This herbal tea blend makes a flavorful afternoon pick-me-up. The chamomile has a restful quality and its taste is applelike, while the basil and citrus peels refresh with their peppery zing.
Place all of the ingredients in a quart-sized plastic bag. Blow into the bag as if blowing up a balloon. Once it's inflated, hold the bag shut and shake until well combined. Store in a clean, opaque glass or ceramic jar with a screwtop lid or tight-fitting cork. Give the jar a good shake to help distribute the different ingredients before removing any tea for brewing.
To use, measure 1 rounded teaspoon for each 6- to 8-ounce cup of freshly boiled water. Steep for 5 to 6 minutes.eye-opening tea：For a gentle yet brisk morning brew, follow the recipe for Rest and Refresh Tea, using 1/2 cup green tea, 1/4 cup dried ginger root (available at natural food and herbal tea stores), one 4-inch cinnamon stick, coarsely chopped, and 2 tablespoons dried peppermint leaves or dried rosemary leaves. To use, measure 2 teaspoons for each 6- to 8-ounce cup of hot yet not simmering water. Steep for3 to 5 minutes.
Wild women's tea： For some razzmatazz at the next girls' night out, follow the Rest and Refresh recipe, using 1/2 cup Assam, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), or other black tea, 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers, 2 tablespoons dried rosemary leaves, and 2 tablespoons dried lemon balm leaves (optional). To use, measure 2 teaspoons for each 6- to 8-ounce cup of hot yet not simmering water. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Sweeten with a chunk of crystallized ginger.
