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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

Tea is quite likely the oldest drink in the world.  It is said that a Chinese Emperor brought tea to his 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 he was 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 use 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  Are copper or glass kettles better?  Should the water be at a rolling boil or just steaming?  Milk first, or after the herbs have steeped?  Sweetener or a squeeze of lemon?  However you make it , the perfect cup of tea is a perfectly lovely thing to settle into. 

Many of the herbs used in  herbal teas have medicinal qualities.  awareness of theses might help you select and create your own pot of tea to suit your needs.  This list is by no means exhaustive.  Also, the suggested medicinal uses of these herbs is not in anyway meant to replace the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.

Anise:  a sweet herb, this blends well with licorice root and a touch of fennel or sassafras.  A carminative, (  able to relieve flatulence ), East Indians chew a blend of anise and fennel at the end of meals to aid digestion   Also an antispasmodic, ( Used to relieve spasm of involuntary muscle), anise helps those with asthma breathe easier and soothes dry coughs.  Serve it along with Indian food, as it suits the flavors.  

Chamomile - a calming, soothing herb, this goes well 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. 

Cinnamon - another distinct flavor, cinnamon is wonderful used in combination with clove (just a touch). all spice, nutmeg  and orange peel. it is said cinnamon awakens all five of 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 and "blahs" 

Fennel - a licorice tasting herb, a little goes a long way! Don't let it overpower 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 and 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. 

Peppermint - a charging, clarifying herb, this is good for the beginning of the day or at the end of the meal to cleanse the palate.  IT can also be used to ease the stomach, stop diarrhea, or soothe a "nervous gut"  use a combination of peppermint, spearmint, and valerian root.  

Red clover - made from the flowers of sweet tasting clover, this makes a pretty, light red tea.  It is a depurative, which means it purifies the blood and aids in removing wastes from the blood and organs.  Also an antispasmodic, it can ease bronchial spasms or hacking coughs. 

Red Raspberry - 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. 

Sarsaparilla - This distinct herb has a flavor reminiscent of root beer.  It is a blood purifier, especially used in combination with other herbs such as burdock, dandelion and sassafras.  It is also a toner and light stimulant; use it as a "warming" herb. 

Spearmint - another aromatic, wake-up tea, spearmint is lovely used in combination with peppermint or on its own.  Another soother for the stomach, it can be used to treat hiccups, diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea. Serve it after heavy, intense meals to avoid the after food slump. 

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." 

Dandelion - is one of the great tonic herbs of all times.  The entire plant is restorative and rejuvenating.  It is particularly stimulating to the liver, inducing the flow of bile and cleaning the hepatic system.  

Ginger - is prized for its delicious flavor and for its remarkable healing powers.  It is highly regarded as a primary herb for the reproductive, respiratory, and digestive systems.  

Herbal teas can be dunk hot, at room temperature, or iced.  They can be made into ice cubes with fresh fruit and flower and used to flavor festive holiday punches.  The are delicious blended with fruit juice and frozen as pops for children.  Once brewed, an herbal tea should be stored in the refrigerator.  Left at room temperature for several hours  it will go "flat." get tiny bubbles in ti and begin to sour .  Stored in the refrigerator, an herbal tea is good for 3 to 4 days.  I seldom direct people to make medicinal teas by the cupful.  It is impractical and time consuming.  Instead, make a quart of tea each morning or in the evening after work.  The her-to-water ratio varies, depending on the quality of herbs used, Whether they are fresh or dried (use twice as much fresh herb in a recipe), and how strong you want  the finished tea to be, though I generally use 1 to 3 tablespoons of herb (s) for each cup of water or 4 to 8 tablespoons of herb per quart of water, depending on the herb.  

For a medicinal tea to be effective, it must be administered in small amounts several times daily.  For chronic problems, serve the tea three or four times daily.  For acute ailments such as colds, fevers, and headaches, take several small sips every 30 minutes until the symptoms subside. 

Infusions - are made from the more delicate parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, and aromatic parts.  These fragile plant parts much be steeped, rather than simmered, Because they give up their medicinal properties more easily than do 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. 

Decoctions - are made from the more tenacious parts of the plant, such as the toots, bark, and seeds.  Th's a little hard to extract the constituents from these parts, so a slow simmer or an overnight infusion is often required   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. 

In general, with herb teas you want to boil hard roots and peels (licorice, orange peel, sarsaparilla, cinnamon, ginger) and steep flowers (chamomile, spearmint, peppermint, raspberry and clover).  Steep, don't boil, cloves and black teas, as they will turn bitter when boiled.  

Beginners, begin light and add more herbs for more flavor. 

Using a coffee press: 

A French coffee press is great for making medicinal teas, but don't use the same one for coffee and herbs.  The flavors will mingle, Cover the spout of the press with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping it will carry away many of the vital medicinal properties. 

Some yummy combinations: 

Wake-Up Call - cinnamon, orange peel, cardamom, clove, allspice

Herbal Blend - red raspberry red clover, nettles, alfalfa, rose hips

Everything Tea - sassafras, rose hips cinnamon, hibiscus, orange peel

Herbal Blend - raspberry, peppermint, lemongrass, cinnamon 

Winter Blend - grated ginger root, fresh squeezed lemon juice and honey 

Stress Relief - 

Chamomile is a calming herb which can help relieve irritability and promote sleep. It can also be used to help relax the digestive tract, thereby relieving many digestive disorders.

Skullcap is a wonderful nerve tonic that can help relieve irritablity, headaches and depression.

Oatstraw is a soothing herb that provides nourishment for our nervous system. Oatstraw can help take the edge off of life, easing stress and encouraging relaxation.

Lemon balm relaxes and soothes our nerves, lifts our spirits and provides a deliciously subtle lemony taste.

Burdock is a diuretic and diaphoretic  (an agent that promotes sweating), that can help eliminate excess nervous energy. Burdock with its long, hearty tap root is also very grounding and centering.

Tea Blend for Easing Stress:

• Combine 1 teaspoon each: skullcap, oatstraw, lemon balm, and burdock in a french press or tea ball.

• Bring one cup of water to boil in your tea kettle.

• Pour boiling water over herbs in your french press or over tea ball in your cup.

• Let steep 20 minutes.

• Remove tea ball and drink or press herbs to the bottom of the french press, pour tea into cup and drink.

Picture is infused nettle water