tea bag of tricks

herbal tea directory

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint originated in Europe and the Middle East, and although you’ll now find it being grown all over the world—perhaps even in your own lovingly tended herb garden—you won’t find anywhere with more peppermint than Morocco: more than 90 per cent of global production comes from this North African country alone. Little wonder it’s such an ubiquitous part of life there, where it’s steeped with dense sprigs of leaves, mixed with a very generous amount of sugar, and served as a sweet tea in gorgeous little stained-glass cups with every meal … and before, after and between meals … and any time you sit down for longer than five seconds. But hey, who’s complaining? Peppermint tea is a great reviver, thanks to the refreshing nature of the menthols that give it its characteristic icy taste. The stimulatory effect of that cooling sensation is what creates peppermint tea’s associated sense of ‘alertness’ and invigoration, while it also helps to clear nasal and sinus passages (potentially relieving headaches). Peppermint tea can also help settle a tummy upset caused by indigestion and gas—though it isn’t a good choice for reflux or heartburn, as it can relax the esophageal sphincter, making the problem worse. It’s a bit too strong for babies and small children, but fine for kids over five.

CAMOMILE

Camomile (or ‘chamomile’, if you have a thing