Apothecary Tea Party

If you’ve ever had low-grade, bottom shelf tequila, then imagine the worst of that - but made warm, and taken without chase.

Drinking wormwood tea is exactly that experience - and I wish I’d known to prepare some honey or toothpaste on standby. This had me sniffing before sipping afterwards while curious about other remedies in the business, this one supposedly ridding the body of unwanted parasites.

What’s the tea, sis?

Most of us know teas by their generic types - whether it’s green, herbal, black, white, oolong or a rooibos blend. Some even know the health effects of teas like chamomile for sleepy time or peppermint when you’re feeling sick and blue.

What about the medicinal properties of teas that generations before were so used to, scavenging and brewing in lieu of medicine and vaccinations not around yet to use?

First introduced by a naturopath doctor, then a holistic calendar and finally this Netflix series on Blue Zones, it was decided these dried up leaves were steamed in terms of healing properties.

Holistic categories

Licorice root and marshmallow teas were prescribed by the doctor for tummy issues, along with dandelion which the Greeks drink. Even bath salts help you digest food, at least that's what grandmother and moon guides say.

Rosemary and wild sage are paired up with red wine at dinner time. The Japanese drink green tea for energy and live to 92 comfortably, which nettle tea does too along with strengthening hair roots.

What can you ‘brew’

If you have a small mesh strainer, embrace the age-old Greek method and scoop in the leaves and herbal remedies. Usually two teaspoons will do, but follow the label for yours to be sure. Then pour boiling into the cup and wait the allotted time until straining out the brew for sipping.

Tea infusion contraptions like mesh balls or fitted strainers will also do the trick. Use a muslin or reusable tea bag if you are still unsure, one you can fill on your own and tie to close.

Fun teas discovered recently

Sweet potato tea was provided at a health and wellness event recently, and to my surprise it tasted like espresso - what a great idea for caffeine-free martinis!

Kenyan purple tea was the purchased choice, being fun to look at and great for an evening alternative to chamomile.

Turmeric elixir in the mornings with some cacao and black pepper to activate it helps set the day off right, with an optional scoop of honey if the taste is simply not right.

Afterwards, bee pollen deliciousness for awakenness alongside matcha lattes on extra sleepy days, mixed with hemp milk or any of your choice which kickstarts the rest of the day.

Kombucha, how about you? We’ll count it too - kind of. It has fruit mixed and fermented, although this may be more akin to an alcoholic beverage than herbal tea for that reason. It does provide digestion relief and energy in a chilled and fizzy experience.

Next up

This holistic guide online to read also recommends things like lady’s mantle tea, red raspberry leaf and lemon balm steamed along with poppy flower, cowslip flower and ribbed melilot tea. Next series, we'll explore more of these ancient homeopathic remedies.

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