Hibiscus Latté
A tisane is an infusion of plants that are stepped like tea but are often sans caffeine. Instead, it is a decoction of herbs, spices, dried or fresh fruits, and other plant materials that are steeped in hot water. Although I often like to create my own blends, I recently had the pleasure of trying the new Numi Holistic Teasans range. These are crafted with not only organic herbs but also adaptogenic plants to increase their medicinal benefits. Their line includes both herbal and caffeinated varieties, which are derived from metabolism- and digestion-boosting yerba maté with energising cocoa and maca as well as guayusa with rosemary & ginger.
My favourite is their hibiscus tea blend with rose, elderflower, and warming spices. For someone who always runs cold and is Type-A they-used-to-call-me-anal-girl, this tea is a sweet relief. The cinnamon and clove increase digestive and circulatory heat; rose cools down an overheated mind; and hibiscus flushes the system of accumulated toxins as a diuretic.
To increase these medicinal benefits, I brew the tea and then blend it with either coconut oil or ghee. According to Ayurvedic Medicine, these healthy fats allow the herbal properties to be driven deeper into the cells. Adding local raw honey is optional but adds further support as t . increases the body's ojas or life force. If you choose to add it, do so with coconut oil only as Ayurvedic Medicine advises against combining ghee and honey.
Ingredients
1 cup Numi Embrace
1 cup plant-based milk, such as hemp milk or coconut milk
2 teaspoons coconut oil or ghee
1 teaspoon of ashwagandha
Stevia or raw local honey to taste, optional
For an even creamier latté, add a tablespoon of Tocos or, for a non-vegan option, collagen peptides.
Directions
I. Boil water then steep the tea in two cups of water for ten minutes. For a stronger hibiscus flavour, you may use two teabags.
II. Heat your preferred milk to an almost boil.
III. Once steeped, pour the tea and milk along with the rest of the ingredients in a high-speed blender, blend until frothy, serve, and enjoy! I like to decorate mine with edible flowers and crushed rose petals.
