Teas  What to pick, how to dry them, and how to combine
Teas.  What a variety of plants does mankind use!  Society has made distinctions between teas, herbal teas, beverages, etc. but I have no such pre-conceived notions or names.  We make teas to please, sleep, wake up, cure, and the list goes on.  But how many of us really know what are in these mixtures?  Fine you say, I'll read the box's ingredient list.  Camomile, Rose Hips, Mint, and/or Ginger.  You paid $2.79 for herbs and plants that you could have grown and picked on your own!  
Amazing isn't it.  
We portray soldiers, doctors, journalists, druids, etc. who had this knowledge available to them.  Even common peasants knew how to brew some of their own teas.  The apothecary was used by those who could afford it for exact medications and some non-sense.  
Reenactors have much use for all the information which will be presented in this and future columns.  How many mornings do you awaken at an encampment to the smell of coffee brewing and that unique, sweet smelling vapor of tea.  Sure, "Coffee wakes me up."  But have you ever considered how many soldiers in the Civil War had access to it?  Many more had access to herb plants, and tea.  But even if you are not going that greatly for realism, it still helps to know these.
I have awakened many a morning, put my kilt on, and enjoyed a warming cup of tea.  All the while, others stood irritated as they had to wait for their coffee to brew.  My tea steeped in less than two minutes.  As you all know, a hungry Scotsman is fighting mad, and I recall many an argument those mornings between individuals.  
However, I would like to begin with some basic teas now.
What to pick your first time is something that can always be used, be it for soothing, illness, or just taste.  It is a plant with a yellow bulb and white flowers.  I have made a drawing of the plant below.  You should have someone who knows herbs show you the plant, and make sure you can identify it.  You will only use the flower (bulb with leaves).  You can place these flowers in the oven to dry after you have cooked pies, or a cake.  After they have been dried, store them in a jar with lid.
By taking a teaspoonful, and infusing it into boiling water for two minutes you will have an excellent tea.  Afterward, add honey to sweeten it.  This will relax you and provide great relief to sinus pain.  This combination is useful also to relieve stress.
Another combination is to pick mint leaves and add them to camomile to add a soothing taste.  Again make sure you can identify it before you use it.  The plant on the right is mint.
Although not an "herb", many berries are used in making teas and wonderful beverages.  This quick recipe is one of those,"It just tastes good," recipes.  By using strawberries (1 qt) which have been rendered into pulp, and adding it to a mixture of 1 qt boiling water, 1 cup disolved sugar, and 1/4 cup lemon juice you have the beginnings of something real good.  Now here is the ending.  As soon as you add the berries take it off the stove, and let it cool.  Strain it and chill.  Serve over ice chips or ice cubes, and viola!  It makes about 1/2 gallon.

Cough. Sneeze. <Grumble>

"Fine. I'll pull myself out of my sick-bed to write this down for you. Even these old cures are hard pressed against modern day illness, but they are effective! He he <Cough!>"

This month I will be doing the column on teas which will help keep you warm, but first some assistance will be rendered to those of you who have suffered from these flues which are going around.

As always, do not substitute this or any other home remedy for the advice of a doctor! (OK, so most of us don't like the advice, but they are supposed to know what they are doing!) First off, lets attack that sore throat.

Take 1 cup of warm water and add 1 tablespoon of salt (regular kitchen salt) You will gargle with this mixture once every thirty minutes.

Another gargling mixture is that of 1 cup warm water, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon honey. Gargle once every fifteen minutes. They will sting the throat, but it should help break up the flem and soreness. Are the kids coughing up a storm from dry or ticklish throat? A teaspoon of honey will do wonders. Just don't let them drink after it coats their throat. Temperature (fever) is probably a parent's worst case fear. This is an old mixture which does work. By taking 1 part vinegar to 1 part cold water and placing rags in to soak you have started the process. You will take the rags and tie them around the wrists, ankles, and place them behind the knees and under the armpits. It is not going to instantly drop the fever, but it will draw the fever from the person. You will need to re-soak the rags as they become warm. I will not go into some of the other remedies yet (I do need something for future articles (joke)) but rather tell you that in the historical sense these remedies have been used in the Russian Stepps since the time of the Czars. Now onto the teas. 

How many of you are going to be with Washington at the river crossing? I know the buckskinners are going to be coming out in force soon, and the SCA is all over my notes. Of course the Revolutionaries are always in the "mood" for news of tea (Boston humor). The first will warm you up and help out with congested lungs. I will use the term "parts" for measurement. Please keep your measurements within the constraints of this guideline (i.e. 1 part = 1 teaspoon / oz / etc for all "parts").

Licorice 2 parts
Ginger 2 parts
Wild Cherry Bark 2 parts Lobelia herb 3 parts thyme 3 parts
mullein herb 3 parts
Elecampine 3 parts

I use one ounce equals to one pint water. It takes twenty minutes to steep, and is ingested 3-4 cups a day. There is a more powerful version of this, but for most folks I believe this will do. I have received a few letters about bronchitis, and here is a simple solution (no promises, though)

Thyme. Yes Thyme. Take one ounce to one pint of water, strain and sweeten. It is also good for gastritis and as a mouthwash. Use it sparingly! One/half cup-a-day is more than strong enough for the body! There you go, two new teas to add to your books.

Ah, but wait! What about Washington? Thought I forgot about that didn't you? Well, I will give you a "skier's" recipe on a way to keep your feet warm. You will need one ounce each of talc powder, curry, and ginger.

**Use sparingly!**

This stuff can really get to your feet quick, but in the cold it is a real help.

Mix the ingredients together in a plastic baggie.

Lightly sprinkle some in your socks before donning your boots. This mixture will help your circulation, and provide a warm sensation (or so I am told)

What I do know for a fact is, I didn't listen to the warning. I poured the entire contents between two socks. Five miles down the road I thought I was going to walk on fire without ever being singed again! It was very difficult to wash off, and the smell was unique to say the least. However, I did say there would be something on it here. Until next time, good reenacting!