Soothing Teas

Tea is the most popular nonalcoholic beverage (after water). And new healthy benefits of both true tea (from the Camellia sinensis plant) and tisanes continue to be discovered. But why settle for steeping a plain old tea bag in a cup of water? Step up your tea game with creative brews by Rachel de Thample, from her new book Vital Tonics & Soothing Teas. Here are two of her favorites:

Spice C Tea

Serves 1

Cumin is a wonderful cleanser for the small intestine, which plays an important role in nutrient absorption. You may be eating the best food, but if your ability to absorb and assimilate the nutrients is diminished, your health will be affected. If this is the case, try this tea for one month.

• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• ½ cinnamon stick
• 2 tsp. black tea leaves or 1 black tea bag
• 1 cup freshly boiled water

Put cumin, cinnamon, and tea leaves into teapot, and pour in freshly boiled water. Steep 7 minutes, then strain into a mug.

Rosy Ginger Tea

Serves 1

Rose works to calm the emotions, making it a medicine for your heart, while ginger and star anise are great digestive soothers—perfect for stressful, often heavy holiday meals.

• 1 (11/4-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 Tbs. rose petals or rose buds
• 1 star anise pod
• 1 cup freshly boiled water

Put ginger, rose petals, and star anise into teapot, and pour in freshly boiled water. Steep 10 minutes, then strain into a mug, and drink.