Make Your Own Herbal Tea Travel Cup

I had a bright idea the other morning and had to share with you.  Enjoy the video!

According to the information provided by Teavana Tea Company:  “There are a number of reasons why loose tea vs. tea bags, but they all come back to quality.  Though loose leaf teas and teas in bags (particularly the commercial supermarket brand tea bags) originate from the same plant, there are a few factors that influence the quality, taste and longevity of the final tea.

High quality loose teas are made from the Camellia sinensis plant’s finest hand-picked buds, whole tea leaves, large pieces of leaves or a combination of these parts.  The time of year and growing conditions greatly affect the quality of tea.  When all of these factors are taken into account, much like a fine wine, the tea retains its distinctive flavors and characteristics.

In contrast, the tea found in tea bags usually consist of smaller pieces of tea leaves or tea fannings (also referred to as dusts) which may give a quicker brew, but lack the subtlety and full flavor of the larger loose leaf teas.  In fact, some loose leaf teas can even be re-steeped yielding multiple cups of flavorful and healthy tea.  Tea bags can also release more tannins than loose teas giving a harsher flavor to the tea.” (source)  *That’s why a lot of times I will break open a tea bag into a strainer to utilize more of the components of the tea itself and bypass the tea bag all together.  Of course, sometimes due to convenience and life, I will toss a tea bag in hot water and be in BLISS!*

After the video, I realized that it wasn’t the amount of water I had in jar, but the seal on the lid with the strainer in it.  Just not a super tight seal – works great if you don’t slosh side to side like I did in video.     So, keep it straight and you’re good to go.  It works perfect with just the dried loose herb in it for traveling and then when you get to a place and can get hot water in it – works great!  Sit the strainer in lid while enjoying your cup of piping hot tea.  You could also probably use a large tea ball strainer that would fit in the jar and seal tightly.  Just make sure it has a fine, tight mesh so that herbs don’t go thru so much.  Then use the same concept – pour in hot water, sweeten, seal and go!

Herbal Tea Recipe used in video:

• 2 tsp. Astragalus Root
• 1 TB. Yerba Mate tea
• 4 Hibiscus (Sorrel) Flower Pods
• Stevia or raw honey to sweeten (or your choice)

Place loose herbs/ tea in strainer (inserted in wide mouth pint-sized mason jar), add hot water and sweetener of choice.  Allow time to steep, cap and take with you on the go for drinking in your vehicle or wherever you are at. (click on herbs below to take you to link if interested in purchasing – great quality for great price)

Yerba Mate –   a mild stimulant (I am super sensitive to stimulants and I can handle it just fine), tonic, blood cleanser,  aids cleansing and elimination, promotes clarity and focus.  I love it!  Doesn’t take much and re-use several times.

Astragalus Root – Tonic, immune stimulant, promotes digestion and reduces fatigue

Sorrel (Hibiscus) Pods- Very high in quantities of Vitamin C, stabilizes blood pressure, tonic, immune booster, & diuretic – just to name a few of the many medicinal properties of this herb.  Sorrel is one of four herbs that comprise Essiac tea — an anticancer tea developed by the Ojibwa Indians of Canada.

Another lovely tea recipe:

• horsetail herb – loose
• oatstraw herb – loose
• Hibiscus (Sorrel) flower pods
• chamomile herb – loose
• Roobois leaf
• stevia or sweetener of choice

Brew the same as the instructions above.   The sky is the limit for making your own blends or even just ONE tea/herb.  I just wanted to share the DIY herbal tea travel cup idea!  I have been out of town for several days (heading back home today) and I have been using several times per day and it works BRILLIANTLY!  I love it!

Tea finished steeping – about 15 minutes. Such a lovely color and rich in nutrients and healing properties. Ready to drink!

The clip below is for those of you who remember the old tv series from the 70′s/80′s  – THE INCREDIBLE HULK.  Scott was telling me that when he was a kid he remembered a scene in an episode that taught him to always re-use your tea bag to get the most out of it.  He found it and I had to share – it’s cheesy and geeky (bad acting but fun) – it’s only 58 seconds long.

But who can resist the wisdom from a man who is INCREDIBLE and GREEN!  That’s my kind of man!    Don’t worry Scott!  You’re always my INCREDIBLE MAN!  Enjoy! 

Tip:  Always compost tea leaves!  You can also add them to your houseplants or outside plants.  I just put a little bit on top of soil and gently scratch it into soil, so the plant can utilize and absorb any nutrients from the tea.  Any big pieces, you can take out and compost (or cut up into smaller sizes).  REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!

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