Teas that Help and Teas that Harm

                  Be a Tea Magician
                    and Create

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Teas have​ a lot of qualities that keep us drinking them and looking for more flavors to enjoy.  We rarely think about the health aspects but why not power punch your body with support when you can?  There is also now a true downside that we need to start paying attention to when buying commercial teas.

Not only has the cost of commercial teas gone up but they are being found to have higher levels of contaminants than ever before.  Pesticides, heavy metals and now microplastics from tea bags are the big concerns.  If you are a faithful tea drinker I have a few concoctions that may interest you and maybe even interest the not so faithful tea drinker.

Using an electric kettle with a diffuser is my method.  I make a gallon jug and drink it all day instead of plain water.  It is nothing but pure, enriched water and there is no combination that does not provide value, so experiment.  Because sugar and artificial sweeteners are negative additions, I use only pure stevia without additives like lactose or dextrose.

Your bits and pieces should be organic for true value, so mix and match making whatever you like.  I grow a lot of things that I use fresh or dry and save for future use.  If you find a resource you can dry or freeze, store in glass jars for later.  Being mindful of flavors and colors is the fun part and knowing that everything you choose has value far and above the average tea bag is the bonus.

Brewing Resources

Citrus Peel:  Antioxidant, antimicrobial, boosts immune health, rich in vitamin C

Avocado Seed:  (Cut in pieces.)  Anti-inflammatory, potassium, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, antioxidant

Avocado Leaf:  Improves immunity and digestion, antioxidant, aid to heart health

Sow Thistle:  (Looks like a dandelion with thorns in your yard)  Rich in vitamins and minerals, aids digestion and inflammation, antioxidant

Bougainvillea Flowers:  (The colorful pedals will make delicate tea but do not steep too long or you will lose the color for a brown tone.)  Supports blood sugar, metabolism, digestion and liver functions, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial

Olive Leaf:  Lowers blood pressure, manages type 2 diabetes, antioxidants, boosts the immune system, anti-inflammatory 

Dandelion:  Rich in vitamins and minerals, manages blood sugars, promotes liver health, antioxidant, anit-inflammatory

Milk Thistle:  #1 for liver health with multiple benefits

Elderberry:  Immunity boost, inflammation control, alleviates cold and flu symptoms, antioxidant, rich in vitamin C, provides a deep blue color

Anise:  Adds the flavor of licorice, can aid digestion, menstrual cramps, menopause and infections, anti-microbial, boosts general health, available in star pods or ground

Lavender:  Useful for anxiety, depression, poor sleep and menstrual cramps, aids in relaxation

Mint:  Provides a strong flavor profile, aids in digestion and headaches, anti-inflammatory 

When you find other ideas just search "benefits of" and you will see endless possibilities.