rose Petals- http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail50.php

Lavender Buds- strong nervine and a mild antidepressant.  Offers great relief for headache sufferers. 

Chamomile - a calming, soothing herb, this goes will with the end of the day or before bedtime to ensure restful sleep.  Also beneficial for the skin, used with calendula in teas or baths.  It soothes irritated skin or rashes.  medicinally, it can be used to ease headaches, nerves, and menstrual cramps. 

Valerian Root (described by some of you, as poop root, do to the strong smell)

Second Round

Hibiscus - high in vitamin c and bioflavonoids.  has slight astringent properties.  useful for treating mild colds, flus, bruising, and swelling. 

Elderflower - is used in formulas for colds, flus and upper respiratory infections.  a powerful diaphoretic, by inducing sweating, it reduces fevers.  immune enhancing properties and is especially effective when combined with echinacea. 

Rosehips -  contain more vitamin C than almost any other herb, many times the amount found in citrus fruit.  Antioxidant with disease fighting abilities.  

Elecampane Root - an expectorant and stimulating tonic, used for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, chronic lung ailments, and even tuberculosis.  

Elderberry- is used in formulas for colds, flus and upper respiratory infections.  a powerful diaphoretic, by inducing sweating, it reduces fevers.  immune enhancing properties and is especially effective when combined with echinacea. 

Lobelia (  This one made some of you really dry in your throat) - used for serious respiratory problems.   stimulates the respiratory center in the brain, producing  deeper and stronger breathing.  It is a powerful antispasmodic herb, meaning that it relaxes the chest and opens constricted bronchial passages, it is a superb expectorant,  and excellent for spastic or dry coughing and wheezing.   Great for asthma and bronchitis.  Applied externally, lobelia soothes inflammation  and reduces the pain of boils and rheumatism.    This is one powerful herb and it is best to formulate with other herbs and taken with moderate amounts of water.  Please use tiny amounts when you first try this herb.  It would be best to read more information on it, so you can have a good experience with using it.  http://www.herballegacy.com/King_Dosages.html

Lemongrass - aids digestive health. 

Third Round

Astragalus Root- energizing and tonic herb,  builds up immune strength and it is energizing to the entire body, particularly the spleen and lungs.   It is used to treat chronic imbalances.  It stimulates the rebuilding of the bone marrow reserve that supports and regenerates the body's protective shield.   It is used to prevent and treat long term infections, including chronic colds, recurring flus, and candida.  It promotes circulatory health.  

Fennel- a licorice tasting herb, a little goes a long way.  don't let it over power your tea.  In addition to easing flatulence, this herb tones and strengthens the stomach, cleans the liver, and helps with chest afflictions. Externally it's said you can crush the herb ans use it as a flea powder.  Besides the digestive combination of fennel, anise and licorice, it's also nice with lemony herbs, lemongrass, lemon balm or fresh lemon. 

Raspberry Leaf - another bright red tea maker, this is nice in combination with clover and hibiscus ( the latter is another strong flavored herb, so just a little bit).  A good one for pregnancy, it strengthens, tones and cleanses during or after pregnancy.  It can also be used to soothe menstrual cramps. 

Burdock Root- is truly a superior tonic herb.  It is simply the best herb for the skin and can be used internally and externally.  It is a specific for the liver and because of it's pleasant flavor, it is often formulated with other less tasty "liver herbs." 

Damaina Leaf - has a strong reputation as an herb of passion and romance.   It is an herb to add to your longevity herb formulas  because it is completely restorative.  It restores exhausted nerves, exhausted dreams, and exhausted spirit.  It will help restore sexual vitality, can strengthen the reproductive systems of both men and women.  Great to use for nerves, a relaxant and antidepressant.  

Combo: Sassafras, rosehips and cinnamon

Sassafras - Traditionally this was the herb used in Root Beer tonic drinks that were made from roots and barks for seasonal cleansing.   Cleansing and stimulating for congestion in the liver and gallbladder.  It has a ground action (yang).   A powerful astringent, used externally for insect bites and internally for diarrhea.   A great herb for male tonic drinks.  

