Longevitea

So I did a video showing you all the awesomeness that goes in to my tonic herbal tea.  Take note, I’ve not slept in almost 6 months (hello, motherhood) so the video is lacking any amazing information other than showing you the shit.  However, as the baby is officially sleeping (thank the gods) I’ve got a few minutes to type out the ingredients and their benefits.

The thing about lack of sleep is that it’s nigh on impossible to string a coherent sentence together.  The other thing about sleep deprivation however, is that somehow it activates parts of your brain that forgot long interesting words like recalcitrant, reticent, negate and such. The irony being of course that you can’t string a sentence together that uses these fancy new accessible words.

Moving on.

Can we agree that the lack of sleep accounts for this video containing sentences that trail off in to the ether, me mispronouncing things and referring to chaga as a root (hello?).  Whatever.  The tea may give you super immunity and health benefits but it can’t undo 6 months of sleep deprivation.  God I miss sleep.

As I said in the video, Ron Teeguarden’s Radiant Health is a must for anyone interested in tonic herbs!

Anyway, here are a list of the ingredients and more info for your reading pleasure…

Nettle – supportive effect on the immune system, the circulation, the urinary tract, nervous system, respiratory tract, digestive system and the endocrine system.  Like I said in the video, not Chinese. Although they probably invented it.

Licorice – increases vital energy, good for digestive and metabolic functions, aids in assimilation of nutrients and builds blood and muscle tissue.

Rehmannia – angiaging, rejuvenating, benefits sexual function and fertility.

Dried Orange peel – good for digestion

Cinnamon bark – good for weak kidneys

Jujube – helps spleen and stomach extract energy from food and drink also a blood tonic

Pau d’arco – anti-fungal, good for candidiasis. Again, this isn’t strictly speaking Chinese. I think it’s South American?

He Shou Wu – strengthens tendons, ligaments and bones, prevents premature ageing, increases fertility.  Will turn your gray hair black. Even if you were originally a blonde… Joke!

Chaga – anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, immune regulator. This actually grows in Scotland. Wish I could find some.  Buy from Chaga King

Reishi – immune regulator, antiaging, lowers cholesterol, calms the mind, eases tension, improves memory, sharpens concentration.

Longan – builds energy, good for skin and sexual function, high in iron.

Astragalus – strengthens metabolic, respiratory and eliminative functions. Acts as an energizer.

Ginseng – adaptogenic, reliees apetite, low sex drive, premature aging, increases physical and mental efficency and concentration

Gynostemma – antifatigue, adaptogenic, slows ageing, reduces fatigue, increases vigour, improves digestion, strengthens the mind, improves sexual function, calms the nerves.

Also added a teaspoon of my own mushroom blend which I made from the Four Sigma Foods range – cordyceps – strengthens body and mind including sexual functions. Lion’s Mane – enhances brain and cognitive function. Also some powdered Reishi and Chaga in there…

Add whatever ingredients you have to a pot, add spring water, bring to boil and simmer for half an hour.

Sorted!

So here’s the vid…