Breathe Tea combines three herbs mullein leaf, calendula, and ever potent apple mint. Crafted to help a person experiencing congestion, tension, digestive trouble, painful periods and PMS, fevers, and minor respiratory concerns. Breathe Tea has been one of my personal favorites in clearing mucus from my lungs. With the number of people suffering from respiratory viruses rising, having breathe tea on hand to not only clear my lungs but boost my immune system and support my body and respiratory system has been invaluable. This blend was one of the first ones that I crafted and was excited to incorporate herbs that were purchased by a sustainable company and foraged / sourced locally.
Herbal Benefits
Calendula works as a warming and drying herb. It is antibacterial, a diuretic, digestive and immune support, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, and astringent. Warming herbs help stimulate circulation in the body. Making it a powerful addition for those who experience poor blood circulation. Drying herbs help to remove excess moisture from the body.
The reason I combined this herb with mullein was for its ability to boost immunity and support the body through inflammation. Combining a cooling herb like Calendula with a drying herb like Mullein helps to bring balance back to the body.
Mullein Leaf is a cooling, and moistening herb. It is an expectorant, anti-catarrhal, anti-microbial, diuretic, a mild sedative, anti-viral, lymphatic, and anti-asthmatic.
When it comes to supporting the body against respiratory concerns like congestion, coughs, inflamed bronchial tubes, Mullein works wonders to relax a spasmodic and inflamed respiratory tract. As an ant catarrhal, Mullein works to eliminate the build up of excess mucus making it a power expectorant in removing said mucus.
Apple Mint is a cooling and refreshing herb used to calm the mind. Working as a digestive aid, apple mint helps to relieve bloating, nausea, and can help to reduce fever and headaches. It is also known to soothe cold and respiratory concerns, making it a great herb to combine with Mullein and Calendula.
Herb Safety Precautions
Calendula is considered to be a safe herb. Use caution if you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family. These plants include things like daisies, dandelions, sunflowers, marigolds, etc. Calendula is also considered to be unsafe during pregnancy but is safe for all ages. Please consult with your physician before trying any herbs.
Mullein Leaf is also considered to be safe, however, the fine hairs on the dried leaves of the plant can irritate the throat so it is important to use fine mesh strainers and tea bags. Apple Mint overconsumption can lead to an upset stomach, cramps, muscle aches, and diarrhea.
Here’s what you’ll need:
· One part (cup) dried mullein
· One part (cup) dried calendula
· One part (cup) dried apple mint
During the spring / summer, the apple mint was harvested from a farm that is free of pesticides, heavy chemicals, and in a rural area. It was harvested and air dried then stored immediately. It was pretty late in the season when I harvested the apple mint, so it was not a large harvest. To keep my harvest sustainable, only about two-thirds of the plants were cut leaving plenty to grow for the next season.
The Mullein and Calendula were purchased from Monterey Bay Herb Company. They offer a wide range of organic and sustainably sourced herbs. They offer wild crafted herbs; herbs found in nature and collect them in a method that allows for growth in the next season. I have been using Monterey Bay for herbs that I was not able to forage or grow and have been impressed by the quality, affordability, ease of business, and shipping / storage that Monterey Bay offers.
· Tea Strainer
· Sweetener (honey, sugar, sugar alternative, lemon, etc.)
· Mason Jar or storage container
· Mixing bowl
· Wooden spoon or gloves
· Metal spoon
· Tea Bags
· Mug
· 8 oz of water to every 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea
Step 1: Combine dried herbs into mixing bowl, mix until well combined.
Step 2: Using a metal spoon, put one spoonful of herbs into small herbal tea bags. (if none, put loose leaf herbs into a mason jar)
Step 3:Preheat water on stovetop or kettle
Step 4: Add one -2 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea blend to a tea bag, tea strainer or French press
Step 5: Pour water over loose leaf tea, steep for 5 minutes
Step 6: Add honey or other sweetener once tea has cooled to warm room temperature
Directions for Use:
1. Add 1-2 teaspoons per cup of water. Add loose tea to a tea bag, or infuser.
2. Steep for 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate your favorite sweetener. Personally, I like to use crafted tinctures, but honey, agave, or any other sweetener works just as well.
Important Note: Adding honey to water that has just finished boiling rids the honey of vital enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants. Use honey once the temperature of the tea has reached a warm but not hot temperature.
Holistic Bliss WV 