Herbal Sprinkle Blends

My hubby gave me some cute owl salt and pepper shakers for valentines day. I decided to fill them with herbal sprinkle blends from The Herbal Kitchen by Kami McBride.

Here they are with the adorable frog Sumac shaker that also graces my kitchen counter. Aren't they adorable?

The blue owl has the Peppermill Blend (juniper, coriander and black peppercorns).

The pink owl has the Red Powder blend (Rose hips, Hawthorn, and rosepetals, sans the orange peel called for in the original recipe because I didn't have any.)

Having some interesting spice blends on hand makes even our last-minute, thrown together meals much more exciting. I love the Peppermill Blend on red lentils, and the Red Powder Blend is really nice on scrambled eggs.

Tea Tuesday #2: Rose Hips and Hibiscus

I had a craving for something red, with rose hips. And, preferably, hibiscus. The end result just so happens to be spectacularly heart-friendly, and with today being Valentine's Day, well, how perfect!
 
Ingredients:
Rose petals, one part (in this case, approximately two tablespoons)
Hibiscus flowers, one part
Rose Hips, four or five
Hawthorne berries, four or five

Health highlights:
Hibiscus: heart health, healthy water balance, supports healthy blood pressure, promotes regularity
Rose Petals: heart health, mood support, promotes regularity
Rose Hips: high in vitamin c, antioxidants, and iron
Hawthorne Berries: heart health, supports healthy blood pressure, promotes regularity

To make the tea, measure out and then lightly crush the ingredients while the water boils. When the water reaches a boil, remove from heat. Measure herb blend into a tea strainer, one tablespoon full of the herbal blend per cup of water. 

Let steep for five minutes, then remove tea strainer from cup. This tea has a pleasantly fruity, tart taste from the rose hips and hibiscus, and a subtle floral note from the rose petals. Enjoy it as is, or try one of these delicious options:

• Hot and sweetened with honey
• Over ice with cranberry juice or cranberry juice blend, to taste
• With sumac berries in addition to the rose hips and hawthorn berries

Tea Tuesdays #1: Coltsfoot and Thyme

The other day, I wanted something to help out with the winter grungies which had taken up in my chest for the week. After raiding the Cabinet, this is the result:

1 tbsp each of thyme, hyssop, and coltsfoot
2 tbsp of peppermint
five or six rosehips

I used one tablespoon of the mix in eight ounces of just boiled water. I let it steep a little longer than usual, about fifteen minutes, because I wanted it to be nice and strong.
The first taste is that of peppermint, with a light finish of thyme and hyssop, almost a bit resinous. Added honey to taste as a sweetener.

Health Highlights
Thyme: upper respiratory support, antiseptic and astringent properties
Hyssop: promotes sweating and has diuretic and expectorant properties
*Coltsfoot: soothing to the lungs; expectorant, anti-inflammatory and antitussive properties
Peppermint: digestive support, excellent flavor

*Note about Coltsfoot: I have seen it noted in some herbal references that Coltsfoot contains alkaloids that are best avoided during nursing and pregnancy, daily or long term use in children, and in people with liver disease. (Healing with the Herbs of Life by Leslie Tierra L.ac, A.H.G)