We are known for our foggy, drizzly days here in the Pacific Northwest. So much so that many folks don't know our summers tend to be sunny, dry, and mild for weeks at a time! For now, however, the fog can serve as a metaphor for one's mental state: clogged, foggy, and settled in a drizzly haze. I created this tea for an afternoon pick-me-up on those days when my focus starts to wane, but it works well as a non-caffienated jumpstart to a groggy morning, too.

Despite what Kermit's song says, I find green to be one of the easiest inspirations for herbal tea blends. The leaves of so many wonderful plants are packed with flavor, nutrients, and other good-for-you constituents and the combinations are seemingly endless. Lately, I've been on a bit of a Lemongrass kick, adding the essential oil to my AromaMist diffuser for a fresh scent, and tossing the organic leaves into my cups of tea. This recipe is as aromatic as it is tasty, so make up a cup and enjoy your "greens"...

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a plant native to Mexico and other parts of Latin America that has been a popular medicinal and widely used where it grows wild. In recent years, this herb has gained considerable popularity in the US, Europe, and abroad as a tea, smoking herb, and tincture thanks to its calming and love-inspiring properties. 

While I drink tea daily for myself, there are times when one needs an impressive tea blend for company. This is a more simplified version of a tea blend I created for gifts and serving to guests at home. The recipe below makes enough for a nice pot of tea to share with cherished friends. It holds up well to a little milk and honey, or a little wedge of fresh lemon is nice as well!

Even though it seems a little fancy, it's a nice all-purpose tea for health and pleasure...