Flavored Water

I have always been a big water drinker.  I have no problem drinking 8-12 glasses of water per day.  But, it is nice to add a little flavor on occasion.  As tempting as it is to add a drop of essential oil to a glass of water, please consider:

What Happens When Drinking a Glass of Water with EOs in It?
~There are many safe ways to use essential oils internally, BUT drinking them in water is not one of them. Essential oils and water do not mix.  Essential oils are easily absorbed by mucous membranes.  The EO drop or drops floating on the top of a glass of water will be absorbed in a small area of mucous membrane at the back of the throat and with repetition, this can cause serious damage to these delicate tissues.

Instead, a refreshing glass of iced herbal tea or a slice of lemon or cucumber in the glass is a safe and healthy way to add flavor to water without risking damage to the sensitive mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, esophagus and more.

Nourishing Sleepwell Herbal Tea

Technically a tisane, this simple aromatic blend of two adaptogenic leaves and one soporific flower is both nourishing and might even help with sleep!

In a fine mesh strainer, combine 

1T. Holy Basil vana

1T. Holy Basil krishna

1T. English lavender flowers

Place strainer in a warmed teapot and fill the pot with boiling filtered water.  Let steep 5-8 minutes.  Remove strainer, pour tisane into a warmed teacup.  Inhale the aromatic steam and enjoy this nighttime beverage.

An herb for every pot

I love my herbs.... I really do.  They are a comfort.  I came into herbalism like many others, through my mom.  She had one book on medical herbalism and a daughter who was very prone to upper respiratory infections.  We used peppermint tea for tummyaches, ginger for nausea, and celery seed tea (yuck!) for chest colds.  So, it wasn't a big surprise that I grew up to study herbs and use them for my family.  My first training, at home, was folk-traditional, I have added to that evidence-based formal studies.

Here is a peek into my herb closet:

These beautiful and often fragrant dried plants are used in our home for healing oils and salves, flavorful meals, tea, medicine, and more.

Tonight, as we prepare to rest, a fragrant cup of herbal tea is a welcome friend.