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OT: What are your favorite tea herbs?

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 6:36 am
by AR
In contrast to all the threads about alcohol, I thought I'd start a thread of my own. I am a bit of a tea buff. Since I do not drink alcohol or anything carbonated. Tea is the drink of choice. I am a fan of herbal teas and make my own from my herbal garden.

My Garden has so far...
Mints:spearmint, cinnamon, pineapple. Chamomille, Lemon Balm & Bee balm.

I want to add this year: fennel, hyssop & more varieties of mint.

Any recipes that also include the herbs I have would be appreciated.

Re: OT: What are your favorite tea herbs?

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 6:42 am
by *Laura
AR wrote:

I want to add this year: fennel, hyssop & more varieties of mint.

Cannabis too. :lol:

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 6:47 am
by AR
One can never have too many tea recipes. Offer several at your next tea party!

AR's Wild Mint Tea Mix

1 cup lemon balm leaves
1 cup spearmint leaves
4 tablespoons orange peel -- grated
1/2 tablespoon cloves

Mix the herbs. Instructions: For each cup of tea, steep 1 tablespoon of herbal tea mix in 1 cup boiling water.

Mint Tea Punch
Serves: 4 Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
3 cups water
2 black tea bags
1 cup fresh peppermint leaves
4 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups cranberry juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Bring water just to a boil. Remove from heat. Add tea bags and fresh peppermint leaves. Allow to steep for five minutes. Remove tea bags and mint leaves using a strainer. Stir in sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add this mixture to the orange juice and cranberry juice. Refrigerate until well-chilled (1-2 hours). Serve in a tall glass with ice and a sprig of mint.

Do you get congested due to allergies? Drink this tea! It helps!

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 6:53 am
by Jeremey
Ed, I appreciate you bringing this topic up. I have heard much lately on the radio and TV about the practice of "teabagging." My question is this - Are there any good instructional films or pamphlets that would help point someone in the right direction if they wanted to learn more about teabagging? Can one teabag with just normal leaves? I have heard that nuts from the Scroat (spelling??) Bush can be very effective in teabagging. I would also love to learn more about teabagging as a family activity. Thanks in advance!

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 7:01 am
by wildchildtwisted
Jeremey wrote:Ed, I appreciate you bringing this topic up. I have heard much lately on the radio and TV about the practice of "teabagging." My question is this - Are there any good instructional films or pamphlets that would help point someone in the right direction if they wanted to learn more about teabagging? Can one teabag with just normal leaves? I have heard that nuts from the Scroat (spelling??) Bush can be very effective in teabagging. I would also love to learn more about teabagging as a family activity. Thanks in advance!


UMMMMM.....where I come from, teabagging means something COMPLETELY different!

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 7:03 am
by Just Mindy
AR wrote:Mint Tea Punch
Serves: 4 Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
3 cups water
2 black tea bags
1 cup fresh peppermint leaves
4 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups cranberry juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Bring water just to a boil. Remove from heat. Add tea bags and fresh peppermint leaves. Allow to steep for five minutes. Remove tea bags and mint leaves using a strainer. Stir in sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add this mixture to the orange juice and cranberry juice. Refrigerate until well-chilled (1-2 hours). Serve in a tall glass with ice and a sprig of mint.

Do you get congested due to allergies? Drink this tea! It helps!


This one sounds excellent, AR! I love peppermint! And not only does it help with congestion, it is good for tummy problems as well. Read on!

Soothe Your Tummy with Peppermint

In the world of health research, randomized controlled trials have repeatedly shown the ability of peppermint oil to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including indigestion, dyspepsia, and colonic muscle spasms. These healing properties of peppermint are apparently related to its smooth muscle relaxing ability. Once the smooth muscles surrounding the intestine are relaxed, there is less chance of spasm and the indigestion that can accompany it. The menthol contained in peppermint may be a key reason for this bowel-comforting effect.


Source: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=102

8)

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 7:07 am
by Jeremey
WILDCHILDTWISTED wrote:UMMMMM.....where I come from, teabagging means something COMPLETELY different!


In the context I've heard it, teabagging appears to be something involving sacks of nuts, used as tea bags, I believe, in order to provide refreshment. Minty juniper berries add an exciting twist to teabagging on a humid spring day!

