TALES OF TEA

Originally Published: OCTOBER 6, 2015

I talk about tea A LOT during workshops, sessions with clients, and on the blog. I believe whole-heartedly in the immense medicinal and therapeutic qualities of those beautiful brews and all of the amazing things they can do for us - body + mind + spirit. One of my favs for grounding is Genmaicha.  This Japanese tea is composed of green tea and roasted brown rice, and gives your body a wack of flavonoids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals with every sip. 

What are flavonoids?

These guys are found in plants and have magical antioxidant powers. A diet rich in them helps to reduce your chance of welcoming in serious diseases and viruses (like heart disease and cancers). Other foods high in flavs: cacao, apples, onions, tomatoes, parsley and red wine. Antioxidants help to protect your cells from the bad guys - free radicals. 

Selenium is an important mineral that we don't get a lot of these days, but this warm bevy packs a punch with every sip. Selenium helps maintain thyroid function and regulates hormones and metabolism. 

I usually brew a big batch (don't let it steep for too long or it's bitter, 3 minutes is great), and sip it warm right away, and drink the rest over the next few days. Store in a mason jar and drink at room temperature, or make into an iced tea with some local unpasteurized honey + few squeezes of fresh lemon juice.  On a real snowy night I like to add a drop of almond milk and honey- usually I drink it black though.

Have you had this tea before? Maybe you like to drink it differently- please share!