Winter evenings are the prime time to warm up by wrapping your hands around a toasty cuppa, but tea or coffee can leave you less-than-primed for a good night of rest. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for delicious caffeine-free hot beverages that will warm us up without waking us up; here are five of our favorites.

1. Rooibos Cinnamon Latte

Numi Organic Tea produces tons of teas to enjoy; we love their attention to quality with their organic and fair trade-certified blends. The company’s Rooibos Chai Tea is the base for this latte, made with a simple combo of your choice of steamed milk sweetened with honey and a touch of extra cinnamon for spice. Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free plant with a tea-like flavor that stands up perfectly to the warm flavors of the chai spice blend.

Image: Turmeric drink, latte, tea, milk with cinnamon

2. Turmeric Latte

The health benefits of turmeric have been touted far and wide, so it’s no surprise that golden milk and turmeric lattes have become so popular of late. This recipe uses fresh turmeric and ginger for even more flavor and improved health benefits. Sweetened with honey and vanilla, this latte also features a secret ingredient: your favorite nut butter, which will lend body (and a bit of protein) to the drink.

3. EPIC Bone Broth Latte

Bone broth has become one of our favorite superfoods, and while we love to drink it plain, it gets a delicious makeover in this bone broth latte. The healthy fat of coconut oil is combined with the natural collagen and gelatin in EPIC’s bone broth for a richly flavored savory hot beverage you’ll love to sip.

Image: Hot chocolate

4. ALOHA Protein Superfood Hot Chocolate

Chocolate does have a touch of caffeine, but if you’re not overly sensitive to it, this superfood hot chocolate can be a great option for a nearly caffeine-free hot beverage.

ALOHA Chocolate Superfood Greens powder takes the place of the traditional cocoa powder in this drink. Made with fair-trade cacao, coconut sugar, peas, spinach, wheatgrass, and antioxidant-rich berries, the powder is just as delicious as it is good for you. ALOHA Chocolate Protein Powder adds several certified organic sources of plant-based protein to your cocoa. Top with some homemade marshmallows and serve!

5. Medicinal Mushroom Latte

Mushrooms have made a big splash in coffee, with several companies selling adaptogen-enriched blends. But these coffees do have caffeine in them (even if it’s a bit less than coffee), so while they’re delicious, they’re not the best choice for the evening.

For a caffeine-free version of this new trendy drink, this medicinal mushroom latte really hits the spot. Use your favorite medicinal mushroom blend (we love this organic one from Naturealm featuring adaptogenic mushrooms like cordyceps and reishi). Combine the blend with cashew milk, maca, a touch of sweetener, and a bit of coconut oil to give the drink body. Enjoy sprinkled with cinnamon for a good-for-you pick-me-up!

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Warm up with a cozy cup of herbal tea to enrich your body and soul. You won’t be missing the jitters from your usual cup of coffee with the abundance of herbal tea benefits.

Best Types of Herbal Tea

Ranging from zesty ginger to calming chamomile, there are a wide variety of herbal teas and benefits to each type. These nutritious yet comforting herbal teas are great starters:

• Chamomile
• Ginger
• Hibiscus
• Lemon Balm
• Peppermint
• Rose
• Turmeric

Herbal Tea Benefits

1. Digestive

The many healing properties of herbal teas can help the digestive system. If you’re looking to improve digestion or just ease a queasy stomach, then you’ll want either ginger, lemon balm, or peppermint tea.

In a number of studies, ginger has been proven to be a reliable aid to reducing nausea and vomiting. Peppermint, on the other hand, works to ease stomach spasms and cramping. Lemon balm, similarly, has been shown to be effective in diminishing bloating and alleviating an upset stomach.

2. Immune Support

Herbal tea is especially helpful during cold and flu season. Many herbal teas boast immune-boosting properties which may help to combat or prevent viruses. For these benefits, reach for echinacea or elderberry tea.

Echinacea is especially promising in preventing and easing colds. Research has shown it increases the number of white blood cells in the body, which fight infection.

Elderberry, alternatively, contains antioxidant-rich flavonoids that are useful in boosting the immune system. While there are minimal studies done on the health benefits of elderberry, the herb has been suggested to prevent and soothe cold symptoms.

