Rachel De Thample - Tonics & Teas

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People around the world have been brewing tonics, teas and tisanes for thousands of years as a way of keeping themselves healthy, energised and nutritionally balanced. Many of these ancient remedies are as delicious as they are good for you, and for some time now I have incorporated them into my daily routine, under the guidance of nutritional therapist, and friend, Ciara Jean Roberts. As you will find if you do likewise, they will not only quench your thirst but also offer a whole range of nourishing and healing properties.

Simply starting your day with some turmeric in a almost instantly reduced.

Whenever possible, choose organic ingredients, as they are free of pesticides and grown in soil that is rich with nutrients and minerals. Non-organic soil is full of chemical inputs, meaning they are not only on your food, but in it, too. Secondly, filter your water or opt for bottled mineral water that comes from a natural spring. Most tap water is treated with chlorine which counteracts many of the benefits and can kill off any fermented foods. Lastly, dont be tempted to use honey instead of sugar in the fermented recipes; the antibacterial qualities of honey will kill off your cultures. This is particularly important with kefir and kombucha. Opt, instead, for organic raw, unrefined sugar. Or experiment with Palmyra jaggery, which is a traditional Ayurvedic ingredient that offers more nutritional value.

Ive aimed to include a mix of drinks to give you a true taste of a variety of cultures. Hopefully, youll find lots of opportunities to weave them into your day and to call upon them in times of need whenever insomnia strikes, anxiety hits or you just want a delicious non-alcoholic brew.

Heres to drinking to your health!

The more one-to-one work I do with people, the more I come to understand that each person is unique and what works for one might not be so great for another. Plants contain powerful components that can work wonders for the human body. It is important, however, to realise that they need to be used with great respect. They contain chemicals that send signals to our cells, so they really do have an effect.

As you peruse the beautiful recipes that Rachel has put together, ask yourself, What calls to me? What is my medicine for today? Choose your tonic or a tea according to your mood and also consider the time of year. What is most seasonally appropriate? It might be that a simple mug of lemon in hot water is just the ticket, or you might need something more therapeutic. The body is always changing, as is our mood, so see what sings to your cells on any given day.

The introduction of the right tonic or tea at the optimum time can make a life-changing difference. I had a client a few years ago who was in his early thirties and about to go onto heavy medication (methotrexate) for rheumatoid arthritis, which might have impacted his fertility when he and his wife were looking to conceive a second child. I prescribed turmeric tea simply a teaspoon of powder in warm water daily with breakfast and this reduced his symptoms within just a few weeks. No meds were required and he went on to have a beautiful baby girl.

It is important, however, to be mindful of what may or may not be appropriate for you. Many herbs should be avoided if you are pregnant or lactating, for example, while if you have any blood-sugar issues if you are pre-diabetic or diabetic, for example you should avoid recipes containing sugar. If you are taking medication, check for contraindications, and take particular care if you suffer from impaired kidney or liver function. If it feels wrong, dont do it. Learn to really tune into your own body and its signals and how to best nourish yourself. Consider the therapeutic window of some of these offerings; administer a cough tonic as soon as you feel the onset of symptoms, for example. If you are taking a tea or tonic to help with a particular minor health complaint, do seek medical advice from a professional if the symptoms do not improve within a few days. Fermented food and drink is a growing trend and there can be many benefits to including these, but if you are not accustomed to them, go easy and start with very small amounts. They will influence the gut flora, which, if it has been out of balance, can take a bit of time to recalibrate. Let these recipes inspire you, and be playful with them. The energy and intention you put into making them also has an effect on how they will resonate in your body. The ritual of making a tea or a tonic for yourself or for loved ones is all part of the process. I see much improvement in people struggling with sleep when they introduce a bedtime tea, and I believe that this is due not only to the combination of ingredients in the tea but also to the fact that they are taking time to create something beneficial for themselves. The greater the amount of joy you can stir into your potion, the better!

Ciara Jean Roberts
Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist and Yoga Teacher

Ginger truly does top the list of effective natural home remedies. Used throughout history by different cultures around the world, ginger harnesses incredible healing power: not only does it help settle upset tummies and soothe migraines, but numerous studies suggest it can protect against cancer. Opt for organic, where possible.

Below are my favourite ginger shot combinations. Peel and juice the ginger first, then feed the herb or spice through the juicer. Finally, juice the fruit. Each of the following makes 1 shot.

Doctors used to carry little jars of cayenne pepper in case of cardiac emergencies, as it has a powerful effect on circulation and blood pressure. Start with a small amount of cayenne pepper the first time, then slowly increase it.