If you like to have sweet teas or are a person who enjoys their hot tea blends, then this post is definitely for you. Before we get into the teas, what type of tea drinker are you? Are you the hot tea or cold brewed tea drinker? Is your preference towards tea bags from the big chain/known companies or the eccentric and not known or heard of packaging? Perhaps you go into an actual Asian market or grocery store to get the more foreign tea bags? Do you have the hot tea bags that have the full herbs inside? Or are you the type of person like myself that will grow your own herbs than make the fresh teas at home?
In my home we grow the following plants so we can make our own homemade teas: lemongrass, lavender, rosemary, parsley, and sweet mint. Yes rosemary and parsley can be used as teas, they aren't just for cooking, and they are pretty delicious incase you haven't tried them. Why do I personally grow these specific ones, you may ask. Well aside from already knowing how to care for these great smelling and delicious plants I'll break down each plant and why I grow them.
Rosemary-for starters, it tolerates the excessive heat and lots of sun exposure so you don't have to fret when you grow this plant no matter where you live in the nation. They have served as a great natural mosquito repellant and I've seen that they keep a lot of unwanted bug guests at bay from the entryways (which is where I keep this specific plant). I also personally don't like ginger or "spice" like teas but rosemary provides that hint of spice towards the end of your sip, so it's something I can tolerate and appreciate more. It's a source of antioxidants and serves as an anti-inflammatory compounds that's thought to assist with boosting immune system and improve blood circulation.
Parsley-a plant that can tolerate high levels of heat but I have found it likes a good amount of exposure to the sun with some shade in the daily mix. I've used this plant a time or two when I've had some really bad cramps-yup you heard me! Those wonderful monthly cramps, this plant once created into a tea helps a lot, you should try it sometime. I've never used it dried out but I also wouldn't suggest it since having it dried out removes the benefits the herb provides; it contains vitamins (a single teaspoon contains more than 70% of vitamin K and a good amount of vitamin A), minerals, and serves as an antioxidant as well (a good amount of flavonoids).
Lavender-the plant itself is supposed to be in the heat or more like in the sun, so the plant will also thrive anywhere in the nation. Serves as a natural mosquito repellant so this is also one plant I have at the entryways of my home, besides it smells wonderful and the flowers are pretty so who wouldn't put it in the doorway or entry door of your home. This lovely plant doesn't just boost your mood but goes to the extent of reducing colic as well. Serves for soothing/relaxing when you're anxious, moody, and helps relieve pain or inflammation.
Sweet Mint-this plant is one of my favorites because not only is it grown or can be grown anywhere in the nation, it's a resilient plant that can do well in any climate! It makes the area it's planted in smell delicious, then with a plus provides a great natural mosquito repellant. One of the best parts, it grows like weeds so you can literally use it every week! Yes as I've mentioned on the other plants, this too is one I have near or right adjacent to my entry door/s, serving both as a a great natural aroma when you pass by and keeping those pesky blood suckers at bay. This plant also has so many benefits; stomach/digestion assistance, boosts your immune system, helps with clean like skin from acne, say bye to nausea, works great when you're literally feeling sick (cold/flu, allergies, etc), and is also great drink for when you're stressed.
Lemongrass-is by far my favorite plant and the most delicious of teas for me personally, whether it's hot or cold! This is a plant that basically grows instantaneously after you’ve snipped it for some tea. No concerns for heat/sun exposure because it thrives on the sun and grows like a weed when planted correctly. Also another natural mosquito repellant, even if it doesn’t provide the same amount of natural aroma in the area it’s planted, like sweet mint, it’s one of the best buy you could have in/for your home. Great for relieving pain and swelling, helps reduce fever, improves sugar and cholesterol levels in addition to stimulating the uterus and menstrual flow, with antioxidant properties.
As you can see, I love doing my teas! Well my daughters and I are always enjoying our tea batches.
Sincerely,
A Distinct Woman