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 7:09 am
by AR
Jeremey wrote:Ed, I appreciate you bringing this topic up. I have heard much lately on the radio and TV about the practice of "teabagging." My question is this - Are there any good instructional films or pamphlets that would help point someone in the right direction if they wanted to learn more about teabagging? Can one teabag with just normal leaves? I have heard that nuts from the Scroat (spelling??) Bush can be very effective in teabagging. I would also love to learn more about teabagging as a family activity. Thanks in advance!


When practicing teabagging a rather large sac is required to perform it properly. That is all that I know about that particular activity. You know I had been considering sending Steve Augeri some of my herbal recipies to cheer him up. But I think maybe teabagging him would be more appropriate.

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 7:12 am
by Jeremey
AR wrote:
When practicing teabagging a rather large sac is required to perform it properly. That is all that I know about that particular activity. You know I had been considering sending Steve Augeri some of my herbal recipies to cheer him up. But I think maybe teabagging him would be more appropriate.


Perhaps some lavender-scented teabagging? A cool spritzing can help reduce swelling as well, or so I've read. I have also heard that licorice and slippery elm bark works miracles for vocal rehabilitation. Perhaps a nice chin full of nuts is just what the doctor ordered?

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 7:57 am
by wildchildtwisted
AR wrote:But I think maybe teabagging him would be more appropriate.


LOL...am I the only one who is...nevermind....

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 8:00 am
by Moon Beam
Oh dear for love of life!
Smoke a fatty get some biggy's to dance a jig bout your mug and smile about it!
You bore me in this incarnation Ed.

Re: OT: What are your favorite tea herbs?

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 8:26 am
by Playitloudforme
AR wrote:In contrast to all the threads about alcohol, I thought I'd start a thread of my own. I am a bit of a tea buff. Since I do not drink alcohol or anything carbonated. Tea is the drink of choice. I am a fan of herbal teas and make my own from my herbal garden.

My Garden has so far...
Mints:spearmint, cinnamon, pineapple. Chamomille, Lemon Balm & Bee balm.

I want to add this year: fennel, hyssop & more varieties of mint.

Any recipes that also include the herbs I have would be appreciated.


dude...drugs are bad, m'k?

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 8:44 am
by AR
Moon Beam wrote:Oh dear for love of life!
Smoke a fatty get some biggy's to dance a jig bout your mug and smile about it!
You bore me in this incarnation Ed.


Would it make you happier to know I'm on my second beer?

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 8:46 am
by Moon Beam
AR wrote:
Moon Beam wrote:Oh dear for love of life!
Smoke a fatty get some biggy's to dance a jig bout your mug and smile about it!
You bore me in this incarnation Ed.


Would it make you happier to know I'm on my second beer?



It would, it would so to!
I would bore you in the tales of my life Sir. :lol:

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 8:50 am
by SunshineTwilight
Ed,

LMAO...You're killing me with this thread!! Image :lol: :lol:

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 9:31 am
by AR
Moon Beam wrote:
AR wrote:
Moon Beam wrote:Oh dear for love of life!
Smoke a fatty get some biggy's to dance a jig bout your mug and smile about it!
You bore me in this incarnation Ed.


Would it make you happier to know I'm on my second beer?



It would, it would so to!
I would bore you in the tales of my life Sir. :lol:


Well sorry to disappoint. I am drinking tea and it is yummy.

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 9:32 am
by ****
http://www.republicoftea.com/

Some of the best tea I've ever had

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 9:34 am
by AR
Legend has it that the first person to drink tea was a man named, Shien Non Shei, who one day took his wife and children mountain climbing. During the climb Shien Non Shei became quite thirsty and while he was feeling thirsty a leaf drifted onto his foot. He picked this leaf up and twisted the leaf with his fingers. The juice of the leaf went on to his fingers and he tasted the juice with his tongue. The taste of the juice was quite bitter, so Shien Non Shei felt that this leaf could have medicinal properties and could help quench thirst, when brewed. Thus, according to legend he was the first individual to drink tea.

The first written reference of tea made and consumed appeared in 350 A.D. Kuo P’o’ updated an old Chinese dictionary to include the description of tea as “a beverage made from boiled leaves.” Tea during this time was made of leaves boiled in water with ginger, orange or other produce added to it. Although tea was mostly consumed for medicinal purposes to treat digestive and nervous conditions, people living in the interior part of China pressed tea into brick “currency” to barter with other tribes.

