Mixing Your Own Teas

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Today I got my wonderful box from The Thrower's Garage. I have gotten many things from this company, and I always love the ceramics and craftmanship. Included in my box was a beautiful mug, so I thought today I would share about mixing my own teas.

New mug from The Thrower's Garage

I actually started mixing my own tea under very unpleasant circumstances. Last year I had a very difficult post-partum recovery. It left me drained and experiencing terrible bouts of acid reflux, which I have never struggled with before. That's where I found marshmallow root. I ordered the root in bulk, and I started brewing large batches. I would leave it in the fridge overnight, and I would feel instant relief from its cold and coating properties.

Eventually, I sought out a functional medicine specialist. She helped me replenish missing nutrients and feed my starving body and mind. Included in that regimen was drinking daily teas with high mineral contents and healing properties.

All of that said, this experience is what drove me to start mixing and experimenting with my own tea. I went down the rabbit trail of researching different herbs as well as the differences in cold and hot brewing in regards to nutrient profile. I would love to share how I incorporate this practice in order to give my family healthy refreshments that feed the body.

Almost every day, I brew a quart jar full to tea. We usually don't have a problem using that much. During the summer I prefer to be able to store it in the fridge overnight. That extracts more nutrients as well as creates a very refreshing beverage. I have been able to cut out crystal light and lemonade with this practice without feeling deprived. I would consider that a win! Also, there is something so energizing, probably similar to an adrenal cocktail, when I consume a well brewed glass of tea after sweating in the garden.

My favorite combination is marshmallow root for gut healing, chamomile for calming, lemon balm for nutrients and flavor, and finally a dried fruit. My personal preferences have been pineapple and black raspberries, but that probably because that is what I have one hand. I like to dry a lot of our berries and we buy up a lot of pineapples while they are on sale in order to dehydrate. What I also love about this combo is that it is completely safe for the whole family. You have to be careful with herbs, just as with essential oils, and medicine when it comes to pregnancy and children. Find the recipe below...

Family Herbal Tea-Energizing and Gut Healing

1/4 C. marshmallow root packed firm

2T chamomile

2T dried fruit

2T lemon balm

1 qt filtered water

*bring 1 qt filtered water almost to a boil, steep for a few hours or overnight in the fridge after cool for maximum benefits. By brewing it overnight, the sugars in the fruit also come out more and produce a sweeter tea.

There are so many options, and I will do another post about growing your own herbs for teas. If this is something you are interesting in pursuing, I would suggest you order a book on medicinal teas. There are many good options, but I would strongly consider this one https://amzn.to/4dtHZ6o.

Here are some of my favorite books that have helped me on this journey!

Skills for Growing (Charles Dowding) - https://amzn.to/3Scow1X

The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener (Niki Jabbour) - https://amzn.to/4d5oD7g

The Big Book of Backyard Medicine (Julie Bruton-Seal) - https://amzn.to/3WqHDI7

Root Cellaring (Mike & Nancy Bubel) - https://amzn.to/4cJlLNR

The Natural Soapmaking Book for Beginners (Kelly Cable) - https://amzn.to/4cFEBoU

Pastured Poultry Profits (Joel Salatin) - https://amzn.to/4f9vNcv

Self Sufficiency for the 21st Century (Dick & James Strawbridge) - https://amzn.to/4cHZIqN

Fermented Vegetables (Kirsten & Christopher Shockey) - https://amzn.to/4d4arvj

Keeping Bees with a Smile (Fedor Lazutin) - https://amzn.to/4cGxbBL

Sprouts, Shoots, & Microgreens (Lina Wallentinson) - https://amzn.to/3ScLEND

The Big Book of Kombucha (Hannah Crum) - https://amzn.to/3SbyyA6

The Organic Backyard Vineyard (Tom Powers) - https://amzn.to/4d3i6Kn

Hot Sauce! (Jennifer Trainer Thompson) - https://amzn.to/3y8ENOn

The Apple Grower (Michael Phillips) - https://amzn.to/46c0MAS