Take a Tea Break to Recharge

Feeling overwhelmed? Is stress starting to weigh you down? Why not give yourself a moment to recharge with a soothing tea break? When I lived in Libya and Morocco, the women would get together, chat, and have a tea break. They would swish the two teapots back and forth to make the tea foam. It was quite a ritual and a sight to behold. I enjoyed sitting around sipping on a demitasse filled with the aromatic aroma of freshly brewed tea and mint, while sharing stories and laughter. These tea breaks provided a much-needed respite and created a warm and comforting atmosphere.

Taking a cue from this North African tradition, you too can incorporate a tea break into your routine. Set aside a few minutes each day to indulge in a cup of soothing tea. Allow yourself to relax, breathe deeply, and let go of the overwhelming thoughts that may be weighing you down. Invite some friends over for a chat and a bite of banana bread or whatever indulgence you have on hand. It will do wonders for your overall well-being.

How to Infuse Your Tea

Cardamon Seeds Mint Leaves Saffaron

Recipes

Chai Maghribia or Moroccan Tea

1. Pour purified water into an electric teapot or stove-top kettle.

2. Bring water to a boil and pour into a mug or decorative teapot.

3. Add teabags and let steep.

4. Then remove the teabags, and infuse the tea with a handful of mint leaves.

5. Be sure to wash the mint leaves with purified water before immersing them in a mug or in the decorative teapot.

6. Add honey, if you so wish.

   
   

Indian-Style Tea

1. Follow steps 1 - 3 above.

2. Then remove the teabags, and infuse the tea with black cardamom seeds.

3. Be sure to remove the seeds from the green pod.

4. Add milk and honey.

Arabic Tea

1. Follow steps 1 - 3 above.

2. Then remove the teabags, and infuse the tea with saffron threads.

Notes: The Moroccans love to Infuse their tea with lots of mint. They are smart to do so, as mint is a medicinal plant known for its numerous health benefits, which include cancer prevention, anti-obesity, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and cardioprotective effects. These effects are a result of its antioxidant potential, combined with its low toxicity.

Mint infused water is also beneficial, especially when feeling ill. To make mint water, boil mint leaves in purified water; let cool, and then drink it without any sweeteners, like sugar or honey.

Like mint, cardamom is also an antioxidant. It is attributed to lowering blood pressure, fighting infections, acting as an anti-inflammatory agent, lowering blood sugar levels, and improving breathing and oxygen use. Learn more about the benefits of cardamom on Healthline’s website: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cardamom-benefits.

Saffron is another antioxidant that promotes good health. Saffron is known to aid in macular degeneration, anxiety and depression, and lowering bad cholesterol. For more details on the benefits of saffron check out the following website: https://www.health.com/saffron-benefits8398863#:~:text=Saffron%20is%20a%20brightly%2Dcolored,sleep%2C%20and%20protect%20eye%20health.