3. Anti-Inflammatory

If you frequently suffer from aches and pains, try an anti-inflammatory tea such as turmeric or hibiscus. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits due to its curcumin content. Various studies have shown the substance can help fight inflammation in the body.

Hibiscus, a fruity tasting flower, is another suitable choice. Hibiscus is rich in vitamin C which is known to combat inflammation. It also makes for a delicious summer drink when iced and swirled with a teaspoon of agave.

Where to Buy Organic Herbal Tea

Before buying your herbal tea, make sure you choose a brand that doesn’t use additives and artificial ingredients. Trusted brands include: Traditional Medicinals, Numi Tea, or Mountain Rose Herbs. Don’t forget, you can also go the eco-friendly route in buy loose leaf and steep using a tea infuser.

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The following 5 turmeric benefits will change the way you look at this unique herb.

Turmeric is the spice I use the least. Ever since I learned of its cleansing properties, I put a few dashes into my morning tea water with the juice of half a lemon. However, besides this particular ritual, turmeric is relatively lacking in my life. But it shouldn’t be! Turmeric bears incredible lifestyle benefits that are both practical and game changing in the realm of health.

Are you using turmeric for these benefits?

1. Make Meat Safer

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are formed when chicken and meat are cooked at high temperatures. HCA is linked to higher rates of cancer. Researchers at Kansas State University found that the addition of spices to meat, including turmeric, may lower the amount of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) in the meat by as much as 40 percent.

2. Teeth Whitener

It may seem counter-intuitive to use turmeric to whiten teeth, as turmeric is known for its dyeing capabilities, but it’s true! Mix enough turmeric powder with enough water to create a paste. Brush into teeth and rinse. Turmeric fights plague, is anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial. Plus, the turmeric isn’t on your teeth long enough to color them; however, your surrounding skin is much more absorbent and susceptible to coloration, so keep the turmeric in the mouth.

3. Get Rid of Dandruff

Rumor is that turmeric makes for a great dandruff remedy by improving the condition of the scalp. Mix turmeric and an olive oil of choice. Massage into scalp and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. Wash and style per usual.

4. Treat a Sick Stomach

Research points to turmeric’s positive influence on an upset stomach. To treat an upset stomach, take 500 milligrams of turmeric four times per day.

5. Dye Easter Eggs

Why go artificial, when you can go au naturel with just-as-stellar results? With Easter right around the corner, learn how you can go eco during this holiday. Dissolve turmeric in warm water and dip eggs just like you would into the regular solution.

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Photo Credit: Steven Jackson

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10 super spices and their health benefits.

Spices don’t just add another element to your cooking; they’re also good for your health. In fact there’s a reason that people have been using spices for thousands of years. Scientists are now uncovering their vast potential power, from helping ease chronic conditions to the prevention and treatment of more than 150 health problems. Why? Without getting into the complicated science of it (and there’s lots of it if you’re interested) spices have a variety of benefits, including being high in antioxidants, having anti-inflammatory properties and they can even promote weight loss. There is a whole world of spices out there to add health benefits to your food. Here’s a list of ten to start with.

1. Chile Pepper

Why is a chile pepper hot? Capsaicin–the active ingredient that basically makes a chile taste hot is actually quite good for you. It has been shown to inhibit bacterial growth, boost your metabolism, which in turn helps with weight loss, give you more energy and relieve skin allergies. An Australian study found that adding chiles to meals may protect against the buildup of cholesterol in the blood. So, don’t be afraid of increasing your spice tolerance.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric’s claim to fame is curcumin, an antioxidant that some studies have shown to help reduce the risk of heart failure and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It’s also an incredible anti-inflammatory, and can even be used in the place of ibuprofen – good for people dealing with long term chronic pain and wanting to limit their drug intake. If you are going that route, be sure to look for turmeric extract, sold in tablets or capsules and note that the effects are not felt immediately. Add the spice (or fresh root if you can find it) into stir fries and lentil dishes, or anything that needs a little color.

