Spring is here and so is the pollen.  We may not get much weather here, but when it gets windy, everyone’s allergies kick in.  Lets blend up a quick Aller-Ease Tea to support a healthy histamine response this season!

Ingredients

1 Tbsp - Elderflowers, Whole

• Rich in flavonoids, volatile oils, and phytosterols which can help to promote the elimination of mucus, especially from the sinus passages, and support a healthy response to heat in the body

2 tsp - Peppermint Leaf, Cut

• Volatile Oils promote open airways and the elimination of mucus from the Respiratory System, stimulate blood flow, and support overall inflammatory response throughout the body

2 tsp - Mullein Leaf, Cut

• Promotes the elimination of old mucus and promotes new balanced mucosal production, in addition to discouraging the development of secondary immune compromises due to seasonal intolerances and immune stressors.

1 tsp (approximately) - Brigham Tea Sticks

• The active constituents from this plant can help to relax tense muscles, especially around the lungs, help to open constricted airways, and support healthy inflammatory responses within the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.  (Check out our blog on Ephedra to learn more.)

A person could enjoy 3-6 cups of this tea per day to support healthy seasonal histamine response.  However, many of these herbs are somewhat drying to the body so it is best not to count the intake of this tea as hydration.

Instructions

1. Bring water to a simmer, and turn off the heat.

2. While your water is coming to a simmer, add your Brigham Tea sticks to an infuser of your choice and place it in your mug.

3. Once your water has simmered, pour the hot water over the Brigham Tea and allow them to steep alone and covered for about 10-15 minutes.

4. Next add the remaining herbs either to your current tea infuser or second infuser and allow to steep again for a minimum of 10-15 minutes covered. The flowers and leaves in this tea blend are much more delicate and temperature sensitive than twiggy Brigham.  Allowing the Brigham to steep separately for longer helps to maximize its extraction as the water cools to the best temperature for steeping the Elderflowers, Peppermint Leaf, and Mullein Leaf.  This tea could also be prepared as a lunar or solar preparation and allowed to steep for up to 12 hours for maximum strength.  If you would like, sweeten with honey or another sweetener of your choice and enjoy immediately.

5. (Optional)  You can also chill this herbal infusion, add lemon, honey, and chia seeds to offset some of the drying energy of the herbs in this blend, and serve it as a cooling, spring lemonade for any outdoor gathering!

Note: This tea could also be long infused at room temperature for several hours to overnight, and/or as a sun tea preparation.  To make sun tea you leave your infusion in the sun to utilize its natural heat and to allow the herbs to soak up some of that natural solar energy.  This method can be a great way to unlock the benefits of some of the more delicate herbs and their nutrients.