Have you ever tried rosemary tea? It’s not only good for you but it’s also delicious!
For a while now I had heard of making a cuppa out of rosemary but I wasn’t too sure about it. I mean, I love a bit of rosemary in my cooking, it makes a roast leg of lamb delectable but I couldn’t quite wrap my head around how it would go in tea.
But then, I tried it and OMG. It wasn’t at all what I expected and I am now hooked.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has a long history. It was highly valued by ancient cultures and used during the Middle Ages to protect the wearer from evil spirits, magic and witchcraft. It was also thought to provide protection against Plague.
I drink rosemary when I have a lot of work to do.
People take coffee, they take speed, whatever.
I take rosemary.
– Agnew Varda
Rosemary has many other uses than cooking and is used in aromatherapy. It is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and has uplifting and energising effects. As a tea it is known to:
- Improve memory and concentration
- Ease headaches, tension and fatigue
- Aid digestion
- Aid with colds, flu and respiratory issues
Enjoy in moderation
Due to it’s energising effects it is recommended to not drink rosemary tea at night. And whilst generally safe in low amounts, higher doses are not recommended particularly for pregnant and nursing women. It may cause an allergic reaction in some people who are allergic to aspirin and is not advised for people with ulcers, high blood pressure or Crohn’s disease.
Please consult with your healthcare provider before trying, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking any medications
Brewing Rosemary Tea
You can use the leaves of the rosemary plant either fresh or dried, pop it in some boiled water to steep for 5-6 minutes and away you go. I like to add a little raw honey just before drinking (but not straight into boiling water) but there are so many other flavour combinations. Here are a few others that I enjoy:
- Lemon & honey
- Ginger, lemon zest and honey
- Mint and honey
Some people add milk, but I prefer my tea without milk so I haven’t ventured to try that just yet. I’d love to hear some of your favourite ways to enjoy this delicious beverage.
Happy brewing
Lou