TEA FOR STOMACH DISTRESS, FLU, AND HEART BURN with chamomile, lemon balm, and licorice root

Last week I caught a stomach something that catapulted me straight into the belly of hell. A little dramatic. Maybe. Let's just say it was terrible and I'm still recovering. For me, part of the wreckage of such intense illness is extreme heart-burn. It kept me up nearly the whole of one night and brought me to tears with it's strength. Somewhere around three in the morning I was fumbling about the kitchen, looking for something, anything, to help. In a moment of blessed intervention, I remembered I had a pantry full of herbs and a bit a know-how on the topic. It's amazing how easy it can be to forget a simple, important thing like the ability and power we have to heal ourselves. Turns out chamomile, lemon balm, and licorice root can subdue even the most wicked acidic upheaval. This is a simple recipe with three ingredients worth tucking away in your medicine cabinet.

[CHAMOMILE]

Chamomile has been popularized as an anti-stress and anxiety herb as well as an antidote to colic and a way to calm children. One of it's greatest strengths lies in it's ability to calm the stomach and fight infections. The oil of this lovely little flower is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Chamomile can be taken before and  after meals to reduce any unpleasant side effects that may be experienced.

Safety considerations: some sources maintain that chamomile should not be used for an extended period of time or if you are allergic to ragweed. That being said, chamomile is generally understood to be a very safe herb for humans of all ages.  

[LEMON BALM]

This herb is one of my favorites to grow: it comes back every year larger than before, smells amazing, and tastes delicious. Lemon balm is one of nature's best calming herbs, having an antispasmodic effect on both the stomach and nervous system. It's excellent for general exhaustion [think post-illness] and has strong antiviral properties. It's generally understood to be safe for both adults and children.

[LICORICE ROOT]

Licorice root is widely known as a respiratory tonic, used for bronchial congestion, sore throat and coughs. It works as an anti-inflammatory for the digestive tract and is sweet in taste, making it a great herb for kids. Both the endocrine and reproductive systems can benefit from this herb, specifically in the case of adrenal exhaustion.

[THE RECIPE]

Note: parts can refer to any form of measurement [teaspoon, tablespoon, etc.] however once a measurement is chosen, it should remain consistent throughout the recipe. For example, if a part is designated as teaspoon, then all of the parts within the recipe should be measured as teaspoons.

2 parts lemon balm
1 part chamomile flowers
1/2 part licorice root, cut

In a medium glass bowl, mix all ingredients. Store in a tightly sealed glass jar in a dark place at room temperature [ex. kitchen cupboard] for up to 6 months. Make your own teabags using press n' brew bags to have on hand when the need arises and store in a tightly sealed glass jar.

To Use:

Steep one tablespoon of herbs in 2 cups of boiling water for 15 - 30 minutes, depending on strength desired. Remove herbs and slowly sip until symptoms have decreased. Repeat as necessary.

HERBAL TEA FOR A COLD / FLU + THE BEAUTY OF REST

Today I did something very uncharacteristic of my Type-A full-steam-ahead personality. After finishing cleaning the kitchen, I took my lunch, sat down by the fire and thought to myself, “Wow, I just cleaned the kitchen.” Then I took a break.

This is unlike me for two reasons: 

1] When I have a to-do list, generally I feel the insane urge to plow through. Only upon completion do I allow myself a tiny moment of relief it’s over. Then I add another item to the list and bam! moment vanishes and off I go. Rarely does cleaning the kitchen feel like an effort worth pause and celebration.

2] The idea of sitting quietly and enjoying myself for a moment mid-day a few times over has, until fairly recently, been a foreign concept – one that tends to make me twitch. I’m inclined to bow down to accomplishment and success in the work I do yet never allow myself to fully embrace the “after” of such work. My mantra [I’m sorry to say] has been “What else needs to be done?” My answer? Everything.

And then today, with the help of a little divine intervention, I actually sat down. Not in the “well, I’m practicing mindfulness and being present so I should” sort of way but in an “I really want to just be for a minute so I’m going to” manner.

