Go Paleo - Drink Tea

Making a cup of herbal tea is an act as ancient as human kind. In prehistoric times, and all through history, humans have steeped the leaves, flowers, and roots of plant allies to facilitate healing, refresh, and rejuvenate. Mushrooms are also used in teas from around the world and offer immune protective properties. 

Drinking tea is most often a social activity, and in some cultures, a ritual.

Perhaps your grandmother, or her grandmother prepared tea in this way. Utilizing dried herbs and mushrooms, especially those you gather from the natural world, is one way to connect with the healing powers of plants. The medicinal qualities of some herbs are not activated by hot water alone, and need a "fat" component. A bit of milk or cream will activate the herb.

To make two fine cups of tea, choose the herb or herbal blend you wish to use. You need about one teaspoon of plant material to one cup of water. Bring quality spring water, or whatever water you have on hand, to a boil. Fill a pint jar with water. Add herb. Cover or lid the jar and let steep for 20 minutes. With a fine mesh strainer or using cheesecloth, strain the herb from the tea and pour into two cups. Add honey, sugar, or maple syrup, and ENJOY!

A note here on the source of the herbs. Many excellent herbs for tea are growing in your backyard. Harvesting and drying mint, raspberry, nettles, mallow, plantain and dandelion root is easy. These nutritious teas offer a wide variety of health benefits in addition to being tasty. Dried herbs are also available at your local co-op, health food store or apothecary. Happy herbal adventures!