Autumn is a time to begin transitioning inward—to move the energy from the head (which wants to go, do, and act) into our core so we can get grounded for the winter season. Between the holidays and the fast-paced, urban lifestyles many of us maintain, we don’t always make time to rest and nourish ourselves. That leads to stress… then sickness, feeling tired and run down, and a drop in our moods. Nature offers so many plant and mushroom allies to help us through these difficult times ~ tools to help us increase our natural resilience, ease stress, and boost immunity in noticeable ways.
Here is a recipe for one of my favorite herbal blends, which contains a mixture of wild-foraged and homegrown ingredients. All of these herbs can also be purchased online from your favorite trusted source. I call this gorgeous and delicious and gorgeous blend Immuni-TEA for how calm it makes my mind and body feel. It contains plants that are known to help reduce stress, fight colds and coughs, reduce anxiety, and lift the mood. I like to mix up a big batch all at once so it’s ready when I need it, and it makes a terrific gift for friends.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup of dried elderflowers ~ If you don’t purchase the flowers, be sure to remove all toxic stems, leaves, and other green parts (immune/cold and cough support)
1/4 cup of dried Yerba Santa or mullein, depending on what’s available in your region (lung support)
1 cup of dried orange slices and/or 1/2 cup rose hips ~ I usually add both! (packs a ton of vitamin C, baby!)
1 cup of wild oats, OR 1/2 cup of organic store-bought (rolled) oats (super nourishing and calms the nervous system)
1/2 cup of dried stinging nettle ~ Be careful, it can still sting even when dried (loaded with vitamins and minerals, and nourishes the body when you don’t feel well enough to eat; nettle is a diuretic, so make sure to drink plenty of liquids)
1 cup of coyote mint, or any fragrant mint that you love (mint is soothing on the tummy and energizing, which his helpful when you’re feeling run down)
1 cup of lemon balm (calming herb that stimulates digestion and lifts the mood)
1 cup of rose petals (because who doesn’t need some extra flowers in their life?)
All ingredients should be dried well either in a a dehydrator, or you can place them in a paper bag that you leave in a warm car or a spot in your garden for a day or two. You can use all of of these plants fresh, but they need to be dried for proper long-term storage. Herbs should chopped into small pieces for easy blending, and loosely packed into your measuring cup.
INSTRUCTIONS
Place 2 tablespoons of the herbal mixture into a tea ball, French press, or glass jar. Pour 8-12 oz of boiling water over herbs, and let steep for at least 5 minutes (or overnight in the fridge). Strain off the herbs, and enjoy warm or cold. I often freeze some in ice trays and add a cube to a glass of water now and again. You can drink this tea once per day, but I wouldn’t take it for more than a week straight—it’s medicine. Make sure to follow with plenty of water (and rest if you’re sick) throughout the day.