Description
Our Christmas tea a simple blend with therapeutic benefits. The ingredients are Mistletoe, which is reputedly a heart tonic and has been used for hundreds of years to treat a variety of medical conditions such as hypertension, headaches, arthritis and rheumatism. Cinnamon may regulate blood sugars; Hibiscus flowers may regulate blood pressure and Lemongrass is a nice cooling herb.
Its a spicy and delicious brew to enjoy with plum pudding or Christmas cake. It can be served as an iced tea or add to a mulled wine recipe.
Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on a host tree or shrub. Its therapeutic benefits are that it can strengthen the heart and is considered one of the best remedies for heart and circulatory complaints. It has a steadying effect on blood pressure – whether it is high or low. In Europe Mistletoe has been used for centuries in traditional medicines for conditions such as seizures, headaches, menopause symptoms and heart conditions
The subtle spicy flavour from the Cinnamon gives this tea a festive flavour along with the therapeutic benefits of helping to improve insulin sensitivity and help to reduce the risk of diabetic complications.
Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Hibiscus flowers give this tea a vibrant festive colour. Studies have shown that Hibiscus flowers may regulate blood pressure and combined with Mistletoe, can help with cardiovascular health.
Lemongrass is a cooling herb and it helps to tone down the sour bitterness of Hibiscus flowers.
Combine this tea and a bottle of red wine and you have the recipe for a nice mulled wine when warmed.
Here’s a few ways to enjoy this therapeutic blend of our Christmas tea.
AS A COLD TEA – add 1 – 2 teaspoons of herbs to 1 litre of cold water. Leave in the fridge overnight. Strain into a serving jug, add ice cubes, cinnamon sticks and springs of mint leaves. It’s a tea that looks great on the Christmas feast table and can be enjoyed by everyone, including children.
AS A HOT TEA – add a 1 – 2 teaspoon of herbs to a 1 litre teapot. Steep for 10-15 mins. Pour and sip.
AS AN EASY & DELICIOUS MULLED WINE – ENJOY HOT OR COLD.
Ingredients:
Bottle of your favourite red wine (Merlot is good)
500ml of the Christmas tea, brewed.
Juice of 1 orange and zest
1/4 cup Honey (or to taste)
Slices of orange (to serve)
Cinnamon sticks (to serve)
Method
Gently warm all the ingredients in a large pot on the stove top. If the wine is steaming, it is hot enough. Remove from heat, strain and serve.
Ideal served cooled in glasses or hot in mugs. For a hot summer day, serve with ice cubes. Add slices of orange and a cinnamon stick to serve. Delicious served with Christmas cake or plum pudding.
And here’s another idea from a customer: Soak the fruit for your Christmas cakes or plum puddings in the Christmas tea.
Make a strong brew and soak the fruit overnight before mixing other ingredients.
While there is no side effect from drinking Mistletoe, it would be wise to consult a healthcare practitioner if taking heart medications.
Ingredients: Mistletoe, Cinnamon, Hibiscus flowers and Lemongrass.