From 350 to 600 A.D., the demand for tea dramatically increased and outstripped the supply of wild tea trees. Farmers began to grow tea plants in the Szechwan district, but soon tea cultivation had spread throughout China.

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 9:43 am
by Rick
Jeremey wrote:Ed, I appreciate you bringing this topic up. I have heard much lately on the radio and TV about the practice of "teabagging." My question is this - Are there any good instructional films or pamphlets that would help point someone in the right direction if they wanted to learn more about teabagging? Can one teabag with just normal leaves? I have heard that nuts from the Scroat (spelling??) Bush can be very effective in teabagging. I would also love to learn more about teabagging as a family activity. Thanks in advance!


Now that is funny!

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 9:47 am
by junky
AR, you know Schon, Perry and Cain used make their own tea, too.




Image

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 9:54 am
by AR
jrnyjunky wrote:AR, you know Schon, Perry and Cain used make their own tea, too.




Image


That is most excellent! I hope they read this! :D

Some more tea history:

Classical Period (618-907 A.D., Tang Dynasty)

During this time, tea drinking evolved into an art form. Tea as part of the Chinese culture was epitomized by the book “Ch’a Ching” or “Tea Classic” written by Lu Yu in 780 A.D. This three volume book covered everything related to tea from the proper techniques to growing plants to brewing tea. There was even a detailed description of a formal tea ceremony utilizing 27 pieces of equipment. Due to the complexity and the great number of accessories needed for the tea ceremony, only the affluent connoisseurs could afford all the equipment and the servants needed to prepare the tea. The connoisseurs included scholars, officials, and members of the royal court who studied the teachings of Confucius. As a result, the culture of tea contained a poetic aura. Tea during this period was sold in a brick form. The leaves were steamed, crushed, fired, and crushed into a brick. Tea was made by breaking a piece from this brick and boiling it in water.

Lu Yu because of his book, “Tea Classic” is considered to be the “Father of Tea” in Chinese history. When he was a young boy, he was abandoned and Chi Chan, abbot of the Dragon Cloud Zen Monastery, adopted him. Lu Yu was brought up in the Zen tradition but decided to pursue the more poetic and scholarly ways of the Confucian tradition. After writing his “Tea Classic,” he attracted many students and became a friend of the Emperor.

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 10:04 am
by Rick
Ed's been kidnapped. I think all of us here and at the Annex need to form a search party NOW!

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 10:27 am
by AR
Shoot 'em up wrote:Ed's been kidnapped. I think all of us here and at the Annex need to form a search party NOW!


Nah, I've taken this as far as it needs to go. :lol:

Beer #6 getting thrown down now.

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 10:28 am
by Rick
AR wrote:
Shoot 'em up wrote:Ed's been kidnapped. I think all of us here and at the Annex need to form a search party NOW!


Nah, I've taken this as far as it needs to go. :lol:

Beer #6 getting thrown down now.


There he is! Good to have you back bro.

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 12:00 pm
by Perry86fan
AR wrote:One can never have too many tea recipes. Offer several at your next tea party!

AR's Wild Mint Tea Mix

1 cup lemon balm leaves
1 cup spearmint leaves
4 tablespoons orange peel -- grated
1/2 tablespoon cloves

Mix the herbs. Instructions: For each cup of tea, steep 1 tablespoon of herbal tea mix in 1 cup boiling water.

Mint Tea Punch
Serves: 4 Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
3 cups water
2 black tea bags
1 cup fresh peppermint leaves
4 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups cranberry juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Bring water just to a boil. Remove from heat. Add tea bags and fresh peppermint leaves. Allow to steep for five minutes. Remove tea bags and mint leaves using a strainer. Stir in sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add this mixture to the orange juice and cranberry juice. Refrigerate until well-chilled (1-2 hours). Serve in a tall glass with ice and a sprig of mint.

Do you get congested due to allergies? Drink this tea! It helps!



Ed thanks, i am going to try them.

PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 4:36 pm
by Shadowsong
8)
Can't be without marjorham...

PostPosted: Tue May 08, 2007 1:23 pm
by stevew2
Im sure Deano could shead some light on the subject