Hi everyone!

Hi, everyone! I have been under the weather recently, and I have not been able to update the blog. I apologize in advance! I have seen that tons of people are under the weather lately so here is a tea that I concocted to help combat the common cold!

Kick the Cold

When colds stop your flow

Coughs, sneezing, and scratchy throats

Will fade with the steam

Ingredients for an 8fl oz cup of tea:

1-1 ½ inches of fresh ginger root, sliced
1 bag of elderberry tea*
2 tsp of lemon juice

Directions:
1. Boil water
2. Place fresh ginger root into water after it reaches a boil
3. Remove from heat
4. Add bag of elderberry tea
5. Let steep for 2-4 minutes
6. Remove ingredients.
7. Add 2 tsp of lemon juice (or more/less depending on your preference)

*The reason I suggest using a bag of elderberry tea is because elderberry is a tricky ingredient and if used to a degree that is more than healthy can lead to nausea, or uncontrollable diarrhea. Also the stems and roots of the elderberry contain high amounts of cyanide and too much elderberry intake/improper usage of the berry can lead to cyanide poisoning. This is why I recommend adding a tea bag of already prepared elderberry tea in place of actually managing the berry itself since it can be so tricky.

Warning: Don't use ginger if pregnant or breast feeding. Don't use ginger if taking blood thinners, as ginger might affect how fast blood clots. If you experience diarrhea or vomiting from elderberry then contact your health care practitioner.

Hi, everyone! Well I'm so thrilled with the reception this blog has had thus far. I really never expected this many people to love the idea, but I'm glad that it's keeping your attention. It's Friday and that means we have a new "Herb of the Week!" I am working on a "cowboy" blend as a request for one of my followers, but I'd love to hear your suggestions as to some herbs or flavors you think would be good to include as I'm having a bit of a tough time sorting out the idea of what kind of tea a cowboy would drink, haha!

from "20,000 Secrets of Tea: The Most Effective Ways to Benefit from Nature's Healing Herbs"

by Victoria Zak

Valerian (valeriana officinalis)

"Nature's tranquilizer"

This native of Europe and Asia likes temperate climates and marshy areas by woods and rivers. It has dark green, segmented leaves, and one log stem that rises from the root and can reach five feet in height. There are 150 species of valerian, but the official plant is identified by its small pink-tinted white flower lusters.

Valerian has an odd aroma when it is blooming, and this gave it the name of "Phu." Its name comes from the Greek valere, which means "to be in health."

The Thomspon Indians of British Columbia carrierd valerian in their medicine bags to apply to wounds. In World War I in England, valerian was given for airraid strain, and proves to be an effetive weapon against nerve damage.

Valerian was prized as an aromatic bath in ancient Greece Its sedative waters ease pain, tension, muscle spasms, and relax your whole body. It's an excellent way to benefit from valerian's tranquilizing nature before bed.

Tranquilizer and Sleep Aid. Sedative to the higher nerve centers, valerian relieves pain, tension, and the effects of excessive strain to bring sleep in stressful situations, with no morning-after effects. It quiets and soothes the brain and vercous system. It should not be taken along with sleep-inducing medications, since it will enhance their effect. Low doses are recommended, and regular breaks (every two to three weeks) are suggested. It's best to use valerian in small amounts in blends.

Vision. Valerian has been used to strengthen the eyesight, particularly if the weakness is in the optic nerve.

Uses through the Ages. Valerian has been used for hsyeria and stress-induced nervous disorders.

Benificent Parts: Root.

Properties: Good source of Niacin, Calcium, Vitamins, and Minerals; Volatile Oil - Isovalerianic Acid, Valepotriates, Alkaloids, Iridoids.

Values: Tranquilizer, Antispasmodic, Expectorant, Diuretic, Carminative, Mild Anodyne.

Caution: Use very moderately. A small percentage of users (5%) can have hallucinatory reactions to valerian. As always, avoid this herb if pregnant or breast-feeding, and be on the lookout for any skin reactions. Do not combine this herb with Antabuse, or any alcohol or other drugs that depress the nervous system. Don't use valerian if you have liver disease. Don't drive or perform other dangerous activities until you know how valerian affects you.

