When things go wrong, an instinctive reaction is to put the kettle on in the hope that it will help to calm your nerves and make you feel better.
And it turns out that a soothing cup of tea really does have healing properties, such are the benefits of our morning cuppa.
‘Tea can help to rejuvenate you, lift your spirits, bring you comfort and soothe an irritated gut or worried mind,’ Lee explained.
Try switching out acidifying coffee for one of these – and be prepared to reap the health benefits.
Here, with the help of food author and holistic chef, Lee Holmes (pictured), FEMAIL looks at the top four brews to cleanse your liver, calm the gut and rejuvenate your complexion
Often used before we head to bed, Lee (left) explained that chamomile (right) is great for calming and soothing a rushing mind
1. Chamomile and lavender tea
Often used before we head to bed, Lee explained that chamomile is great for calming and soothing a rushing mind.
‘Particular herbs, including chamomile and lavender, are natural stress relievers,’ she explained.
‘They’re both lovely and great at soothing an upset stomach, so are also good for those who suffer from poor digestion or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).’
Lee added that the ‘delicate combination of these two calming herbs will settle your nervous system and simultaneously relax your digestive system’.
‘It can also act as a great tonic for the liver; remember this drink after a big night out when you’ve had too much to drink as chamomile will settle the stomach thanks to its antispasmodic properties.’
Chamomile and lavender tea
Chamomile and lavender tea (pictured) can act as a great tonic for the liver
Serves two
INGREDIENTS
Two teaspoons lavender buds
Two teaspoons chamomile buds
500ml (or two cups) boiling filtered water
One tablespoon lemon juice
METHOD
1. Put the lavender and chamomile in a teapot. Pour over the water, then add the lemon juice.
2. Infuse for ten minutes, then pour into mugs or glasses (or strain it in if you prefer) and serve.
Elsewhere, sip on a chamomile and lavender tea before going to bed, to help to slow down your central nervous system:
‘If you’re struggling with sleeping issues, then spraying some lavender oil on your pillow can also help to lullaby you softly to sleep,’ Lee said.
For those who want to make their own, Lee shared her own recipe for chamomile and lavender tea, which is the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day.
A cumin digestive aid (pictured) is a great way to help you digest your food and boost your metabolism
Cumin digestive aid
Lee revealed that she likes to start her day with a cumin digestive aid (pictured)
Serves four
INGREDIENTS
250ml (one cup) filtered water
One heaped teaspoon cumin seeds
2.5 centimetres (or one inch) piece of ginger, peeled and cut into thin sticks
METHOD
1. Put all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for two minutes.
2. Remove from the heat and set aside for two minutes before straining.
3. Cool to room temperature and divide between four glasses to serve.
Lee (pictured) explained that lavender tea with almond milk is a great ‘antidote to insomnia – drink it before bed and you’ll be guaranteed a relaxing night’s sleep’
2. Cumin digestive aid
After a weekend blowout, it can be easy to fall off the dietary wagon and simple consume mindless calories.
But if you want to give your liver a detox and soothe your gut, Lee said that a cumin digestive aid is a great place to start.
‘In the cooler months, I often turn to herbal teas to hydrate me,’ she said. ‘In traditional Ayurveda and Indian style, cumin digestive aid (Jeera Vellam) is consumed like water and sipped throughout the day.’
At the beginning of the day, she said it’s a great way to perk you up. You can also sip on a cumin digestive aid after meals to help you digest your food and boost your metabolism.
‘Cumin has been hailed to help us assimilate nutrients and even speed up our metabolism,’ she said.
‘It’s my answer to reflux, gas, diarrhea and bloating.’
Anti-inflammatory toddy
Lee’s anti-inflammatory toddy (pictured) can help to soothe an upset head or stomach
Serves one
INGREDIENTS
250ml (one cup) cashew or coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
Pinch of vanilla powder
Pinch of freshly cracked black pepper
Six drops liquid stevia or raw honey
Two star anise
METHOD
1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat for two to three minutes or until just warmed.
2. Add the spices, ginger, vanilla and pepper, and then stir to remove any lumps.
3. Remove from the heat and pour through a dine sieve to remove the grated ginger. Add the sweetener and enjoy warm.
‘It’s reported to reduce inflammation and pain within the digestive system, while black pepper has a myriad of anti-inflammatory properties too,’ Lee said (pictured: the toddy)
3. Anti-inflammatory toddy
When it comes to wonder drinks, Lee’s anti-inflammatory toddy is a great way to soothe your body, thanks to its inclusion of turmeric.
‘The compound curcumin found within turmeric is the reason why turmeric has been hailed as such a wonder food,’ Lee said.
‘It’s reported to reduce inflammation and pain within the digestive system, while black pepper – also in the toddy – has a myriad of anti-inflammatory properties too.’
Good or soothing headaches and upset stomachs, Lee’s toddy also contains ginger for the digestive tract and cinnamon, for adding a subtle sweetness:
‘This healthy tea can be enjoyed by anyone at any time, and if you don’t have cashew milk then don’t worry – you can use any milk you prefer and coconut is nice,’ she said.
Lee (pictured) said she likes to sip on a variety of teas throughout the cooler months
4. Lavender tea with almond milk
Lastly, for an alternative to peppermint tea, Lee recommends you can’t go wrong with lavender tea paired with almond milk.
‘With its delicate floral scent, lavender tea creates the perfect moment to unwind – and can help you to enjoy its fragrant, flowery goodness.
‘An antidote to insomnia, drink it before bed and you’ll be guaranteed a relaxing night’s sleep.’
Pair your tea with almond milk for an extra hit of relaxation.