by Renee Lindstrom, GCFP – Living in Natures Love Lifestyles @insideawareness.com
One of the first wildflower’s I began gathering for creating tea was Mullein. Mullein introduced herself to me by popping up in our landscape on her own. Curiosity transitioned into a relationship with her. During her growing and flowering season I included her abundant flowers and leaves into my daily water infusions while drying some for tea for the fall and winter.
The flavor of Mullein is pleasant and unique. Her flowers are sweet and can be added to the leaf and root teas. The leaves have small hairs that need to be strained off, or gently scrubbed off when fresh, and the roots are easier to cut when they are fresh. When they dry they become hard and are more difficult to cut. A strong pair of indoor garden cutting scissors is a must!
I recommend starting making your own natural teas. Some of my favorites are:
- Bay Laurel Leaves
- Dandelion Flowers, Leaves and Roots – (great for liver and detox)
- English Daisy Flowers and Leaves (great for wounds, bruising, common colds and nutrition absorption)
- Feverfew Flowers & Leaves (great for headaches)
- Oregon Grape (great for liver, skin, thyroid & as antibiotic)
- Parsley (great for strength, detox, digestion, cancer prevention)
- Raspberry Leaves (used extensively when pregnant)
- Rosemary Nettles
More on Drying Plants
- Buy Dried Bay Leaves
- Buy Dried Dandelion Roots
- Buy Dried Dandelion Leaves
- Buy Dried Raspberry Leaves
- Buy Dried Rosemary Leaves
When using a new plant for water or tea I recommend using only one type at a time so you can easily focus on what you are noticing. Check in over a few days to see if can sense any change and try to identify what they are. Ask yourself if you are feeling any differences physically, mentally or emotionally. For example, Mullein is a relaxant, clears the mind, lessens incontinence, cleans out ones lungs and more.
Recommended Reading:
- Herbal Tea Gardens – 22 Plans for Your Enjoyment & Well-Being by Author
Mariettta Marshall Marcin - Healing Teas: A Practical Guide to the Medicinal Teas of the World — from Chamomile to Garlic, from Essiac to Kombucha, by Marie Nadine Antol (Author) – Dec 1 1995
Traditional uses and properties of herbs are for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Any serious health concerns or if you are pregnant, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs.
