Elderberry syrup is delicious and oh-so-good-for-us, but what if you haven't had time to make up a batch? Maybe you've just drizzled your last drizzle and are in need of some elderberry boost right now! There's something a little decadent about this fruit and spice tea, but there's also a lot of soothing deliciousness. Why not brew some up and snuggle in for a blustery day? (This recipe makes enough to share and can be made ahead and refrigerated too!)

This blog was originally from the Sunday Steep series.

We are entering the season of hearty, heavy, rich, and delicious meals! Parties and potlucks abound, as do cozy meals around the hearth at home. I don't know about you, but that means my digestion could use a boost in helping to make sense of all those delicious treats and homemade goodness. I created this tea recipe for savory sipping either right before or right after a heavy meal.  It can be sipped hot or cold and has a nice, savory aroma too!

The fennel and cardamom seeds in this recipe are a wonderful addition for the tummy. If you're in a pinch and not in the mood to make tea, take 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds and a 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom seeds and chew (you can add a little sugar if you like). These herbs are helpful to keep your tummy happy after eating large meals! 

From our weekly series: The Sunday Steep

As much as I always hope the end of summer will bring on easy relaxing times, it actually seems that my world gets even busier as the leaves start to fall! There is still plenty to do in the garden and the last of the preserving (the figs are just getting ripe and the persimmons look quite promising this year!) Meanwhile, between trips to the pumpkin patch, parties, and the autumn blast of fundraisers and community events, I find that extra boosts of nutrition, antioxidants, and vitamins are definitely in order.

From our weekly series: The Sunday Steep

Recently, my energetic co-worker, Mason, and I were chatting about the joy of the Toddler Tea Party! As the proud papa of a three-year-old, the daily tea parties have become a cherished part of his life. This brought back a flood of memories of raising my own kids, as they used to love tea parties or just the special comfort that a hot cup of tea could bring. In fact, all my adult kids are still avid tea drinkers and I like to think all those adorable tea parties helped lay the foundation for the joy of a good, flavorful cup.

 A gentle and effective topical application for too much heat or minor bumps can come in the tried-and-true form of an herbal compress. This preparation brings the beneficial properties of herbs and the soothing sensations of a cool damp cloth close to your skin to accelerate the natural healing process. When draped around the skin, the moisture of the tea soaked towel softens the skin and allows the herbal constituents to penetrate deep.