Fennel, Basil and Lime Tea

This is a cooling tea that contains three simple ingredients. Perfect tea for soothing your body on a warm day, reducing inflammation, balancing your digestive system and alkalizing the body. 

Ingredients:
1/4 c. fresh fennel, coarsely chopped (this is a great way to make use of the fronds)
8 fresh basil leaves
1/2 lime juice, fresh squeezed 

Directions:
1. Boil 1 quart of water.
2. Pour into a tea decanter filled with fennel, basil and lime juice. Steep 6 minutes. Strain and serve. 

Recipe and photos by: Keri Marino

Keri Marino is an internationally Registered Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist. She's owns and operates Yoga Unique offering therapy, classes, workshops and yoga products. Keri teachers both privately and publicly around the Greenville area. Check out more here: YogaUnique

5 Healing Teas to Rock Your Life

Pau D'Arco

I love herbal tea and it packs some serious health and nutritional benefits. I often times think of tea and healing foods as my secret weapon to ward off illness and weight-gain! Here are some staples that I always have on hand and why:



1. Pau D'Arco aka The Divine Bark

Health Benefits:

• Anti-Fungal: this tea is historically good for eliminating fungus from the body such as Candida  which robs the immune system and destroys balance of bacteria in the digestive system.
• Immune Stimulant & Disease Fighter (also Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antimicrobial & Antitumor)
• Liver and Lymph Cleanser
• Aids in Mucous Reduction

Nutritional Profile:

• Contains: Iron, Calcium, Selenium, Vitamins A, B-Complex and C; Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Phosphorous, Potassium and Sodium.
• Naturally Caffeine Free

2. Yerba Mate aka The High-Energy Tonic

Yerba Mate is traditionally served in a Gourd

Health Benefits:

• Energizing to Mind and Body
• Fights Fatigue
• Boosts Metabolism
• Sexual Tonic 

Nutritional Profile:

• Contains: Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin, B5, B Complex; Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc
• Caffeinated

3. Peppermint aka The Tummy Soother

Health Benefits:

• Soothes the Digestive System
• Pain-Reliever (when applied topically)
• Aids in Tension and Stress Reduction
• Relieves Congestion (when inhaled)

Nutritional Profile:

• Contains: Vitamin A & C and Manganese, Folate
• Naturally Caffeine Free

4. Chamomile aka The Tranquility Tonic

Health Benefits:

• Reduces Inflammation (also Antibacterial and Antiseptic)
• Sleep Aid
• Reduces Menstrual Cramps, Aches & Pains
• Soothes Muscles

Nutritional Profile:

• Contains: Vitamin A, Folate, Calcium, Potassium and Sodium
• Naturally Caffeine Free

5. Ginger aka The Warming Root

Health Benefits:

• Increases Circulation and Warms the Body (Great for a winter's day)
• Reduces Nausea and Motion Sickness
• Promotes Metabolism and Digestion

Nutritional Profile:

• Contains: Choline, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sodium.
• Naturally Caffeine Free

It's worth mentioning that sometimes the health benefits of tea accrue when a certain quantity is consumed over a period of time. For example, in order to reap the reduction in menstrual cramps of Chamomile tea it should be consume daily for at least 2-3 weeks before cramps are reduced.

Article by Keri Marino.

Keri Marino is an internationally Registered Yoga Teacher, Propmaker, and Yoga Therapist.  She owns and operates Yoga Unique LLC offering mobile Private classes, Yoga Therapy and Yoga props. Keri teachers both privately and publicly around the Greenville area. Check out more here: YogaUnique

Resources:
20,000 Secrets of Tea: The Most Effective Ways to Benefits from Nature's Healing Herbs by Victoria Zak
Guayaki
World's Healthiest Foods - Peppermint
Nutrition Data 
World's Healthiest Foods - Ginger