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Herb Teas and Tisanes
Tisanes, or herb teas as they are more commonly known, are becoming very popular and in the news. As you can see on our website we are based in Oxfordshire in the village of Fringford. Many of you may have watched the dramatisation of 'Larkrise to Candleford' by Flora Thompson. What you may not know is that Flora lived here in Fringford working at the Post Office and her 'Candleford' is modelled on the village in which we live. It is therefore particularly apt to include here a quote from her book:
"They made a great deal of camomile tea, which they drank freely to ward off colds, to soothe nerves, and as a general tonic. A large jug of this was always prepared and stood ready for heating up after confinements. The horehound was used with honey in a preparation to be taken for sore throats and colds of the chest.
Peppermint tea was made as a luxury rather than a medicine, it was brought out on special occasions and drunk out of wineglasses".
Teas or tisanes made from herbs or flowers have been drunk for thousands of years, not just since the times of Flora Thompson, and are still used in the same way today to relax, cure or stimulate depending on their content.
Fresh, or loose dried herbs, are by far the best way to make a refreshing drink. As a rule quantities need to be doubled if using fresh herbs, and infusion times are variable - try 10 minutes to start with and increase or decrease according to taste. Use a cafetiere, or a loose tea holder for a single cup.
If you have tried herb teas prepacked from the supermarket and have not been impressed then try making your own with fresh, or loose dried herbs and you'll be amazed at the difference!
Below are a few ideas for using herbs to make tisanes but remember to check up on any new herb before using it to avoid any possible adverse reactions.
- Chamomile is one of the best known herbs for tea, a gentle herb for relaxation and calming with an anti-inflammatory action. Both the flowers and leaves can be used.
It is brilliant for hayfever sufferers as it is anti-allergenic. Cover the cup or pot whilst it infuses and then inhale the fragrant steam before drinking.
A cup last thing at night can ensure a peaceful night's sleep, and it is quite safe to give to overtired children to soothe them at bedtime.
It is a well known remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy.
- Lavender flowers and also the leaves of English lavender (but not french or stoechas species) make a tea which is helpful to the digestion and for relaxation.
If you have overindulged the night before, a tisane of lavender flowers will soothe a throbbing hangover headache!
- Lemon balm makes a delicate and refreshing, lemon scented tea which is soothing to both mind and body.
- Sage tea, whilst having many beneficial properties against colds and flu, is drunk medicinally rather than for pleasure! It is also useful during the menopause for women who suffer from night sweats and hot flushes.
Blackcurrant sage tea however is far nicer in flavour with the same invaluable benefits.
- Mints, both peppermint and moroccan mint make fabulous teas which are both refreshing and calming to the digestive system in particular. Drink them especially after a good meal to aid digestion. As an iced drink, with a sprig of fresh leaf added, mint makes a stimulating and cooling drink. Peppermint tea should not be drunk too often and should not be given to young children.
- Parsley tea is great as a healthy detox. Look for details in our recipe section!
- Rosemary tea is both aromatic and refreshing, a great wake up tea in the morning as it sharpens the brain and memory. It is also sometimes used as a migraine remedy. It should not be drunk too often and is not suitable during pregnancy or whilst breast feeding, nor should it be drunk by epileptics.
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Chamomile leaves
Chocolate peppermint
Blackcurrant sage
Lavender Hidcote flowers
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Many more of your favourite herbs will make fine teas, try experimenting with thymes, basil and fennel.
With all herbs use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs per cup and increase or decrease the quantity to taste. Herbs can be used alone or as mixtures, and the teas sweetened with sugar or honey.
Try adding a little fruit juice to the tea before drinking, apple juice goes well in mint tea, and a tablespoon of fresh orange juice with lemon balm or rosemary tea to make them extra refreshing.
Always consult a reliable encyclopaedia of medicinal herbs before trying a new herb tea, just to check any medical restrictions.
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