Yesterday... Outside a light drizzling haze of rain has begun which promises to give way soon into a steady downpour. Walking home from the bus will likely be a wet adventure in worm hunting with rain drip dropping on each of our umbrellas. When my kids get off the bus they are worn out, ready to relax and let down their guard. Ready to be home. I love to support and help them relax with nourishing snacks and a hug.

With the chilly rainy day I am looking forward to making a delicious tea to warm their bodies, ease their minds and gently stimulate their immune systems. Today it will be Sunshine Tea. This is a family favorite made with chamomile and St. John's wort flowers. It soothes a sadden heart and quells a worried mind, like a hug that let's you know everything will be okay. Some other day homemade herbal chai with warming herbs and antioxidant rich roobios could hit the spot. Another afternoon could call for peppermint and lemon balm to refresh yet relax the brain and body.

My children enjoy tea in a few ways. We have a small lovely tea set complete with cups and saucers. They love to sit at the table for a quaint tea party resplendent with pinkies in the air and a bit of practicing our English accents. It is great fun and a lovely way to spend a bit of time together. We also have some wonderful personal sized tea pots, one for each of us, each with it's own brewing basket. The kids were gifted these from grandma one Christmas. The pots are very cheery and feature the kid's favorite colors. They feel very big indeed to have their own pot to pour from into their favorite cup, a kitty cup for one cutie and a puppy cup for the other.

Getting down to work after school with a tasty cuppa tea.

Here are a few of our favorite recipes. Herbal teas offer a great way to provide healthful vitamins and minerals, boost a stressed out immune system and ease a tense mind. Just the aromatic fragrance when sipping tea is good medicine.

Sunshine Tea ~

Chamomile
St John's Wort
Pinch of Lavender

Combine equal parts of chamomile and St. John's Wort with the lavender, about 1 tablespoon of each herb per cup of water. Cover with boiling water and a lid to keep in all the yummy therapeutic essential oils. Steep for 3 to 6 minutes, no longer. Strain and add honey to taste. My kids love it with Lemon Balm Honey!

Herbal Chai ~

12 to 18 Cloves
14 to 18 Cardamom Pods
2 sticks of Cinnamon or a palmful of Cinnamon Chips
4 nice size slices of Ginger Root
2 teaspoon Fennel Seeds (opt.)
2 tablespoons Roobios
5 cups of water
2 cups of milk
Honey

Smash all the herbs in a mortar and pestle until they are busted open. Give 'em some love while you grind. This is a great time to put love into your tea. Then put the herbs in the water and slowly simmer for at least 20 minutes, I like to do more if I can. Add the milk and warm then take off the heat and add the roobios. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Add honey to taste! Delicious healthy tummy loving!!

Peppermint Lemon Balm Tea~

Combine equal parts of peppermint and lemon balm, about 1 tablespoon of each herb per cup of water. Cover with boiling water and the a lid to keep in all the yummy therapeutic essential oils. Steep for 15 minutes or longer. Strain and enjoy!

How do you welcome your kids home from school?

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Shared on: The Kid's Co-op, Sunday Parenting Party, Afterschool Party