Healthy and Potent Wild Tea Recipes Everyone Should Know
There are an abundance of plants and tree leaves that pack a lot of nutrition that can be essential during a survival situation. Making teas out of some of these items is a great way to increase their potency and activate nutrient-rich compounds that are otherwise dormant if cooked or eaten raw. Here are a few examples of sources that are prevalent around the country that can easily be steeped and ingested.
Pine
The pine tree is one of the most beneficial trees on the planet, both for nutrition as well for a host of projects that can make life easier in the field. What many people don’t know is that the pine needles contain powerful antioxidants, including vitamin C. One tablespoon of properly-steeped pine needles can give you up to five times the required daily dose of these essential nutrients. Simply choose a bunch of healthy and fresh needles, pull the off the stem, chop and allow to steep for 10 minutes in hot water. Allow to cool to a palatable temperature before drinking, and chances are that you will feel a nutritional boost not long after you drink your first cup.
Mint
Mint tea is known throughout the world for its flavor as well as nutritional properties. Mint is famous for alleviating digestive problems, colic, depression and hangovers. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory agent, is known to increase the pain threshold and can be beneficial in the controlling of allergies. These are just a few of the more common health benefits of mint, and you should never pass up the opportunity to gather and consume this powerful plant. To make a tea, simply add a handful of leaves and soft stems to hot water and allow to steep for 3-5 minutes before drinking.
Slippery Elm
The bark from the slippery elm tree is loaded with nutrients that are best extracted through soaking in hot water. Simply take shavings from the tree, place in a cup of boiling water and let rest for about 10 minutes. Filter out the bark and debris and drink. As the bark is soaked, it will release a slimy substance that is the cornerstone of this remedy. Drink a glass a few times a day to soothe coughs and irritated airways. It is also known for curing digestive ailments and diarrhea.
Black Willow
Black willow tea is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, and this is the family of trees in which we get our modern-day aspirin. It also works wonders on headaches. The nutrients are locked in the bark, so steeping it in hot water for 15 minutes is the best way to release the medicinal compounds. Take about a tablespoon of shavings, steep and drink. Feel free to add a higher concentration of bark for a more potent remedy. You can also use black willow tea for other ailments that include toothaches, muscle spasms, gout, arthritis and menstrual cramps.
Try these teas the next time you are out in the woods and see if you notice any improvements when suffering from these and other conditions. The more you can learn how to use nature to your advantage for curing common ailments will reduce your dependence on synthetic and often harmful commercial medications. This is invaluable information to have at your disposal during any survival situation when healthcare options may not be available or accessible.
