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Magnesium and Potassium are said to help with muscle cramps. Manganese draws water out of the body into the bowels which is said to help digestion. It is thought to have significant health effects, particularly in improving the health of the cardiovascular system and is used for strong eyesight and healthy skin and hair. Basil contains high concentrations of carotenoids like beta carotene, and these substances are converted to vitamin A within the body. Beta carotene offers even more benefits than vitamin A alone, and it is known to be a powerful antioxidant. My favorite way to enjoy Basil tea is with a plate of cottage cheese and sliced tomatoes. But there are many other things you can do with this tea. Do you have left over vegetables and meat from yesterday’s meal? Make the tea and serve it as a soup - with your leftovers in it. It also makes an awesome beginning soup stock for all homemade vegetable and meat soups. You can prepare rice or noodles using Basil tea instead of plain water, and use it as the water to make gravy. Let it be your secret ingredient (smile). The water I use to make homemade pizza crust is also this tea. You can learn more about Basil (here) and / or how to make Basil Tea (here). A simple tea is enjoyed more for the flavor of the beverage, where a tisane brings out the healthful benefits of the herbs used. The 5 - 10 minute steeping (while covered) of a tisane releases some of the herbs oils. Because it is covered during this time, the oils go back into the water. You will also note the suggestion to put the herb directly in the water and strain it before drinking. When in a tea ball or tea strainer much of the herb's oil collects inside the little container rather then in the tea itself. And, since you want those oils for the health benefit, it’s best to let the herb float free. Either way you can add honey to taste, but it is NOT recommended that you add sugar or milk. Try it before you add anything - like I said earlier, the taste will really surprise you in a very good way. Finally, having a little porcelain tea pot (for steeping - not for cooking) and a special cup for your tea just makes the entire ritual of drinking tea a much more pleasurable experience. So, enjoy a cup of Basil Tea.
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All information, shared on this web site, is for enjoyment and study only and is NOT meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Only your health care professional is qualified to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Do not risk your health! Just because something is 'natural' does NOT make it safe. Do not, under any circumstance, ingest or use herbs in any form without consulting your Doctor. If you do, you do so at your OWN RISK. |
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