*** The following recipes use dried herbs. If using fresh herbs then double the quantity. ***
Teresa’s Wind Down And Sleep Tea
I love making this blend especially if I’ve been plodding away researching and writing my articles at night! The hours of staring and working at the computer can take a strain on the eyes and the mind, so this blend works a treat.
INGREDIENTS
- ½ teaspoon Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis (Roman); Matricaria recutita (German)
- ½ teaspoon Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
- ½ teaspoon Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- ¼ teaspoon Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- 1 cup hot water
PREPARATION
Add all the herbs into a strainer (I love using these silicone teabags as you can fit a nice amount of dried herbs/tea leaves in them and they’re non-toxic too), add hot water, cover and infuse for 10-15 minutes. Remove strainer and add honey if desired.
Golden Turmeric Milk
This is especially good before bed as it helps relaxation and helps boost the immune system whilst in the land of nod. It can be drunk in the morning too as a great pick-me-up and a healthier alternative to coffee.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 cup milk or plant milk (I like using almond or coconut)
- 1 pinch Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Coconut Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Ginger Root (fresh or powder)
- 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- 1 Date (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Honey (raw is best)
- 1 pinch Vanilla powder (optional)
PREPARATION
You can either blend it all up and then gently heat it up in a pan for 3-4 minutes. Or just add everything (except the honey which you can add at the end) in a pan on a low heat and stir generously until steaming but not boiling (6-7 minutes). Either way, you’ll have some very yellow-stained kitchenware!
Mellow Mood Tea
This tea is made with the best of the calming herbs. Blended together, they’ll defuse stress and anxiety and promote a better night’s sleep.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 teaspoon Chamomile flowers
- 1 teaspoon Lavender spikes
- 1 teaspoon Kava Kava leaves
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Balm leaves
- 1 teaspoon Marjoram
- ½ teaspoon Valerian flowers
- 4 cups hot water
PREPARATION
In a large saucepan, steep all the herbs in hot water and cover. Strain out the plant material. Drink the tea hot or cool as often as needed, refrigerating any left over for later use.
Recipe source from East Meets West International
Nervous Wreck Tea!
Good for those who suffer from sleeplessness and insomnia, job-related stress and panic attacks.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 teaspoon Chamomile
- 1 teaspoon Jasmine flowers
- 1 teaspoon Hops
- ½ teaspoon Lavender
- ½ teaspoon Yerba Santa
- ½ teaspoon Gotu Kola
- ½ teaspoon St. John’s Wort
- 4 cups hot water
PREPARATION
Place all the herbs in a strainer, put into a mug and pour with hot water and cover. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove the strainer and sweeten if desired with honey.
Baby Sleep Tea
Good for getting restless babies and children off to la la land!
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Place the water into a pan or porcelain pot and bring to a boil. Add the herbs. Place lid and steep for 5 minutes. Strain and place in glass bottle and leave to cool enough for baby to drink.
CAUTION: Chamomile is part of the Asteraceae plant family, which includes Ragweed, Asters and Chrysanthemum. If you are allergic to plants from this group, then it’s best to avoid using this.
