Lavender is a lilac fragrant flowering plant that is widely used for perfumes and medicinal purposes. In addition to aesthetic and aromatic properties, this flower is used in many recipes of traditional medicine. Also based on it is prepared delicious and healthy tea from lavender. What are the benefits and harms of lavender tea? How to cook it?
Positive properties
The benefits of lavender tea are obvious, it has a soothing and relaxing effect, therefore it is used in such cases:
- With frequent stresses, a fragrant drink can calm the nervous system, relieves excessive aggression and irritability. Effective as a preventative measure for depression and increased anxiety.
- For any type of headache. In addition, lavender contains substances that relieve spasms, so this drink will be useful in case of nerve ticks.
- With insomnia, which can be caused by both nervous disorders and simple anxiety during a difficult day.
- With premenstrual syndrome, hormonal changes in the body and weight loss.
- For problems with the digestive system as an effective carminative.
- For problems with high blood pressure, which can be caused by stressful situations or diseases of the heart and blood vessels of the body.
- With colds and flu, tea has an immunomodulatory property, which is important for a speedy recovery.
Such tea has a calming effect, not only because of the chemical composition, but also because of the aroma that sets a person to a calm rhythm.
Negative sides
Lavender is considered a medicinal plant, and therefore, in addition to useful properties, it also has contraindications:
- can not be used with low blood pressure;
- during pregnancy, lavender tea is also not recommended;
- lactation period;
- age up to 10 years;
- in a volume of more than 0.5 liters per day, as it can cause severe pain in the abdomen.
In addition, it is important not to drink tea with individual intolerance.
Collection and harvesting of raw materials
The plant grows well in a warm climate, which is not subject to sudden changes in air temperature. Lavender for tea can be prepared independently, if it is available in the region of residence. To do this, remember some points:
- raw materials are harvested in July or August, always in the morning, when the flowers bloom;
- drying is carried out naturally, by suspending small bunches of lavender. It is strictly forbidden to use thermal drying methods, since the plant at the same time loses all the beneficial properties;
- carefully dried inflorescences are packed in hermetically sealed storage containers.
No need to be upset if you have nowhere to harvest lavender. You can buy ready-made lavender tea in Moscow or any other region. Or buy dried flowers in a pharmacy and make a fragrant drink yourself.
Black tea with hibiscus and lavender
Lilac flowers can be brewed as a standalone drink, or in combination with other components. For one serving of tea you will need:
- 300 ml of liquid;
- brewing black tea, the amount of which depends on personal preferences regarding the strength of the drink;
- 1 tsp without a hill of hibiscus;
- a pinch of lavender flowers.
In the teapot, you need to brew black tea and hibiscus for several minutes. Then lavender flowers are added. Ready lavender tea can be consumed with both sugar and honey.
Lavender and Fennel Drink
Lavender tea recipes are multifaceted. One of the most popular weight loss products is fennel tea. To prepare it you need:
- 1 tsp fennel;
- 0.3 tsp lavender flowers;
- 0.5 l of liquid.
Ingredients must be poured with boiling water and insisted for several minutes. It is recommended to use without adding sugar or honey in small sips.
Chamomile tea with lavender
This drink is recommended for emotional stress and moral fatigue, as the main components have an active sedative effect. To make tea you will need:
- 350 ml of liquid;
- 1 tsp lavender;
- 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers.
The herbal mixture needs to be brewed in a teapot for about 7 minutes. Then it is consumed in small sips. To improve the taste, you can add a spoonful of flower honey.
Lavender syrup
This product has all the useful properties of a dried medicinal plant, but it is quite multifunctional, as it can be added to various teas, cold drinks, pastries, ice cream. The following ingredients are needed for its preparation:
- 180 ml of liquid;
- 250 grams of sugar;
- 3 tbsp. l lavender.
Cooking method:
- In a small iron container, it is necessary to heat the water.
- In hot water you need to dissolve sugar, stirring the mixture with a spoon.
- Then add lavender flowers.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 7-10 minutes over low heat.
After cooling in a natural way, the shelf life of a flavoring additive is 1 month, provided that it is kept in the refrigerator.
Tea with Valerian
Such a drink will be useful for people who suffer from sleep disorders. The mild sedative effect of valerian and lavender will actively contribute to the normalization of sleep. To prepare a drink, you need such components:
- 1 tbsp. l dried lavender;
- 1 tbsp. l dried valerian;
- 700 ml of liquid.
It is recommended to use a thermos to brew this tea, since in this way you can extract all the useful substances from medicinal herbs. With the regular use of such a sedative drink, there is a cure for migraine, the elimination of neurosis, depressive states.
Ivan tea and lavender
Cooking method:
- 1 tsp dried grass of willow tea;
- 1 tsp dried lavender flowers;
- 500 ml of water.
To obtain fragrant lavender tea, you need to mix the components and fill them with hot water. After 10 minutes, the infusion is ready for use. It is recommended to drink the drink slowly, enjoying a mild flavor and relaxing.
Lavender sugar
The violet plant has a rather bright aroma, therefore, on the basis of it you can prepare some flavoring additives, which are subsequently used for making tea and various dishes. One such supplement is lavender sugar.
The cooking method is simple: you need 500 grams of granulated sugar and 4 tbsp. l dried lavender. The components must be mixed and infused in a sealed container for 1 week. During this time, the plant will completely give its flavor to sugar. Then the sand can be sieved and eaten.
Ice tea with lavender and peach
Such a drink can not only refresh in the summer heat, but also calm the nerves that are upset. For cooking, the following components are needed:
- 1.5 liters of water;
- 400 ml of prepared lavender tea, pre-cooled;
- 4 sweet peaches;
- 70 g sugar syrup (you can use syrup with lavender from the recipe above).
The preparation of the drink is quite simple: you need to add syrup, ready tea and sliced peaches to cold water. Then let the tea brew in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Conclusion
The benefits of lavender tea are undeniable, but it should be treated with caution, as there are contraindications. However, even with excellent health, a fragrant and tasty drink can be consumed for your own pleasure.