Peppermint Tea

Note 1: Do not use dairy products in your tea. These types of products take the effects of the antioxidants away.

Note 2: I do not add sugar to my tea. I got used to this practice slowly, by using less and less sugar over time.

Note 3: Consult a doctor if you are being treated for any illnesses before using any type of food for its’ health benefits.

The active ingredient in peppermint tea is menthol. Peppermint tea is a great morning tea. In fact, it is great for any time when you need some extra energy. The dried leaves of the peppermint plant are used to make teas.

Peppermint tea also has many health benefits, such as:

• Diarrhea
• Colic, stomach ache
• Flatulence
• Dissolves gall stones
• Fights bad breath
• Mild asthma
• Helps with stress
• Cancer

Besides using the tea as a drink, it can also be added to a path for a pleasant scent as well as a means to help energy levels.

Peppermint tea is also nutritious, providing the drinker with vitamins such as A, B and C. It also provides beta-carotene.

Peppermint tea is great combined with:

• Green tea
• Grey tea
• White tea
• Black tea

You may also enjoy:

White Tea

Peppermint Sun Tea

Shannon

Herb Profile: Basil

This herb is related to the peppermint. The leaves of the basil are round, often pointed. They can be used to make tea, and are dried for other purposes as well.

The health benefits of basil are varied, and include

• Antibacterial properties
• Heart benefits

Note: Consult a doctor if you are being treated for any illnesses before using any type of food for its’ health benefits.

Used in Thai, Italian and other cuisine, Basil has many nutrients essential to good health.

Some of these nutrients include

• Vitamins K, A and C
• Iron
• Calcium
• Potassium

Shannon

Herb Profile: Chives

Popular among Greeks, Egyptians and Romans, chives are easily grown in any garden, or even where there is no garden.  They are part of the lily family, like onions and other types of herbs. Chives originated from Asia and Europe, coming to the United States later. Both the leaves and the flowers are edible.

Chives are noted for having certain health benefits, such as those needed for

• Digestion
• Circulation
• Respiration

Note: Consult a doctor if you are being treated for any illnesses before using any type of food for its’ health benefits.

My nephews enjoy eating the leaves fresh from the garden.

Chives make great additions to many recipes, including

• Soups
• Stews
• Salads
• Potato Recipes

Here are some ways you can use chives

• Top baked potato with chopped leaves.
• Add to soups and stews after cooking.
• Chop leaves and add to omelets.
• Use the flowers in salads.

What uses do you have for chives?

Shannon