Hey, everyone! I'm so glad that this blog is receiving such a warm reception. Maybe it was due to the "Warm Tingles Tea" haha! Oh that was too corny, even for me. Anyway, today I found a fantastic herb that is used in the treatment of migraines. I know many people who suffer from these buggers, and while I've been lucky enough to not have any issues with migraines, I hear that they are rather debilitating. I created this blend that contains natural antihistamines and that also has a natural muscle relaxer.

Migraine, Migraine, Go Away

migraine, migraine, go away

don't come back or you'll sure pay,

because I drink my poeteas

that let me live my life at ease.

Ingredients for an 8fl oz cup of tea:

1 tsp dried Feverfew leaves
1 tsp dried Chamomile flowers

Directions:
1. Add Feverfew leaves to boiling water for 8 mins.
2. Place Chamomile flowers into water after it reaches a boil
3. Let Chamomile flowers boil for 30 seconds.
4. Remove from heat and add let stand for 1 minute.
5. Remove ingredients (straining works best)

Warning: Don't use Feverfew or Chamomile if you are pregnant, breat-feeding, or are taking blood-thinning medications. Feverfew also is an herb that should be taken regularly. If you abruptly stop taking Feverfew after regular use you could suffer from "post feverfew syndrome" which will result in stiff joints and muscle pain. So if you try this tea for a while and then would like to stop, gradually stop taking it. As always, make sure you don't develop skin rashes from the tea, as certain people are sensitive to herbal treatments. Avoid Chamomile if you have asthma or allergic dermatitis.

So that is the simple blend that should take care of your migraines and take the edge off of the stress associated with them!

Cheers,
-Ryan

Hey, everyone! The weather has been sooo chilly around here made worse by the unsettling wind gusts! I thought that today I'd post a very simple tea blend that is known to help with colds, flus, digestion, and also has a warming quality that will keep you toasty during this bitter cold season!

Warm Tingles

in the wintry months,

a tingling tea blanket will

warm from head to toe

Ingredients for an 8fl oz cup of tea:

1 1/2-2 inches of fresh ginger root, sliced

2 tbsp of fresh peppermint leaves

Directions:

1. Boil water

2. Place ingredients into water after it reaches a boil

3. Remove from heat

4. Let steep for 3-5 minutes

5. Remove ingredients.

Warning: Don't use ginger/peppermint if pregnant or breast feeding. Don't use ginger if taking blood thinners, as ginger might affect how fast blood clots. Avoid swallowing mint products if you suffer from acid reflux.

Hey, everyone! Happy New Year! 2010 feels so clean to me, so why not share with you an herb that is known for its cleansing qualities?

from "20,000 Secrets of Tea: The Most Effective Ways to Benefit from Nature's Healing Herbs"

by Victoria Zak

Butcher's Broom (ruscus aculeatus)

"the clean sweeper"

A native of Europe, butcher's broom is all branches and no leaves. It produces small greenish flowers and red berries. In England, its branches were tied in bundles to use for brooms to clean cutting blocks in butcher shops.

Cleanser. Butcher's broom is one of the best internal cleansers to remove toxins and renew energy. Butcher's broom tea can make a clean sweep through your kidneys and liver. (it's good for prostate too)

Energizer. Butcher's broom is an invigorating, anti-aging, tea that renews energy by renewing circulation, which provides oxygen to the body and brain. It also strengthens muscles and blood vessels, and it "moves" blood to relieve stagnation.

Swollen legs and ankles. Butcher's broom boosts circulation - especially in the legs. It is used to prevent fluid retention in the legs and ankles, often called edema.

Uses through the ages. Studies in France showed that butcher's broom significantly reduced the incidence of clotting after surgery.

Beneficent Parts. Roots and seeds.

Properties: Vitamins B1, B3, C, Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium, Zinc

Values: Circulatory Tonic, Diuretic, Diaphoretic, Oxygenator, Energizer, Anti-Inflammatory

Welcome, everyone, to "Poetry Tea" the place where you can learn some new recipes for blending teas as well as read some poetry to accompany that cup of tea. My name is Ryan and I'm a tea enthusiast as well as a poet. One of the things I love most is to sit down with a nice cup of tea and write some poetry. My motto is "tea warms the body, poetry warms the soul," and I've found that to be very true in my experiences.