Nourishing Herbal Teas - Oats, Stinging Nettle, Clover

If you enjoy drinking a warm cup of herbal tea like I do you will be happy to know that when prepared as an infusion, they are a great source of vitamins!!!

If you know me at all, you know that I am a HUGE fan of stinging nettle infusion.  I use it as a main vitamin source daily.  I prepare it in the form of an infusion.  I will include a recipe below.  Infused, or allowed to steep for a few hours minimum, makes a stronger beverage then you will get from a tea bag.  The longer time period allows the water to extract more mineral value from the herb.  Either dry or fresh. One cup of stinging nettle infusion provides approximatly 500 mg of calcium and 50 mg of magnesium  Important to consume together for optimum benefit.  In this you get plenty.  I usually drink way more then one cup, as well.

Adding oats is an additional calcium boost.  I am not talking oatmeal here.  I am talking about dried oatstraw or milky oat tops.  Both are rich in anti-oxidants, some B vitamins, and also contain calcium, magnesium and other necessary minerals.  there is ample Vitamin C as well as anti-oxidant protection.

Red clover also contains phytoestrogens. These do not mimic strong estrogen activity but can bind to receptor sites preventing more or excess absorption through the skin.  Chemical hormones are everywhere.  We do not genereally need to add them.  This, of course, is a "whole other topic" that I will address in another blog.  Clover does not give the body hormones, but may help the body balance hormone activity with it's isoflavone content.  Perhaps then assisting in reducing things like hot flashes, mood swings and night sweats.

As you can see, herbal infusions are a great choice for simply nourishing our bodies.  No digestion of vitamin pills needed.  A better choice in my humble opinion.

Until next time, Cynthia @ MedicineWoods Botanical Sanctuary