“My love affair with nature is so deep that I am not satisfied with being a mere onlooker, or nature tourist. I crave a more real and meaningful relationship. The spicy teas and tasty delicacies I prepare from wild ingredients are the bread and wine in which I have communion and fellowship with nature, and with the Author of that nature.”
“If there was an herb put on earth to assist those with Adrenal Dysfunction, licorice root is that herb.” ~Dr. Andrew Neville
~ Euell Gibbons
In our modern world of high stress Adrenal Fatigue is becoming increasingly common. It is caused by the adrenals working too hard over too long a time, leading to this system in your body becoming tired and less productive. Adrenal fatigue often goes hand-in-hand with thyroid issues, and it is a common complaint for those with chronic illness such as diabetes, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include decreased libido, mild depression and anxiety, sleep issues, that ‘flat battery’ feeling where rest and sleep doesn’t restore you, feeling rundown, being easily overwhelmed and unable to cope, and feeling generally exhausted and unwell.
This is a very useful tea for supporting your adrenals, and for soothing your digestion and supporting your immune system. The tea is anti-viral and anti-inflammatory for your body. It is also a mild electrolyte, so this tea will help to rehydrate you as well. If, like me, you suffer from Lyme disease, this delicious tea will also aid your body in kicking those bacteria to the kerb!
Dried licorice root is available in many health food shops or Asian herbalists or grocery stores. So too are fresh ginger and turmeric roots.
Ingredients:
6 pieces of raw dried licorice root, 6 slices of fresh ginger root, 2 or 3 thin slices of fresh turmeric root or a pinch of two of dried turmeric powder, a pinch of Himalayan or Celtic salt, a pinch of stevia, a lemon.
*Note – turmeric has a tendency to stain things yellow, so don’t use your best teapot, or your Mum’s prized china!
If your immune system needs a bigger boost feel free to add more turmeric and ginger.
Method:
Place the licorice, ginger and turmeric in a teapot or thermos that holds one litre (4 cups). Let steep for ten minutes. It will go a very pretty shade of yellow.
This tea can also be made in a saucepan on the stovetop. Bring licorice, ginger and turmeric to the boil, then turn off the heat and let steep for ten minutes. This produces a stronger tea.
To finish the tea, add the pinch of salt, the pinch of stevia (or to taste) and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice. For convenience you could also slice the lemon and add a wedge or two to your cup, teapot or water bottle after the boiling and steeping process.
I sometimes make this tea in a 1 litre stainless steel water bottle, replacing the lid once the liquid has cooled to warm rather than boiling. The tea is very pleasant at room temperature. When I have drunk it down to about a quarter full I refill with hot water, and get another batch out of my ingredients. It’s a very easy way to get my water allowance over the day.
Looking forward to trying this tea.I found licorice root, any suggestions where I might find tumeric root in Melbourne?
I’d try a good greengrocer or the markets. Failing that, use the dried herb. 🙂 Ah, Melbourne, the coffee, the markets… Love Melbourne!
Nicole, you had me at GINGER! It seems to make most things better and a great tea!
I’m reading this while munching on my organic green smoothie – coconut cream, ginger, turmeric, radish, snow peas, sugar snap peas, kale, wheat grass, and almond flakes 🙂
I’ve been brewing up turmeric if and ginger tea all winter. I must have known this is what my body needs. Now I’ll add licorice. Thanks.