I’m showing my age here, but one of my favorite CDs of all time is by Michael Franks, The Art of Tea.  Ironic since I’ve always been a coffee girl.   I’ve tried many times to give up coffee and drink tea instead.  Failed every single time.  I’ve tried relaxing with a cup of tea in the afternoon or evening.  Nope.  Only if I’m entertaining or at someone’s house as part of socializing do I enjoy tea – and even then I’d rather be drinking coffee.  Too bad it keeps me up at night and I don’t like decaf.

Not sure why, but I’m just not that into tea.

Until now.

Ginger and Turmeric – My New Best Friends

I recently discovered the wonders of tea by adding ginger and turmeric root to a pot of tea – both known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detoxifying properties. Note: it has to be the root, not the powdered spice to get the health benefits.  I’m starting to detox and have been using this Dandelion tea (also a known for its detoxifying properties) brewed with chopped ginger and turmeric, and raw honey (you could also sweeten it with coconut crystals or pure stevia).  At night I use this Chamomile tea to make me sleepy – which it does beautifully – again, brewed with chopped ginger and turmeric and raw honey!

I’m SO happy to discover the joys of ginger and turmeric (thank you Primally Inspired – see the Turmeric tea recipe below that started it all!) because I had been missing out in a big way. I seriously can’t stop drinking it!  I can tell that my inflammation has gone down since starting to drink it, a key part of any healing protocol for people with autoimmune disease, so I won’t be abandoning tea anytime soon.  When it gets hot outside, I’ll drink it iced.

How Do You Choose Your Tea?

There are endless varieties of teas, endless ways to make it, and endless health benefits you can derive from tea.  As you’ll see below, you can use tea to address everything from detoxification to sleep. In fact, it can get completely overwhelming, there are so many choices.  Here is a simple overview of just some of the choices to consider.  The recipes below are organized by general health benefit.  As always, remember that I am not a medical professional and am not telling you which tea you should be drinking for what.  If you are working with a medical, holistic or nutrition practitioner, please check with them first.

To Brew from Scratch or Use Teabags?

Making tea with fresh ingredients is always best.  But let’s face it, sometimes we’re in a rush or we’re out of a key ingredient so a teabag is nice to have on hand. So, in addition to the recipes, I’ve included some of my favorite pre-made organic teas to have just in case.  My cabinet is full of boxes of teas that address many of my issues.  Now that I’ve learned which teas and ingredients are most effective for me, I buy them in bulk and save money. There is nothing, however, that can surpass a pot of homemade brewed tea with fresh ingredients.  Nothing!  So brew baby, brew!

Directory of Tea Recipes

Antioxidant Rich

Antioxidant Wellness Tea by Beauty and the Foodie

Hibiscus, Lemon, Honey and Ginger Tea by Loula Natural

Vegan Green Tea Hot Chocolate by Good Girl Gone Green

Organic Green Tea for use in smoothies as well as for making tea

Anti-Inflammatory

Easiest Ginger Tea by Holistic Health Herbalist

Best Ginger Tea Ever by Holistic Health Herbalist

Organic Ginger teabags

Detoxifying

Turmeric Liver Detox Tea by Primally Inspired – this is what started my new found tea drinking habit!

Organic Roasted Dandelion Root teabags – this is what I use in my anti-inflammatory detox tea

Medicinal

Simple Throat Coat Tea by Holistic Health Herbalist

Cold Busting Elderberry Tea by Holistic Health Herbalist

Organic Nettle teabags for known for relief of seasonal allergies

Especially For Women

The Health Benefits of Raspberry Leaf Tea by Yogi Mami

Happy Pregnancy Tea by Primally Inspired

Organic Raspberry Leaf teabags

For Relaxation and Sleep

The Best Tea for Restful Sleep by Holistic Health Herbalist

Lavender Tea by Life By Jeanie

Organic Chamomile and Lavender teabags

Because It’s Delicious!

Homemade Chai Tea Concentrate by Primally Inspired

Homemade Decaf Chai Tea by Cheeseslave

The Best Method to Cold Brew Tea by The Rising Spoon

Easy Peasy Iced Tea by Food Savvy

Organic Green Chai teabags

Enjoy!

Dara

• anti-inflammatory
• antioxidant
• detoxifying
• ginger
• turmeric