3. Cardamom

Well-known in Indian cooking, and the beloved spice of Scandinavian baked goods, cardamom contains limonene, a chemical that has been shown to boost antioxidant activity. It has also been shown to help with lowering blood pressure and improves digestion. It also has alkaline properties, and in the Middle East, coffee is often made with cardamom, reducing the coffee’s acidity and neutralizing the effects of the caffeine.

4. Cinnamon

Helping to balance blood sugar, cinnamon is helpful for those with dealing with type 2 Diabetes. In fact, in a Swedish study (albeit small) where subjects ate a bowl of rice pudding–half of them with cinnamon added, half without–those who ate the cinnamon version ended up with significantly lower blood sugar levels. Given that cinnamon works well in sweet and savory dishes, there’s no end to how it can be used.

5. Ginger

Ginger is another anti-inflammatory, and it’s also ideal for calming an uneasy stomach. It’s also full of antioxidants; one teaspoon of ground ginger has as many antioxidants as a cup of spinach. While adding ground ginger to your morning bowl of granola and sprinkling onto dishes is good, it’s also worth buying fresh ginger root, which has a little more of a kick to it. A few pieces of crystallized ginger can be good for dealing with motion sickness, and for a morning spike of energy, I like adding it to green smoothies.

6. Fennel

Plagued by menstrual cramps every month? With its phytochemicals and phytoestrogens, fennel can help offset cramps. Get the benefits from fennel seeds by grinding them and steeping with tea. With its licorice-like flavor, fennel seeds are also good in fruit salad and with grilled meats and seafood.

7. Parsley

You may use it just as a decorative garnish, but researches at the University of Missouri found that parsley can actually inhibit breast cancer cell growth. Parsley is also rich in vital vitamins including C, B12, K and A, which means it keeps your immune system strong. Add it into soups and salads, or mix with fresh fruit for a delicious smoothie.

8. Garlic

If you’re a garlic lover, you’ll be happy to know that it’s known to lower blood pressure, bring down levels of cholesterol and helps alleviate allergies. As it has been shown to destroy cancer cells, even one or two cloves a week can even provide cancer-preventative benefits.

9. Coriander

Contrary to popular belief, coriander and cilantro are not exactly the same thing. Cilantro is the leafy herb that comes from the coriander plant, while coriander the spice, comes from grinding the seeds. Coriander seeds have been used for thousands of years to help with digestion, and recently it has been found to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Use it like you would pepper, add to vinaigrettes and dressings, or in meat marinades.

10. Cloves

Cloves are actually at the top of the list of spices with antioxidant properties, and for more than 2,000 years they have been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. The essential oils in cloves have been shown to fight bacteria, fungus and yeast, as well as encouraging healthy gums and teeth. The spice can also help alleviate a cough.

Image: echiner1

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Who needs a small bag when you’ve got a pantry?

The most potent and effective remedies are often the natural ones already hanging out in the pantry. Aside from the remedy-specific nature of the following 10 homemade teas, one of the most exciting thing about them is that they don’t require a tea bag! Your spice cabinet, fresh ginger root, some green herbs, a few fruits and vegetables, and honey are all that stand between you and an elixir to treating a pesky ailment – 10 of them, to be more exact.

To put together the following recipes, make sure to mix them until evenly combined and let the teas involving herbs or fruit to steep for several minutes before drinking. Sweeten as you see fit and enjoy!

Morning Liver Tonic

When you wake up in the morning, you’re body is in a very special place. The reason we are usually instructed to take supplements in the morning is because our stomachs are empty and there is little to interfere with said supplements’ potency. This morning tea pulls you out on the right side of the bed, giving a morning cleansing body flush. The lemon juice is highly alkaline and turmeric is known for its detoxifying properties.

Turmeric dates back 2,500 years in India, where it is commonly used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. Turmeric packs a lot of health benefits, but for our purposes it should be regarded as a liver cleanser, antiseptic and antibacterial agent. But it doesn’t hurt that the spice lowers the risk of cancer, is anti-inflammatory and helps to lose weight. Turmeric additionally treats Alzheimer’s, depression and arthritis.

