Relaxing Raspberry Tea

To end our raspberry week I thought we would take time to share a cup of tea. Tea has quite a number of benefits. I found this top 12 list by  Marcelle Pick, OB-GYN NP and with the link back to her article if you want to know more. 

Just the act of drinking tea is relaxing not to mention the healing benefits of the particular herbs you choose to drink. Green tea is particularly stress relieving.

"Top 12 health benefits of tea

1. Stress recovery and relief from psychological distress
2. Insulin regulation and weight maintenance
3. Arthritis prevention
4. Immune system support and cold/flu relief
5. Reduction in risk of certain cancers
6. Protection against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
7. Reduced risk for cardiovascular disease
8. Bone health promotion
9. Prevention of lung damage
10. Healthier aging
11. Detoxification benefits
12. Enhances parasympathetic changes"

The other day I decided to pick and dry some of the leaves from the raspberry bush next door. It was pretty easy. I used my food dehydrator and they dried in several hours. This photo is of my very first cup of home harvested raspberry tea. It was good  and tastes like green tea to me.

"Pour one cup boiling water over a teaspoon of dried leaves and let it steep at least 15 minutes. Drink and heal." Norma Whitehead

Raspberry tea is commonly thought of for pregnant women.  It can also help with stress reduction and weight loss. 

"This tea is commonly used for digestion troubles including gas, diarrhea, and more. It also contains several anti bacterial agents that can help to fight off mild infections and speed up recovery time from the cold or flu. Beyond all of this, raspberry tea is also filled with many nutrients and minerals that our bodies need in order to function at their very best. Vitamins A, C, and E are prevalent in the tea along with calcium, pectin, iron, and potassium. Another impressive benefit to be found in raspberry teas is that they contain the highest content of anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that can increase health greatly. When drank regularly it is no doubt that raspberry tea can be one of the best nutritional supplements that you can use that will help you feel better all around." http://www.raspberrytea.net/Raspberry-Tea-Benefits/

My Self Care Wellness Activity:
Take time for a cup of tea. Not on the run, but to be enjoyed as you quietly reflect about some of the good things in your life. Breath in, breath out, take a sip of tea and take a momentary mental vacation.