Honey, Are You Local?

I used to sneeze once and that was it. I am not sure when things changed but now when I sneeze I know there are more sneezes coming. I also deal with more runny noses, pressure in my head and all the other wonderful symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Growing up I have always heard that a little but if local honey every day helps fight allergies. I have also heard that you have to be taking the honey daily for six months before it starts working.

I am not sure of the truth of either of those statements but last year my allergies were so bad I would try anything. One cup of local honey sweetened tea a day can't hurt and if it helps that's even better.

Within a week of starting this my allergies were better. Now in all reality whatever was blooming may have died off, my body could have fought it off, or it could be in my head. I hope it either works or is in my head because even if it only worked because I thought it would work, well at least I got some relief.

I do have to believe there is some truth to the claim, however, because I have never seen a bee sneeze (or a bees knees for that matter).

Hydration

Do you ever get tired of hearing how much coffee and sodas dehydrate you? These truths are pretty rampant and cause us to begin to tune it out as soon as someone says, "When you are thirsty you are already dehydrated."

I have done my time of trying to drink more water than seems possible. Times of saying no to my favorite hot drinks and saying yes to more water.

But did you know that tea has less caffeine than coffee. Tea is often called a dehydrator due to its caffeine content but this is actually not necessarily true. Some studies have shown that tea (I believe it was black tea in the study) hydrates as well as water.

Some sites disagree but if you are truly not certain stick to tisanes (herbal teas) which are caffeine free. Keep your tea unsweetened as the sugar can also be a problem.

So, the next time you need to rehydrate grab a cup of steaming tea and sip your way back to health!

Following Instructions

"I don't like that kind of tea" "that tea is too bitter." It is amazing how often you can hear these phrases. What is interesting is that any tea, with the exception of herbal, are all from the same plant. Granted teas do have quite a range of flavors, quite a range of added herbs and such, but I do believe some of these statements stem from a lack of brewing.

About a year ago I started actually brewing tea for the proper times and in doing so I discovered that I really do like green tea! It is quite delicious. Prior to this I would only drink infusions or tisanes. I had green tea but I would often avoid drinking it. Now, one of my favorite teas is a toasted rice tea from Japan. Amazingly satisfying!

So follow the instructions prior to deciding if you do or do not like a tea. You may surprise yourself!

Steaming Cups

"I know we will get through this" I think one moment. "perhaps it would be better if someone else did my job" would be my thought the next moment. This is how I spent the past 24 hours, on an emotional roller coaster. Perhaps it was stress related, maybe hormonal, but honestly it was still a test that I had to walk through.

The hot water is perhaps the obvious correllation here. Pouring near boiling water over the tea causes it to unravel and brings out it's best qualities. Have you ever made tea in a French press? This tea is subjected to water just off the boil and then squeezed until the leaves are all at the bottom and the liquid is poured out. I am blessed to say that I didn't have quite that rough of a week but I have in the past. I certainly know what that feels like.

So what do I do? Worship music, a good solid teaching, and a nice hot cup of anything will do. Tea may not add to your spiritual well being (though some would claim it does, really I do not see that in the Bible) but it definitely has some physical benefits. Add a bit of lavender or jasmine to your tea, the smells are soothing and have a calming effect. That coupled with some good worship will set you on the track to healing.

Full Cups of Fellowship

Why is it that I love tea so much? Is it the soothing steamy cup in my hands, the aromatic smells rising up, or perhaps the rich flavors? Actually it is none of these. While all of those is quite nice they are also found in other beverages such as coffee. No, the reason I am so intrigued by teas, tea services, and tea ceremonies is the soothing comforts of talking to a friend, the sweetness of building memories and the richness of lives touched. Simply put it is time spent together.

Over the years I have tried at different times to have people over for teas. It has only been possible a handful of tunes but each one of those was precious and I remember it well. I am ready to start again. Once a month to share someone's life for a few hours and enjoy some treats and using some of my favorite tea sets. For November, on thanksgiving actually, I will be treating some friends at their house. But I will bring the tea and tea set and plan to ask each person to share something they are thankful for during our time of tea. December is our annual ladies Christmas tea at the church so I have until January to start having people at my house again.

I am looking forward to it. I had better try out some new recipes for gluten free scones!!!