Thanks to independent studies like this one , many mothers are becoming aware of the dangers that sodas and soft drinks pose to our health and that of our growing children. The long term health effects of corn syrup alone is enough to give one pause for concern. But face it, as much as WE might want them to, you can’t possibly expect children to want to drink water ALL THE TIME (not without complaining that is)! So, what’s a mama to do?
Well let me share with you what has been working for our family: herbal teas! Simple enough right? In fact, so simple that it seems our family has become mildly addicted. I have been monitoring our intake as of late and we have been going through quite a bit of home brewed herbal tea per week! I have even discovered that by adding a certain herb, I can get them to try just about any of my herbal infusions that they otherwise would refuse to try. We have really enjoyed our herbal teas during these recent warmer months. Poured in a nice glass, with ice and a straw, to the little ones it feels like they are indulging in something they ought not. For the colder months we simply warm the herbal teas, and they are just as yummy. In fact, the children just love the warming sensation of our lemongrass and ginger herbal tea during the winter months.
Here are our favorite pairings:
Lemongrass and Ginger
Chamomile and Hibiscus*
Peppermint,Chamomile and Hibiscus*
Red Rasberry and Hibiscus*
Rose petals and Hibiscus*
Lemonbalm, Peppermint and Hibiscus*
Nettle, Peppermint and Hibiscus*
*You will notice that we pretty much add Hibiscus to all of our brews. THIS is my secret herb. Besides its health benefits, Hibiscus gives the herbal tea a gorgeous red hue which makes it very appetizing for the little ones since it looks like a “fruit punch” drink. We lightly sweeten our herbal teas with fresh stevia, organic powdered stevia or raw honey (not recommended for children under 6mths old). Absolutely NO processed sugar is necessary!
If you are not doing this for your family already, I encourage you to give herbal teas a try. You will be pleased with the results. Herbal teas are a simple yet healthier alternative which will allow you to eliminate or reduce the intake of processed sugars and corn syrup. Herbal teas are also very effective in calming children down, helping them sleep, aid in digestive disturbances, strengthening the immune system, as well as assisting in fighting a cold, flu or fever.
We encourage you to always buy local and organic whenever possible. We love supporting other entrepreneurs as much as possible and encourage you to do the same. Our Hibiscus comes from Supreme Wellness and I must say that their Hibiscus is by far one of the best quality I have tasted. However, if you do not have access to organic herbs in your local or extended community, you can order them from here.
How I make our herbal tea:
(Step 1) Begin by heating two quarts (one quart if you will be using a one quart mason jar) of water in a pot (do not bring to a boil).
(Step 2) While the water is heating up, take your mason jar and place two tablespoons of your selected herb(s) into jar. This is also a good time to add a handful of fresh stevia if that is what you will be using to sweeten your tea.
(Step 3) Add the hot (not boiling) water to the mason jar and allow the herbs to get to know each other.
More About The Herbs We Love:
1. Chamomile - soothes the stomach, relieves bloating and indigestion, calms the mind, relaxes. Some people are allergic to chamomile and should avoid taking the tea. People who find it hard to go to sleep should drink a cup of chamomile tea before going to bed.
2. Ginger - energizer, stimulates and soothes the digestive system, known to aid people experiencing nausea, has anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Hibiscus - known to lower blood pressure, reduce high cholesterol, strengthen the immune system (it’s rich in Vitamin C), known to reduce hypertension. A recent study reveals that hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants, which protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals.
4. Lemon balm - known as a very effective tonic that calms nerves and anxiety. Cold lemon balm tea bags help relieve cold sores, or genital sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Contains several properties, which control herpes and also regulate the thyroid. Lemon balm when mixed with peppermint can calm an upset stomach, sooth the digestive track and reduce flatulence. Drink lemon balm tea if you suffer from nerve pain. Drinking lemon balm tea also helps strengthen memory and brain functions and also uplifts one’s mood.
5. Lemongrass - known to aid digestion—primarily due to a substance called citral, also the active ingredient in lemon peels. Though typically enjoyed unaccompanied by other herbs, it can also be blended to create lemon-flavored teas like Lemon Zinger.
6. Nettle - known as one of nature’s best remedies for an assortment of ailments including anemia, high blood pressure, rheumatism, arthritis, coughs and colds, congestion, urinary tract infections, and kidney and bladder problems.
7. Peppermint - known to help digestion, reduce flatulence, nausea and digestive issues, motion sickness. The natural mint flavor of the herb helps to freshen your breath. Other health benefits of this tea are control of muscle aches and chronic pain, clearing of congestion and mild coughs, mild asthma and reduction of stress.
8. Red Raspberry - known as a tonic for pregnant women, as well as those trying to conceive. Due to their high vitamin and mineral content, the leaves of red raspberry plants are considered as an ideal herbal remedy for a number of ailments like flu, gum disease, diarrhea, vomiting, and menstrual cramps.
9. Rose petals/rose hips - known as one of the best plant sources of vitamin C, which is important for the immune system, skin and tissue health and adrenal function. Consider reaching for this tea next time you need a health boost.
More Articles:
What Soft Drinks Are Doing To Your Body
Disturbing Side Effects of Soda
Safe dosages for children under the age of 6 and for persons with liver or kidney disease have not been established.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
No comments:
Post a Comment