By Linda Barberic
As the evenings start to get cooler and the days begin to shorten, some of us may experience this seasonal transition into autumn and winter a bit difficult for our body’s physical and emotional energy. We watch the downward movement of energy back to the earth, as the trees and plants move their energy to their roots for the winter. We too may feel the need to move our energy inward to a place of grounding and nurturing. These decreased daylight hours and the fluctuating temperatures can make us feel unbalanced which is when illness can rise. So taking the time to sit with ourselves, slowing down and supporting our immune system is crucial. I look at this time of year as the perfect opportunity to incorporate some new life practices to help balance the energetic body. One of my favorite ways to replenish my roots and move inward is to bring in the ritual of a warm healing cup of adaptogen tea, as I start my day.
I am sharing my recipe for my favorite tea of medicinal roots, herbs, fruits and botanicals. This tea warms and nourishes the body from the winter ailments that seem to be lurking around every corner these days. This warming adaptogen tea not only keeps me warm as the days turn cool its also supports the immune system and adrenals during the cold and flu season to help fend off illness.
Adaptogens are found in herbs and roots; they are said to help the body’s resilience in dealing with serious health conditions. Adaptogens are also said to play a huge role in the aging process, so many adaptogens are considered to have anti-aging properties. They also alleviate stress and promote vitality for the whole body.
This powerful blend of adaptogen combines rich superfoods: reishi and chaga mushrooms, deep cocoa, antioxidant elderberries and calming ginger. Mushrooms have long been known for their medicinal properties in Eastern medicine, mushroom wellness benefits have been praised for 4,000 years in herbal medicine traditions. Chaga and reishi mushroom calm the central nervous system by moderating its response to cortisol, the stress hormone. They are also ideal for daily wellness support and have therapeutic potential in supporting the immune system to help keep the body in perfect balance. Mushrooms also contain phytochemicals, which are believed to protect cells from damage.
This delicious Tea is a fantastic alternative to coffee, as you get all the plant power energy.
Directions:
Combine all ingredients and add half to 8 cups of water in a pot.
Bring to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes, so the ingredients can release their healing compounds.
Strain herbs and serve with honey or maple syrup, to taste if desired.
Refrigerate unused portion and reheat later. Drink up to 3-4 cups throughout the day.
1 Teaspoon chaga mushroom
1 Teaspoon reishi mushroom powder
1 Tablespoon dried elderberries
1/2 Teaspoon ginger root
1/4 Teaspoon of cinnamon
1 Tablespoon cocoa
½ Teaspoon rose hip
1 Teaspoon of dried orange peel
1 Teaspoon of astragalus root
1 Teaspoon eleuthero
1 Teaspoon of ashwaganda
1 Teaspoon of burdock root
1 Tablespoon each of green and red rooibos.
This makes about 16 servings.
If this sounds like to much to make on your own, I invite you to visit Soma Tea and pick up a tin of this tea.
Stay well everyone.
Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.