Gut Supporting Iced Tea

Numerous traditional diets emphasized the use of herbal teas made from plants that would otherwise not play a large role in the diet.  Herbal teas were a way to ensure a diverse and robust nutrient intake.  These traditional societies knew that the plants used to make teas had tremendous health properties.  Some of the teas that they made even saved explorers from dying of things like scurvy.

When you think of eating a diet diverse of plants you often don’t think about using these plants to made teas.  Using herbs and plants in this way can also provide great health benefits including supporting your gut health.

I found this amazing book called 20,000 Secrets of Tea which describes all the different plants that can be used to make tea,  their benefits, and uses.  Because I am always looking to support my health in new ways using mixing my own tea has been a lot of fun.  This particular concoction contains ingredients that are known for supporting gut health.

Pau d’arco| packed with nutrients, including iron, calcium, selenium, vitamin A, B-complex, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.  The health benefits found in this inner bark made it well known as a immune system supporter and disease fighter.

Dandelion| usually thought of as an annoying weed this plant is anything but.  The bitterness from dandelion may stimulate natural digestive juices and help remove toxins from your body.

Milk Thistle| a great herb to strengthen your liver which plays an important in your immune system.

Hibiscus| doesn’t just provide flavor and a beautiful pink color to the tea but also boosts the vitamin C content and has a calming nature which are both great for gut health.

Cinnamon| known for its warming effect but it does so much more including soothing the stomach and breaking up intestinal gas.

Ginger| helps stimulate saliva, bile, and gastric juice production that supports digestion.

Mint| a calming and soothing herb.  May increase bile production an support bile flow which is important for breaking down foods during the digestion process.

Cloves| used a lot in Ayurveda practice cloves may increase gut motility and improve digestive power by increasing enzyme secretions that help breakdown food.

Cumin Seed| may stimulate pancreatic enzymes that are necessary for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Gut health is much more than just drinking tea but it can help support the process.  Making sure your diet and lifestyle contribute to gut health is so important for the overall health of your gut.  If you are experiencing gut issues I encourage you to reach out for help and possibly getting a LEAP test to find out your food sensitivities as a tool for an elimination diet.

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Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4 -8

Author Sara

Ingredients

• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 inch fresh ginger root cut into coins
• 2 teaspoons dandelion root or 2 tea bags
• 1 teaspoon dried hibiscus or 1 tea bag
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 2 teaspoons milk thistle or 2 tea bags
• 6 whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 bags pau d'arco tea
• 8 cups boiling water

Instructions

1. Add all of the herbs to a large heat proof bowl and cover with the boiling water.
2. Allow to steep 30 minutes- 1 hour.
3. Strain the tea threw a strainer.
4. Store the tea in jars in the fridge for up to one week.

Recipe Notes

*choose organic ingredients.