I'm Back, a New Herbal Tea, and Some Fun News

Hello all! I am back from the Outer Banks. We had a fabulous vacation with family and friends. I just love the ocean and there you are literally surrounded by it! I'm already planning and looking forward to going back next year!

I wanted to share a really great new herbal tea with you all. It's a Nourishment Tea from Aviva Romm's book The Natural Pregnancy Book. It has so many great herbs in it. Here is how you make it

2 parts red raspberry leaf

2 parts nettle

1 part oat straw

1/2 part alfalfa

1/2 part rose hips

1/4 part red clover

1/4 part spearmint leaf

Mix all the dried herbs together and store in an air tight container away from heat and light. You can then prepare a tea or a decoction from the herbs. Aviva recommends steeping for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours. You can drink 1 to 4 cups of this tea daily.

Why is this particular blend of tea so great? Check out all the benefits in one cup of tea...

• Red Raspberry Leaf - very rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iron. It contains fragarine which is thought to tone and strengthen uterine muscles.


• Nettle - Also very high in vitamins and minerals. This herb promotes good kidney function and also prevents hemorrhaging and anemia.


• Oat straw - very rich in calcium and magnesium. This herb promotes relaxed nerves, healthy muscle functioning, and prevents insomnia and cramps.


• Alfalfa - This lowly herb often grown only for a cover crop has phenomenal nutritive value. It has a high count of protein, Vitamin A, D, E, B6, and K. Minerals include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, trace minerals and digestive enzymes. It is a great source of chlorophyll and is high in carotene's.


• Rose Hips - A very good source of Vitamin C.


• Red Clover - Great blood purifier. Check out a recent post on this one.


• Spearmint Leaf - also a great source of Vitamin C.

(By the way, I purchased all these herbs for this mix from Mountain Rose Herbs. I really love their stuff!)

The Fun News... Anyone wondering why I'm drinking a tea recommended for pregnant mothers? We are expecting another little one this coming February. I'm 10 weeks along now. I'm so excited and nervous. This will be #3. There was a time in my life when I didn't imagine that I would have children and now to be looking toward a third is both exciting and daunting.

So, do any of you have any tips or advice for holistic pregnancies you would like to share? Love to hear from you!

Karla