Cinnamon - is a wonderful and used in combination with clove ( just a pinch), all spice, nutmeg and orange peel.  It is said that cinnamon awakens all five our our senses, allowing us to enjoy meals more thoroughly as well as clear the path to our sixth sense, intuition.  This is a warming herb, along with ginger.  Drink it to fight off the winter chills

 I use sweet cinnamon chips for teas and regular cinnamon chips for salves and liniments.  

Last Round

Longevity Chai- Ashwagandha, astragalus, fo-ti, burdock root, dandelion root, ginger root, cardamom seeds,  sweet cinnamon chips, organic black tea, water and organic original oat milk. 

Other Tea Ideas and Recipes:

http://www.motherearthliving.com/cooking-methods/making-herbal-teas-warming-winter-tea-recipe.aspx#axzz2mI3PwpVY

http://herbalacademyofne.com/2012/12/hawthorn-tea-for-the-winter-heart/

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/eat-well/nutrition/7-herbal-teas-that-will-make-you-healthy

This first recipe below uses cacao nibs.  The other recipes use organic cocoa powder.  Here is a little information on the cacao nibs.  

Raw cacao is extremely high in antioxidants and has been historically considered a power food because of its ability to boost energy.  It is also rich in physiologically active phytochemicals, including flavonoids, which boost cardiovascular health and protect from environmental damage.  it contains phenylethylamine, copper, magnesium, sulfur, and anandamide,  Anadamide is a cannabinoid-like fatty acid known as the "bliss" chemical that results in heightened sensitivity and euphoria.  Cacao stimulates the production of serotonin, tyramine and endorphins as well.  

When you add warming herbs that move the blood, you are improving circulation.  By simply adding warming herbs, it will help raise vitality and harness the body's ability to warm itself, long after the enjoyment of your tasty drink.  Spicing up your hot chocolate will keep your body busy and blood moving during the cold winter months.  

Just a few popular warming herbs are:  Cayenne, Cinnamon, Fresh Ginger or Dried Ginger 

Milk Substitutes:  My family uses coconut milk most of the time.  If you want to use coconut milk and you have not used it before here is my suggestion.

If you need 4 cups of milk for the recipe, this is what we do:

1 can of coconut milk ( full fat) and 4 cups of filtered water = 6 cups of the milk 

Hot Dandelion Cocoa with Vanilla Bean Whip Cream 

Cocoa Ingredients

3 cups filtered water

3 tbsp organic roasted dandelion root

2 tbsp organic cacao nibs 

½ cup organic half & half, whole milk, or milk alternative of your choice

½ tsp organic vanilla extract

Pinch of organic cayenne pepper 

1 organic cinnamon stick 

Raw local honey to taste

Directions

In a pot, bring  3 cups of cold water, roasted dandelion root, and cacao nibs to a simmer and gently decoction for 30 minutes. Strain out the herbs and return the liquid to your pot. Pour in the milk, vanilla extract, and cayenne powder. Add one spoonful of honey at a time and dissolve over very low heat until you reach desired sweetness. Stir until combined and serve in your favorite cup. Top with a dollop of Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream (see recipe below) and add a cinnamon stick for stirring!

Vanilla Bean Whip Cream: 

1 cup organic heavy whipping cream

1 tbsp organic sugar

1 tsp organic vanilla extract 

Pulp from one half of a split and scraped organic vanilla bean

Directions

Add all ingredients to a quart sized mason jar and tightly screw on the lid. Shake the jar for several minutes until the liquid stops sloshing. Open periodically to check for a fluffy consistency. Be careful not to over shake, or you’ll have a jar full of sweet vanilla butter instead!

For more deliciously herbal winter recipes, be sure to check out The Herb Kitchen, by Kami McBride and Medicinal Herbs, A Beginners Guide:  by Rosemary Gladstar.

Cedar Hot Cocoa: 

4 cups organic oat milk, or milk of choice

1/4 cup chopped fresh cedar greens 

2  organic orange wedges

10 cloves

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Gently warm the herbs, two orange wedges, organic oat milk (or other milk)  in a covered saucepan for 10 to 15 minutes.