Let me make this clear – I am not giving anyone an excuse to be sluggish and lazy. With a world full of good, life-giving work there is no room for sitting on your laurels with the TV on, eating another microwave dinner, and repeating this charade day in and day out. If that’s you, this is your wake up call. Get up, the world waits! As important as it is to have rest with work, it is equally as important to have ample work with rest.

On the other hand, I do support the practice of putting accomplishment in its proper place understanding I can achieve many things and still refrain from letting accomplishment define who I am - it is not my God. Achievement does not own me - defining my mood, my energy level, my personality. By taking a moment to sit in the present and consider the thing I just did [whatever it was], I am allowing myself to feel the pleasure and gift of hard work. I compare it to savansana after an intense yoga class or long day. It’s natural for me to give everything to my practice or day but even more innate, if I allow it, is to sink into the rest that comes after.

When we live in the present and give ourselves fully to something, there can be no other response to the act but to be still.

Of course we can push through, railroading any form of rest and reflection on the way. But in yoga this is where injury happens to our bodies. In life this is where damage happens to relationships with self, others, the earth, and with God. 

If we don’t take the time necessary to reflect on our decisions made and actions taken, how can we possibly make well thought out choices that will benefit the people and world around us?    

As we enter this new year swelling with both promise and challenge, may we take intentional time each day to recognize that our accomplishments, the things we do, cannot define who we are. 

It’s the spaces in between the doing that truly form us into our best selves.

Now, if you’re not convinced to rest amid bouts of work simply because it’s awesome for your body, your spirit, and actually allows you to be more productive overall, then maybe adding an immunity boost to sweeten the deal will get you. That’s right, rest [both mental and physical] is bar none the most important thing you can do to prevent illness. I’m not messing with you – you can do everything I've listed on the Colds & Flu Prevention page [all good things to do regardless], but without giving yourself space to break, will still be culpable to colds and other illness.

That being said, this is my go-to tea blend in the event a cold pops up. I drink at least 4 strong cups a day throughout the duration of the cold and then a cup or two each day in the week or two after as sort of "I mean it!" finale. You can also use this tea as a preventative if you feel something coming on.

This, along with some of my other tried and true remedies [by this I mean I have personally tried and found them to be true], ensures any illness will be short-lived.

Oh, and did I mention? This recipe is as simple as they get. This means you can combine the herbs while the water is boiling, steep a cup, and go rest basking in the accomplishment of just making your own tea blend!

A note about measuring in "parts": "parts" is a general measuring term that can mean any form of measurement. The thing to remember when using parts is if you start with 1 tablespoon equating 1 part then you need to continue that measurement throughout recipe. For example, if 1 tablespoon equals 1 part then 2 parts would  be 2 tablespoons and 1/2 part would be 1/2 tablespoon. 

[THE RECIPE]

2 parts each:

Yarrow Flower, dried

Elder Flower, dried

1 part each:

Peppermint Leaf, dried

Olive Leaf, dried

Place all of the ingredients in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid, leaving at least a two-inch space at the top. Gently shake the jar to mix herbs. 

To use, place 2 - 3 teaspoons of tea mix in a metal tea strainer, tea ball, or unbleached cotton tea bag. Put tea bag in a mug suitable for hot liquids and pour 1 - 1 1/2 cups of boiling water over tea. Steep for at least 10 - 15 minutes to make a bold tea [the stronger the tea the more health benefits you receive]. I like to let my tea steep to room temperature and drink warm rather than hot. 

If you're dealing with a sore throat, add a good splash of lemon juice and a bit of honey. 

SUPER-IMMUNITY KOMBUCHA

Kombucha may rank as one of my favorite drinks in life. I generally have a batch going and love experimenting with a variety of different flavors and combinations. In my opinion, kombucha can easily stand in as a glass of bubbly for upcoming holiday parties and, hey!, I can toast to good health and mean it.

