Illness and rituals

My plan to bring a little treat each day fell by the wayside.  Life always seems to get in the way.

Over the last two weeks I've almost given up caffeine, going from several cups of tea and coffee each day to one cup of coffee or tea mid morning.  I've not consciously banned it or set hard and fast rules, but I have enjoyed feeling a little more authentic, not permanently wired.  I hadn't realised how often the stress I felt was actually caffeine induced.

Making tea, whether it's black, green or a tisane, is a little ritual in itself.  It's lovely to relax a little while the tea brews, and know that for 90 seconds, all you have to do is breathe.  It's strange how such simple rituals can relax you, or be indicative of your mental health.  I recently attended a very interesting training session with Dr James Warner, a consultant psychiatrist and expert in dementia (see more here) who referred to the process of making a cup of tea as a sequential event which goes through almost every aspect of cognitive functioning, including abstract thinking, motivation, personality and judgment.

Who knew a simple cup of tea could be so powerful?

Reading this article on The Healthy Apple inspired me a little.  So here I am, with a chronic cold and sore throat but sat in the seat with the best view in the house, sipping an apple mint tea and just relaxing.  My recipe was a little ad hoc but is here below.

Apple mint tea

One green tea bag

Five mint leaves

Half an apple sliced thinly

Honey to taste

Add two cups of water to a saucepan (I used large mugs to make a mild blend).  Heat the water to boiling.  While the water is heating add one green tea bag.  Roll and crush five fresh mint leaves, add to the water.  Thinly slice half an apple (I used a pink lady and a mandolin to slice).  Add to the mixture.

Bring the water to the bio and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.  Add honey to taste, add more mint or boil for longer for a strong taste.  Beware the bitterness of a green tea boiled too long.

Strain to serve.