Breathe Easy Tea

Summer’s here and with it comes sunshine, holidays as well as a few unexpected issues.

You’d think that allergy season would have subsided. Not here though, I still see so many people walking around sniffling with red, watery eyes.

Then there is the issue of the change in weather bringing about systemic weakness to our organisms allowing for spring and summer colds and viruses.

To top it off, holiday travel brings certain stressors: jet lag, new microbes and viruses, unusual foods, lack of routine, sudden increase in physical exertion; all of these can lead to a weakened system.

It seems unusual to point out the benefits of this tea outside of cold and flu season or the height of allergy season, yet I have reached for this formula twice in the last week.

My Breathe Easy Tea benefits the upper respiratory system and is a valuable tool when an expectorant or a decongestant is needed. The tannins in these herbs help to extract excess moisture from the tissues.

Breathe Easy Tea

• 1 part Yarrow Achillea millefolium
• 1 part Angelica root Angelica archangelica
• 1 part Eyebright Euphrasia
• 2 parts Mint Mentha (add more to taste, if desired)

Grind the herbs in a mortar and pestle or with a juicer or herb grinder.

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

1 tablespoon of tea per cup of boiling water, let steep for 5-10 minutes covered.

Dose:  1 cup of tea as needed

Medicinal Actions:

Mint: Decongestant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diaphoretic

Yarrow: diaphoretic, diuretic, astringent, decongestant, expectorant, alterative, analgesic

Angelica Root:  diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, alterative

Eyebright: expectorant, astringent, antiviral, decongestant

 

For other medicinal herbal tea blends see my Loose Leaf Tea Menu.