Last month, we explored a few of the many connections between tea and wellness. Did you enjoy the After Dinner Blend, or perhaps the Healthy Blood Pressure Blend? Today we will share two additional herbal varieties, Healthy Skin Blend and Stress Relief Blend.
Be Well!
Healthy Skin Blend (makes 15 cups)
I’ve often lovingly referred to this blend as “Teenager Tea,” because of the healthy skin properties inherent in these herbs. Rooibos is made from the leaves of the Calicotome villosa plant, and is chock full of antioxidants, including Vitamin C. Dried raspberry leaf is also high in antioxidants and has a long history in folk medicine. There are many accounts of raspberry leaf being steeped as a purification brew and applied directly to skin rashes as a poultice. Rosehip has long been used in skincare preparations, although the jury is still out as far as scientific research is concerned. Finally, ginger contains chemical properties which may help to regulate natural oils for healthy skin.
To prepare this blend, simply combine the following four ingredients, readily available in spice shops or the bulk spice section of better markets (pictured clockwise from top):
1 heaping tablespoon Crystallized Ginger
1 heaping tablespoon Red Rooibos
2 heaping tablespoons Raspberry Leaf
1 heaping tablespoon Dried Rosehip
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Combine all ingredients in a small container (4 ounce jelly jars are pretty, reusable, and just the right size). For each cup of tea, add 1 teaspoon of the herbal blend to a tea ball or empty tea bag (available wherever loose teas are sold). Place the tea ball or tea bag in a mug along with 8 to 10 ounces of boiling water. Steep for 7 minutes for a mild, caramel brew with a slightly astringent aftertaste. Enjoy!
Stress Relief Blend (makes 12 – 15 cups, depending upon strength)
I don’t know how anyone could enjoy a cup or two of this delicious, soothing tea and still feel stressed. The combination of chamomile and peppermint is sublime, with ginger providing a pinch of punch and a dash of sweetness.
Combine the following ingredients (pictured clockwise from top):
2 heaping tablespoons Chamomile
2 heaping tablespoons Peppermint
1 heaping tablespoon Crystallized Ginger
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After combining, spoon 1 teaspoon of the herbal blend into a tea ball or tea bag. Steep in 8 to 10 ounces of boiling water for 5 minutes to create a sweet, minty beverage. If you find you like your tea beverages a bit stronger, use an extra 1/2 teaspoon in your next cup.
Enjoy, and Be Well!
As promised last month, Crowded Earth Kitchen will revisit the topic of tea from time to time. If you have a favorite herb or type of tea that you would like to see featured, please comment below!
Crowded Earth Kitchen 
Needed that! Thank you for a simple remedy…
I hope it works well for you! Thanks for reading. 🙂
I love Fava Tea Company in Greenfield and am certain they would carry the red rooibos (can’t help but share about them because they are a fabulous local small business), but where do you get the rest of your ingredients? I’d like to have a reputable source.
I also enjoy Fava Tea Company – fun tea blends, very reasonable prices! Food co-ops are great sources for low cost herbals and other ingredients. Outpost Natural Foods is usually my first stop.
I guess I had never looked much in their herb and spice area since I tend to get most of my seasonings at Penzy’s. Thanks! I much prefer to purchase locally than ordering online!
Which tea do you think has a sweeter taste, or are they comparable because of the addition of crystallized ginger? I’m always looking for a sweeter tea, so I don’t feel the need to add honey to my cup. (P.S. The after dinner blend from the previous tea post fit that bill nicely – no need for additional sweetness for me!)
Between the Healthy Skin Blend and the Stress Relief Blend, the Stress Relief Blend definitely has a sweeter taste. The raspberry leaves in the Healthy Skin Blend are a bit astringent-y, not unpleasant, but not sweet. Also, chamomile has a sweet taste to me.