Afternoon teatime is not typically a ‘thing’ in the U.S., but it should be! For me, afternoons can be brutal after 2 p.m. because of fatigue and brain fog. When the pandemic hit, working from home gave me the ability to take a break and start my own afternoon teatime thing. After a few combinations, I found my go to blend to clear up that afternoon fog (or in the morning sometimes). I try and incorporate the many benefits of herbs into my life whenever and wherever I can and what a better way than to create a blend for whatever ails you.
I enjoy this blend with a touch of honey when I drink it hot. I have also made a sun-tea brew to enjoy cold with fruit infusions like fresh blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Either way is perfect, and I always feel better after a nice cup of this blend of beneficial herbs!
White Willow Bark (Salix alba) – This is the base ingredient in this tea. Use as a mild pain reliever and anti-inflammatory in lieu of Aspirin as it contains the same active ingredient, salicin. Drinking this in tea can be easy on your stomach. It can support relief to headaches and chronic joint pain, which is why I enjoy this natural remedy.
Elderberry (Sambucas nigra) – I adore Elderberries in tea! Not only does it provide vibrant colors to this herbal tea, but it also offers immune support, cardiovascular benefits, and supports lower cholesterol. Elderberries are highly nutritious and helpful if you battle with fatigue.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinale) – Lemon balm was plentiful as usual in the garden this summer so naturally, I had to include it for its many health benefits. This is perfect in this afternoon blend as a pick me up tea because of the support for brain functions of memory and thinking.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – This herb is common in tomato dishes however it also lends a subtle flavor to help round out this tea blend. Basil offers antioxidants, is an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. This blend includes the sweet basil I grew in the apothecary garden this summer.
Pu’erh Tea (Camellia sinensis) – Finally, to aide in gut health and support clearing afternoon brain fog, a pinch of Pu’erh tea leaves gives this tea a rich smoky flavor. This nutritious tea is made from fermented leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant and provides healthy probiotics that may help improve blood sugar levels, which plays a key role in suppressing afternoon cravings to support weight.