This Chill Out herbal tea is like relaxation in a mug. In today’s busy world I see a lot of stressed out people who choose unhealthy ways to de-stress, relax or “chill out”. I could give you a list of healthy options for creating a less stressful life and dealing with stress in productive ways…but we’re all probably too busy to read that. 😉 Instead, for now, I offer this Chill Out herbal tea recipe for your tool box of healthy alternatives for dealing with life’s craziness.
This recipe is based on Rosemary Gladstar’s from Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, which I highly recommend reading! Each ingredient is chosen for its effects on the body’s ability to relax, release stress and its calming effect. I hope you find this as effective as I do…I have referred to it has my Xanax in a mug, more than once. You can play with ingredients a bit and see how they work best for you. I have found it is a naturally sweet tea and needs no honey or other sweeteners in it to enjoy; but I’ll let you be the judge of that. I do like to put a squeeze of lemon in it sometimes…again that’s up to you.
Instead of exact measurements you’ll use “parts” so if your 1 part equals a cup then your 1/2 part will be a 1/2 cup and so on. This will allow you to make up one mug or a large batch, as you see fit. I highly recommend buying the best quality, organic, herbs for your herbal teas; or grow them yourself. Keep your loose leaf herbal teas in air tight containers out of direct sunlight; I use canning jars with a reusable plastic lids. Be sure to label your herbs and teas!
Chill Out Herbal Tea Recipe – Ingredients
2 Parts Chamomile (like this)
Not only is chamomile relaxing, it can soothe the digestive system. I don’t know about you but my tummy gets upset when I’m stressed out; so chamomile is a double helper.
1 Part Borage Flowers (I have only found this at my local store)
According to Mountain Rose Herbs, “Both Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides claimed that borage was used to “exhilarate the mind”, comfort the heart, drive sorrow away, and increase one’s general happiness.”
1 Part Lemon Balm (like this)
Lemon balm is said to reduce anxiety, stress, help one to sleep, soothe indigestion and ease pains.
1/2 Part Lavender (like this)
Lavender can aid in reducing nervous tension, improve blood circulation, reduce pain and treat respiratory issues.
1/2 Part Roses (like this)
Roses are good as an antidepressant and anti-anxiety.
1/8 – 1/4 Part Passion Flower (like this)
Passion flowers can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and improve your sleep, among its many benefits.
CAUTION this is can be very sedating, do not use it if you are planning to stay awake, drive, etc. You can leave the passion flower out if you want to chill but not feel sleepy.
Chill Out Herbal Tea – How to Prepare
To make a single serving you’ll probably want individual infuser; just make sure to give the herbs a final push at the end to get all the tea out. Or you can make it in larger batches to drink iced or reheat as needed (I do not recommend using a microwave).
You want about 1 tablespoon of the tea mixture for every 8 ounces of water.
- Heat your water to a boil
- Remove from burner
- Pour boiling water over your herbs
- Cover loosely
- Let the tea steep for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 60 minutes
- Strain your herbs, pour in a mug and enjoy!
- You can drink the tea cold but when enjoying it warm you can take in the vapors for additional relaxing benefits.
