A (Tea) Recipe for Relaxation
Earlier this week I told you all about your autonomic nervous system, and how important relaxation is to good health.
I also promised some ways (that you might not have considered) to work relaxation into your life.
We'll start with one of my favourites - herbs! Certain herbs are considered to be adaptogens, substances that reduce our cellular sensitivity to stress. Taking these herbs every day is believed to reduce stress on the body and aid in relaxation.
To take it a step further, brewing these herbs into a tea to sip on - hot or cold - can be extra relaxing in the evening or even throughout the day.
Below you'll find two great adaptogenic tea blends from Delicious Obsessions. You can find most of these herbs at local health food stores. Try mixing and matching as you get more familiar with the different flavours, and start to notice which herbs have the most impact.
To make both: place all ingredients in a large tea ball or tea press. Add 4 cups of boiling water. Let steep for a minimum of 15 minutes (you can steep for several hours if you want - the longer the steep, the stronger the flavour & medicinal properties of the tea). Either drink hot, or cool in fridge for iced tea.
Adaptogenic Tea Blend #1
- 2 tbsp. elderberries
- 1 tbsp. eleuthero
- 1 tbsp. shatavari
- 1 tbsp. amla
- 1 tbsp. nettles
- 1 tbsp. ginger
- 1/2 tbsp. lemon peel (optional)
- 1 tbsp. dried stevia leaf (optional)
Adaptogenic Tea Blend #2
- 2 tbsp. Schisandra berries
- 2 tbsp. Holy Basil
- 2 tbsp. Elderberries
- 1 tbsp. Rosehips
- 1 tbsp. Nettles
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp. dried stevia leaf (optional)