Strain and return liquid back to the pan and add: 

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup filtered water

1/4 cup cocoa 

Ready when it is smooth and warm 

Spicy Hot Cocoa:

2 cups regular coconut milk

2 cups water

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper or 1/4 teaspoon ground ancho pepper

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

 Gently warm the herbs, organic oat milk (or other milk) and water in a covered saucepan for 10 to 15 minutes.

Strain and return liquid back to the pan and add: 

1/4 cup organic cocoa powder ( if you like dark chocolate taste add 1/2 cup cocoa) 

1/2 cup honey or sweetener of choice

Longevity Cocoa Chai 

A robust, spicy herbal blend originating in India  Nepal, and Tibet.  Chai comes in literally thousands of varieties.   This chai recipe is especially formulated for longevity.  The longevity chai cocoa was created for the holidays, a snow day or for a treat. 

Longevity Chai 

5 Tbl. black tea leaves

1/2 cup grated fresh ginger 

3 Tbl. sweet cinnamon chips

1 Tbl. dried Fo-ti

1 Tbl. Licorice Root

4 whole cloves

6 Black peppercorns

2 Tbl cardamon pods

1 dried ginseng root OR 3 slices astragalus root 

4 cups organic oat milk or your choice of milk 

2 cups filtered water

Gently warm the herbs, organic oat milk (or other milk) and water in a covered saucepan for 10 to 15 minutes.

Do Not Boil....................

Strain the mixture into another saucepan 

AT THIS POINT IF YOU DO NOT WANT CHAI COCOA, THEN STOP AND ENJOY YOUR LONGEVITY CHAI :)

If you would like chai cocoa, then continue with the next steps.

Now gently warm longevity chai and add: 

1/4 cup organic cocoa powder for a lite chocolate taste or 1/2 cup cocoa for dark chocolate taste

1/2 cup honey or sweetener of choice  

Ready when mixture is smooth and hot.  Do Not Boil 

Elderberry Ginger Cocoa:

4 cups organic oat milk or milk of choice

1 tablespoon dried ginger

4  tablespoon elderberry 

1  tablespoon sweet cinnamon chips

Gently warm the herbs, organic oat milk (or milk of choice) in a covered saucepan for 30 minutes.  

Strain and put liquid back in the saucepan and then add:

1/4 cup organic cocoa powder

1/2 cup honey 

Blend until smooth and warm to your liking:  

Enjoy 

Turkish Pumpkin Pie

4 cups of oatmilk or your choice of milk,  

1/2 tsp. allspice

1/2 tsp. black peppercorn

1/2 tsp. cloves

1/2 tsp. cardamon powder

1/4 tsp. cumin

1/4 Tsp coriander

1 pinch of cayenne

1 sweet cinnamon stick

Gently warm the herbs, organic oat milk (or milk of choice) in a covered saucepan for 30 minutes.  Stir occasionally. 

Strain and put liquid back in the saucepan and then add:

1/4 cup organic cocoa powder

1/2 cup honey 

Blend until smooth and warm to your liking:  

Enjoy 

Holiday Cocoa

1/2 cup organic sugar

1/4 cup organic cocoa powder

1/3 cup filtered water

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

4 cups organic oat milk or your choice of milk.  We like using coconut milk 

Heat sugar, cocoa, water, cinnamon and nutmeg in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth.  Simmer 5 minutes, stirring constantly. 

Stir in milk, heat over low heat until blended and at desired warmth.  

Here is a recipe that I have not tried.  I will be making tomorrow for the rejuvenating teas and herba cocoa class.  I think it will be good: 

Whipped Marshmallow Root Creme: 

1 can organic coconut milk ( full fat)

1-2 tablespoons marshmallow root powder.  Try one if you making this for your kids.  Marshmallow Root has a strong flavor. 

4 tablespoons organic maple syrup

Put the open can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight or freeze for 20 -30 minutes 

Scoop out the cream that has  risen to the top.

Whip the cream with a beater or hand mixer until light and fluffy (like whip cream) Add sweetener and marshmallow root powder and whip until incorporated.  Keep in fridge until using.