Three Teas to Help Ease You into Spring

Hello March! I am vowing to embrace you this year… as typically you are my least favorite month. This year I am ensuring I take in the sun peeking up every morning of this unsettling month of transition and truly appreciate a view of nature before I do anything like pick up my phone or get breakfast going. In this way, I am hoping to be more in tune with what nature has in store for me each day and what that means for my body and mind. Going with the universal rhythm rather than fighting against it. 

March also brings with it in the Ayurvedic tradition, a focus on body’s most valuable filtering organs, the gallbladder & liver. Spring represents a time where we reduce buildup of Kapha energy and sweep away feelings of sluggishness. We can honor this changing season by viewing the coming months as a time of cleansing and renewal in our own daily practices.

Sipping a warm cup of filtered lemon water is an ideal way to greet each day. As we sleep, the liver is actively removing toxins from our body so when we drink water upon rising, we help the body flush them away. And the Vitamin C from the lemon can help support our adrenal glands that help us manage stress.

These teas can also help you support your body during this time of seasonal transition. All of the herbs below can be purchased here or here. In addition to the recipes, you'll also find similar blends that are available to buy. 

Restorative Liver Tea

This blend of detoxifying herbs is a wonderful way to replace or supplement your morning coffee. Dandelion has been used all the way back to the 10th century where is was referred to as Taraxacum meaning (disorder remedy). It is known as a blood and liver purifier and supports the liver’s ability to maintain bile and keep our liver working properly. Burdock is also a known blood purifier helping the body neutralize toxins and expel them more quickly while milk thistle helps protect the liver and regenerate liver cells. You can enjoy the recipe below or try this blend.

Ingredients

•    1 Tbsp. dandelion root (I prefer roasted)
•    1 Tbsp. burdock root
•    5 drops of milk thistle extract

Instructions

Simmer with one quart of filtered water and strain. Serve hot or cold with a splash of coconut milk and a few drops of stevia.

Stinging Nettle Mint Infusion

So technically when we make herbal tea, we are making “infusions” since tea is only actually possible with white, green or black tea leaves. In this infusion, we are literally infusing the water with herbs by letting it mingle for hours before straining and drinking. This infusion marries one of my favorite herbs, stinging nettle, with the calming effects of mint. Stinging nettle is a powerful herb for women and has been used to treat everything from asthma to joint pain to dysmenorrhea. This “ouchy” herb which may have stung you in the woods on a hike, stimulates the body to activate protective mucous membranes, relieve water retention and helps the kidneys excrete waste. You can also enjoy this tea from Traditional Medicinals.

Ingredients

•    3/4 cup dried stinging nettle leaf
•    ¼ cup dried mint
 

Instructions

1. Place herbs in a one-quart mason jar. Pour almost-boiling water over the herbs until the jar is filled.

2. Cap and let sit on the counter overnight or approximately 4-6 hours. Strain using a nut milk bag and pour the remaining liquid back into the rinsed-out mason jar.

3. Serve over ice with lemon.

4. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Note, if you let it hang out too long in the fridge, it makes a very nourishing plant drink or can be used as a finishing rinse for your hair in the shower!

Turmeric Ginger Tea

This tea features spices rather than herbs spotlighting the role that nature’s medicine cabinet can play in your cooking. Turmeric ginger tea is not only super detoxifying but it is also an immune booster for any time of year. Turmeric acts to detoxify and boost liver function, reduces inflammation, cleanses and purifies the blood and even helps to break down fat. Ginger doubles the anti-inflammatory properties of this tea and also acts as an immune booster and aids digestion. Both of these spices have been used throughout the ages due to their long lists of health benefits. Try this one with Ashwagandha from Gaia or enjoy this easy recipe.

Ingredients

•    2 teaspoons turmeric  root powder (or use fresh)
•    1 teaspoon grated ginger root
•    ¼ to ½ cup coconut milk (I like this one) 
•    ½ to 1 teaspoon raw honey

Instructions

1. Add turmeric and ginger to nice size mug. Pour boiling water over the spices to about halfway up the cup. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.

2. Add coconut milk and honey, stir and enjoy.

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References

• Pedersen, Mark. Nutritional Herbology. 1st ed. Warsaw: Wendell Whitman Co., 1998. Print.

• Weed, Susun. "How To Make Nourishing Herbal Infusions - Nettle Leaf Infusion, Comfrey Leaf Infusion, Oatstraw Infusion” Susunweed.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 6 Mar. 2017.

• Wellness, Health and Balanced Living. "Turmeric Tea Benefits - Turmeric Tea Recipe | Dr. Weil". DrWeil.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 6 Mar. 2017.

• Wells, Katie. "Health Benefits Of Lemon Water | Wellness Mama". Wellness Mama®. N.p., 2017. Web. 6 Mar. 2017.