vii: Notes from the Brew Room
Three steps to heaven Ann King A sunny outdoor social gathering, with good conversation accompanied by an energising herbal infusion seems a pretty perfect way to spend free time this Spring. Cold or hot infusions are among the simplest and most effective ways of taking the benefits of herbs either— drunk, or used topically in a therapeutic footsoak or compress. Why not throw caution to the wind, grab a few blankets and enjoy one of these Green Tea infusion recipes, whilst indulging in a restorative and immune-boosting footsoak, and taking a breathing practice? Green Tea leaves come from the same Camellia sinensis plant as ‘builders’ and other Black Teas, but the processing of the leaf is different— a little like the differences between Cacoa and Cocoa in the chocolate process. Green Tea is dried or withered and then heated. Black Tea goes through an extensive fermentation process resulting in the oxidization that causes leaves to darken. Green Tea has been used medicinally for over 3000 years and is believed to aid the digestion of fatty or oily foods, normalising the metabolism. It contains tannins, vitamin C, polyphenols— mainly the flavonoids catechin and EGCG — and the amino acid l-theanine. Recent research has linked l-theanine to the lowering of anxiety and stress, and to management of the symptoms of depression. Green Tea continues to be the mainstay of the traditional Japanese Tea ceremony, albeit in Matcha forms. In the last few years, Tea has been grown closer to home— in Perthshire and other areas of the UK that enjoy acidic soil conditions. One of the slightly more unusual, but delightful combinations we have found is Green Tea, dried Hibiscus flower and fresh Ginger. The resulting drink is beneficial to the immune system overall and makes a thirst-quenching
iced tea in the warmer months. We developed a slightly more seasonal, local variation in recipe two, to include the Wild Raspberry leaves currently unfurling amongst the Brambles (Rubus spp.). To balance and complement, we added locally foraged and dried Rosehips. One 1 tsp Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) 1 tsp dried Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)— also called Red or Jamaica Tea, this contains vitamin C and is used as a cough remedy in Africa and Asia 2 slices fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale)— as a general tonic and anti-inflammatory aid Two 1 tsp of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) 2 tsp dried Rosehips (Rosa canina)— a source of vitamins C, B E and K, and a tonic 2 tsp finely chopped Wild Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaves— a natural source of potassium and magnesium Local Honey, to taste Three 1 tbsp sliced fresh Turmeric (Curcuma longa)— a known stimulant used externally for bruising and internally to relieve catarrh 1 tbsp sliced, fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale)— used as a stimulant and rubefacient 1tbsp chopped Lemongrass (Andropogon spp.)— for its delicate and uplifting citrus fragrance Epsom salts (optional)
