A HUG IN A MUG: Using Herbal Teas, Culinary Spices & Fresh Juices as Medicine

Scheduled to Be Released Fall, 2022

Tea to the English is really a picnic indoors.
~ Alice Walker

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.
~ Henry James

Herbal teas, culinary spices, and fresh juices are fashionable these days worldwide. In most larger cities, you can find countless juicing and tea shops, and in most grocery stores, you can find all kinds of fresh and dried culinary herbs and spices. But did you know that many teas, spices and juices are imbued with nature’s healing components to keep your body vibrantly healthy? When I was a teenager, my grandmother started teaching me about the health benefits of nature’s foods, including the health benefits of fresh juices, culinary spices and herbal teas.

In A HUG IN A MUG, I share my decades of knowledge and research on the best teas and juices to drink and the most salubrious spices to add to your diet on a regular basis such as turmeric, basil, oregano, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ginger and garlic. I offer fascinating stories about the history of these “naturefoods” and my secret tips to get the most out of the beverages or spices. As well, I have even included some of my favorite fresh juice and tea blend recipes that you can make in your home, along with the easiest and best ways to make and drink tea.

There's a British tradition for afternoon tea using a variety of different teas and you'll learn about the history of this most enjoyable habit. I also cover in detail the history of tea-drinking around the world. You’ll want to cozy up with a warm cup of tea or freshly made juice while reading this enchanting and enriching book, learning countless, simple ways to upgrade your physical and mental health.

CULINARY SPICES

Some of the things you will learn about culinary spices in this book include:

• Cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels and has a powerful anti-diabetic effect.
• Sage can improve function and memory.
• Peppermint relieves IBS pain and may reduce nausea.
• Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
• Holy Basil helps fight infections and boosts immunity.
• Cayenne Pepper contains capsaicin, which helps reduce appetite and may have anti-cancer properties.
• Ginger can treat nausea and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Fenugreek improves blood sugar control.
• Rosemary can help prevent allergies and nasal congestion.
• Garlic can combat sickness and improve heart health.

FRESH JUICES

Drinking juice with various fruits and vegetables has the ability to increase your nutrient intake which will introduce vitamins and minerals into your body. These are helpful in the protection against diseases such as heart disease, high blood sugar, issues with the digestive system, immune system, high blood pressure and more.

Here are only a few of the benefits of juicing offered in the book:

• Juicing helps you to consume more fruits and veggies.
  
• Juicing can give you more energy.
  
• Juicing can help you sleep better.
  
• Juicing can help you focus better.
  
• Juicing can help you live longer.
  
• Juicing can help you detox.
  
• Juicing can help combat dehydration.
  
• Juicing can help you to lose weight.
  
• Juicing can help your digestive system.
  
• Juicing can help bring your family together.
  

HERBAL TEAS

Here are only a few of the benefits of some herbal teas included in the book:

• Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects and is frequently used as a sleep aid.
  
• Peppermint tea is one of the most commonly used herbal teas in the world for digestive health.
• Ginger tea is a spicy and flavorful drink to help fight inflammation and boost immunity.
• Hibiscus tea may help lower high blood pressure and fight oxidative stress.
• Echinacea tea is commonly used to prevent or shorten the duration of the common cold.
• Rooibos tea may help improve bone health and reduce heart disease risk.
• Sage tea improves cognitive function and memory.
• Lemon Balm tea improves antioxidant levels, heart and skin health and relieves anxiety.
• Rose Hip tea is high in vitamin C and antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Passionflower tea helps improve sleep and reduce anxiety.

Some people will tell you there is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Once you get a spice in your home, you have it forever. Women never throw out spices. The Egyptians were buried with their spices. I know which one I'm taking with me when I go.
~ Erma Bombeck