The Italian Way of Tea

My daughter had a car accident today (she's fine, if sore), and it seemed only fitting that when I read about tea customs in Italy, it is suggested that Italians only drink tea at home when they are sick.

Add to this the suggestion that asking for a cup of hot tea in Italy gets you water run through a coffee machine, imparting the taste of coffee to your tea. Just today, in fact, while out with my daughter, we sampled tea in a store we were visiting, and it was overwhelmed by the taste of, you guessed it, coffee. No doubt they used the same machine to brew the tea that they have previously brewed coffee in. For someone who doesn't drink coffee, it really destroys the tea when this is done. Yuck!

Keep in mind that Italy is the home of espresso and cappuccino, so the idea that tea is not commonplace there makes perfect sense. The teas that are generally consumed are chamomile or fennel. Both are herbal and can be viewed as medicinal.

So, today, I am drinking some chamomile in a mom related mug. Just because.

Just, no

I don't often get tea out, because they hand me a cup of hot water with a tea bag dangling out of it. Sheesh, I can do better at home. So I do. Yeah, sure, sometimes I do break down and buy a cup of hot tea, but it's pretty rare. But I can't bring myself to do the above, the lazy tea for lazy people. Seems so undignified!

So, I'll just enjoy my tea here at home:

And have this lovely lavender chamomile.

Chamomile Tea

Hubby and I have these occasional bouts of insomnia. I try, and often fail, to drink a nice cuppa something herbal in the evenings. My excuse for not doing so is I'm busy. And that's the very reason I need to! Anyway, I mentioned this to my hubby about drinking herbal tea, and suggested perhaps some chamomile might help us both. I, of course, enjoyed mine. He said his made him have to go to the bathroom. Ah, well.

Naturally I chose a mug with a scene that brought a sense of security when I was a child. Seemed fitting for a nice chamomile.

I wondered what other possible benefits there might be to chamomile. According to the article 9 Amazing Health Benefits Of Chamomile Tea:

1. Treats Cuts and Wounds – Chamomile tea was used by the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians as a salve for wounds to expedite healing. In a recent study, rats given chamomile flavored water healed faster than those who were not given the elixir. It worked especially well for burn wounds. This is because Matricaria chamomilla has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
2. Helps with Diabetes – Some research has shown that chamomile can help those suffering from diabetes. It also helps with hyperglycemia.
3. Antibacterial – The antibacterial effects of drinking chamomile tea can help to prevent and treat colds while protecting against bacterial-related illness and infection.
4. Calms Muscle Spasms – One study from England found that drinking chamomile tea raised urine levels of glycine, a compound that calms muscle spasms. Researchers believe this is why chamomile tea could prove to be an effective home remedy for menstrual cramps as well.
5. Soothes Stomach Ache – Further adding onto chamomile benefits, the herb is a wonderful for soothing an upset stomach. Helping to soothe and relaxes the muscles and lining of the intestines, chamomile can help with poor digestion and even those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
6. Promotes Sleep – Drinking chamomile tea soothes the nervous system so that you can sleep better. It has been used as a solution for insomnia for centuries.
7. Natural Hemorrhoid Treatment – Chamomile ointment can help to relieve hemorrhoids.
8. Fights Cancer – It’s very likely that chamomile tea can help reduce cancerous cells, although research is still ongoing to see exactly how chamomile reverses abnormal cellular growth.
9. Promotes Healthy Skin – With it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties, chamomile helps in clearing up skin irritations such as eczema, acne, and allergies.

I have never tried chamomile for any of these other reasons, but it is a very nice nightcap.

Cucumber and Tea - for the face!

The past month has been quite a roller coaster in my house. I'm just so glad things have begun to level off. And I got a new car! Hey, call me shallow, but this car is fun! Hubby learned that yelling at voice activated programs doesn't work. The laughter that came from that revelation was a balm on all the craziness.

Today I was doing my daily reading (I have a handful books I make a point to read from every day this year) and I came across this rinse for the face. It helps to reduce puffiness or blotchiness and just sounds so divine. I plan to whip some up.

Cucumber and Tea Rinse

1/2 cucumber, peeled and seeded
1/4 c. hot green tea
1/4 c. hot chamomile tea

Puree the cucumber and strain out the juice. Mix the cucumber juice with the teas and refrigerate for at least half an hour. Pat your face with this cooling mixture, then rinse with cool water. Pat your face dry.

Feel better?