Spruce tea is not widely known, and we do not associate spruce needles with the raw material from which you can prepare a tasty drink. Meanwhile, phytotherapists believe that spruce tea is one of the best drinks for colds. What are the properties of spruce tea, when is the best time to collect the needles so that it tastes best and how to prepare it?
Spruce teacan be drunk throughout the year, but it is most popular during and after Christmas - when many apartments have a Christmas tree, usually spruce.
But there is another reason why it is worth reaching for it, especially in winter: it is then that the spruce needles contain the most vitamin C and other valuable ingredients, such as flavonoids, essential oil or organic acids.
Spruce tea - he alth benefits
Spruce tea is recommended primarily during colds and respiratory infections, but not only - it has a number of he alth-promoting properties.
Spruce tea:
- has an expectorant effect
- works diaphoretic and helps reduce fever
- supports the cleansing of the nose during runny nose, facilitates breathing
- relaxes the muscles of the trachea and bronchi
- stimulates the secretion of digestive juices
- has a diuretic effect
- has an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa, soothing inflammation.
Spruce tea - recipe
How to prepare spruce tea?The recipe is simple. To prepare spruce tea, 1-2 teaspoons of spruce needles and a little water are enough. It is very important to crush the twigs beforehand, e.g. with a herb knife or a blender - thanks to this, the active ingredients contained in the needles will get into the water.
Preparation:
- 1-2 teaspoons of crushed spruce needles pour a glass of water
- simmer for 5 minutes, covered
- set aside for 15 minutes
- strain through a strainer
- After cooling, you can add a little honey or lemon juice (to taste).
Spruce tea can be drunk no more than three times a day in a glass.