Name: Tummy Tea Herbal Blend
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: ⅓ cup fennel seeds; ¼ cup dried ginger root; 1 tablespoon licorice root; 3 tablespoons dried lemongrass

Why This Recipe Works

Despite ginger's spicy nature, it is actually an anti-inflammatory that has been known to soothe the intestinal tract and help with nausea. We paired ginger with cooling peppermint, which can relax muscles in the digestive system, and fennel seeds, which have antispasmodic properties to lessen stomach cramps. We enhanced the licoricey flavor of fennel by pairing it with actual licorice root, which added natural sweetness. To get a fuller tasting tea with more body (and no grit), we used a spice grinder to crack the fennel, break up the licorice root, and increase the surface area of the dried ginger root without pulverizing it. Our final ingredient, lemongrass, is a mild diuretic that can reduce uncomfortable bloating; it also gave our blend an additional kick of flavor. The resulting tea is an exploration in opposites because while the flavor is stimulating to the taste buds, the ingredients work to calm and relax the digestive tract.

Before You Begin

If you have one, a mortar and pestle can be used to crush the spices. Dried ginger root and licorice root can be purchased at specialty tea shops, health stores, or online.

Instructions

Pulse fennel seeds, ginger, and licorice in spice grinder until coarsely ground, about 10 pulses. Transfer to small bowl and stir in lemongrass and peppermint. (Tea blend can be stored in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.)

to make one cup tea

Add 1 tablespoon tea blend to tea infuser or tea sachet. Steep tea mixture with 1 cup boiling water in teacup, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove tea infuser and serve immediately.