I created this recipe a couple months ago as preparation for the months known for boasting illness - a foe I do everything possible to avoid. If anyone close to me catches a cold I immediately pop a bottle, sipping to freedom from phlegm and misery. Along with a few preventative measures, my body is able to put up a good fight and come away victorious.

[WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT THIS COMBO?]

Elderberries

Elderberries and elder flowers are pretty much considered the universal remedy. In most temperate regions its seems you can find these bushes everywhere. We have them lining the ditches along our roads, in the woods, throughout our gardens and farms, near ponds, you name it. They are easy to grow and really easy to dry and store. Elder's most touted properties are immune-enhancing, anti-viral, and sweat inducing [fever reducing]. They can also be used to treat upper respiratory infections, inflammation, skin problems [including boils, rashes, acne], or as a nutritive food [think vitamin A, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, beta-carotene, iron, potassium, and phytosterols].
*Note: it is important to use dried as raw berries can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea in some people.

Ginger

Okay I admit, I add ginger to everything. It is one of my favorite all-around herbs and also claimed to be a universal remedy. Not only an antiseptic [think food poisoning and gastrointestinal infections], ginger is a wonderful digestive stimulant; increases circulatory, respiratory, and nervous system function; and has warming and cleansing properties. It is wonderful for treating colds and the flu, motion sickness, nausea or upset stomach, and in some cases morning sickness. Parasites beware. Inflammation, run. Nasty phlegm, bam! Menstrual pain, look out, ginger is coming. You can even help alleviate a headache by rubbing some ginger juice on said area and lower blood triglycerides using ginger. Seriously, this herb has it all and is a must-have in your herbal medicine cabinet.

Lavender

Lavender. The smell alone should be enough to sell you on this wonderful herb but in case it doesn't, here's a bunch of other reasons to get really familiar with this common plant. Lavender is famous for it's relaxing and uplifting qualities lending it perfect to use for tension and stress relief or insomnia. It also happens to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties and can be used in treating a plethora of infections, burns, and insect bites. It's used in formulas for migraines and headaches as well as indigestion and stomach spasms related to irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. There's a component of lavender, perillyl alcohol, that has shown antileukemia and anititumor effects [specifically liver, spleen, and breast] in laboratory studies. So one might say it's a universal remedy. Sensing a theme?

Orange Peel 

Orange peel is most commonly used as a flavoring agent or fragrance. More uncommonly known, these same compounds are antiseptic in nature, decrease mucous production, reduce muscle spasms, increase digestive fluid production and blood circulation, and have anti-inflammatory effects. Not bad for a great tasting herbal addition!

[THE RECIPE]

For great instructions on how to make kombucha at home, I recommend Sally Fallon's book Nourishing Traditions. Small Notebook also has really good instructions just slightly different from Fallon's. Note: I use organic green tea rather than black tea for a super antioxidant boost.

One batch of prepared Kombucha Tea
8 - 12 glass bottle with tight fitting lid [I like to reuse store bought kombucha bottles but any jar will do!]

1 teaspoon each per bottle:

Organic Dried Elderberries
Organic Dried Ginger, Cut or 1, 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
Organic Dried Lavender Flower

1/2 teaspoon per bottle:

Organic Dried Orange Peel

Check out Global Infusion [if you live in the area], Bulk Herb Store, or Mountain Rose Herbs for dried organic herbs.

Place measure herbs in each bottle. Fill 3/4 full with prepared kombucha tea. Tightly secure cap and place in a warm, dry, dark area [a cupboard under the sink or over the refrigerator works great]. Let sit for 3 - 5 days. After 3 - 5 days store in refrigerator for 2 weeks to let the flavors really blend. After 2 weeks have passed, enjoy!

COLD / FLU: PREVENTION & REMEDIES

If you are suffering from one of the many cold and flu viruses circulating [and then re-circulating] the nation, check out the "COLD / FLU: PREVENTION & REMEDIES" page I recently added to this blog. 

Nasty germs are clearly on the prowl so remember prevention is everything.  Do whatever you can to keep you and your family healthy. 

May you enjoy a healthy winter season!