A cup of warmth is perfect right now

Written by Robin Glowa
Thursday, 31 January 2013 13:46

During the frigid days of winter, when the body and soul crave deep warmth, nothing is more comforting to a chilly constitution than a steaming hot cup of tea. A cup of tea will soothe the senses after a long day at the office, serve as a rejuvenating reward after arduous outdoor activities, calm frazzled nerves and even lull restless sleepers towards relaxation.

Tea comes in such a vast variety of flavors, there is an essence to satisfy every palate. I have become particularly fond lately of Trader Joe’s Ruby Red Chai, which is made from South African Rooibos tea. Grown in the mountainous region near the Cape of Good Hope, Rooibos (pronounced ROY-boss) tea is caffeine-free, sparing me any late evening jitters. Combined with cloves, ginger, allspice, cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon, my Ruby Red Chai is full of scintillating, spicy flavor and wondrous warmth. While many tea lovers prefer to add a slice of lemon to their cup, or a lump of sugar, a spoonful of honey, or a bit of milk, I find the full-bodied flavor of my spicy selection to be perfectly satisfying.

For those wishing to watch their weight, a cup of tea may be an effective aid in satisfying certain cravings. Plain tea has no calories and is a good source of hydration. Drinking plenty of tea may increase metabolism. It is possible that tea may also lower cholesterol. 

Drinking tea may be an effective means of bolstering the immune system. Powerful antioxidants such as catechins and polyphenols are present in tea, giving this beverage a bevy of benefits, such as cancer, heart attack and stroke risk prevention.

There is a possibility that drinking tea may help delay the aging process — oh, that it were true!

That cup full of goodness may also relieve irritability, headaches, stomach ulcers, nausea, constipation and heartburn.

Treat yourself to a big cup of warmth and make tea part of preparing your delicious life. 

Try this special recipe when preparing tea for two!

Combine two cups of water and 1 cup of organic apple juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil. 

In each of 2 large tea cups place 1 peppermint tea bag and 1 Rooibos tea bag. (The Ruby Red Chai would be very nice in this recipe.)

Divide hot water/ juice mixture between the 2 cups. Add some organic strawberry slices and small apple chunks to each cup.

Try this recipe to relieve winter cold symptoms such as congestion. 

Boil enough water to fill your tea cup. Add your favorite tea bag. Also add equal amounts of ground cinnamon, ginger, sage and bay leaves. Steep for 5 minutes, then strain and add tea back to the cup. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice. 

Robin Glowa, HHC, AADP is certified in holistic health counseling by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and Columbia University Teacher’s College. She specializes in teaching healthy cooking classes for adult and kids, privately or groups, emphasizing the use of local, natural and organic ingredients and simple, delicious recipes. For more information go to www.theconsciouscook.net