You can sweeten with honey to balance the earthiness of the tea.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Deep Sleep Tea

Wind down at the end of the day with a tea that promotes a deep, comfortable sleep. Chamomile is a great stress reliever and has a calming effect on the body. It has been used for thousands of years to help people around the world get some shut eye, and a Japanese study put some legitimacy behind this widespread observation when it noticed that rats fed chamomile fell asleep just as quickly as those given a tranquilizer. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and helps to clear mucous from your passageways, allowing for more effective breathing and hence a more pleasant sleep.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• Dried chamomile flowers to fill one sachet
• 1/2-inch nob of fresh ginger, crushed

Detox Elixir

Holding a bit more weight than you’d like? Cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and lemon join forces to rev up your metabolism and get your body back in shape. Cayenne pepper warms the body, speeding metabolism and burning more calories. Cinnamon reduces blood sugar and LDL (bad) cholesterol as well as boosts metabolism and increases insulin levels. Lemon packs some flavor and added cleansing power.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 2 dashes cayenne pepper
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 2 dashes cinnamon powder)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Immune Booster Tea

Oranges are packed with vitamin C, a known antioxidant that may help protect your body from cell damage and boost resilience from disease and illness. Cinnamon and honey both have antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which means they are effective in warding off infections. Mint not only brings a fresh aroma, but it’s a leafy green that carries with it antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that keep you healthy.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• Juice of 1/2 orange
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 2 dashes cinnamon powder)
• 1 teaspoon high-quality (raw) honey
• 4-5 mint leaves, muddled

Beautiful Skin Tea

This may seem like an unlikely concoction, but it’s actually quite delightful! Carrot juice is packed with beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, an essential part of skin health. Sage inhibits the growth of bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties. Cayenne contains vitamins A and C, which help to absorb free radicals that break down your skin’s collagen.

Warm this recipe, without bringing it to a simmer. You want to retain the carrot juice’s potency.  Let the leaves sit in the juice for a bit before drinking so that their flavors become infused into the tea.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces warmed carrot juice
• 2 sage leaves
• Dash of cayenne

Brain Power Formula

Blueberries contain anthocyanins and flavanols, which are able to cross the blood-brain barrier. These antioxidants rid the brain of free radicals, which can otherwise lead to oxidation, memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Ginger is commonly used to stave off migraines and basil naturally reduces tension and fatigue in the brain and mind.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 1/2-inch nob fresh ginger, crushed
• 1 tablespoon fresh blueberries, muddled
• 3-4 leaves fresh basil, muddled

Regularity Tonic

This tonic is geared towards those of you with difficulty digesting. The taste of this tea is very comforting and earthy. The pear and apple slices bring pectin to the mix, and pectin acts as soluble dietary fiber in humans. It helps promote healthy digestion, prevents diarrhea and constipation, and reduces the risk of colon and gastrointestinal tract cancers. Purple grapes contain quercetin, a plant pigment that contributes to healthy digestion, while cinnamon warms and stimulates metabolism.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 2 small slices of pear
• 2 small slices of apple
• 4-5 purple grapes, muddled
• Dash of cinnamon

Lady’s Tonic

For that time of month, this raspberry ginger tonic is just what the doctor ordered. Raspberries are a uterine tonic, relaxing and toning the uterine muscles as needed. The fruit is also beneficial during pregnancy, easing morning sickness, stabilizing digestion, and soothing the pelvic area. According to a 2009 study, women who take a dosage of ginger for three days from day one of their period witnesses the same pain relief as those who treated their menstrual cramps with ibuprofen.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 6-8 raspberries, muddled
• 1/4-inch fresh ginger

Aches and Pains Relieving Tea

Feeling sore as the Winter nears? Be ready to combat the worsening of your symptoms with a tea that cleanses your joints and puts them at ease. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a compound that makes cayenne spicy. It lowers the levels of a chemical that relays pain signals to your brain. Fresh ginger and cardamom have both long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce joint pain and inflammation.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• Dash of cayenne
• 4-5 cardamom pods, crushed
• 1/2-inch fresh ginger, muddled

Nausea-Be-Gone Tonic

This recipe uses the soothing and potent effects of basil and honey to rid you of stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting symptoms. It is refreshing just as much as it is energizing, which will help to reverse your symptoms and keep you alert and feeling good.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 3-4 basil leaves, muddled
• 1 teaspoon of high-quality (raw) honey

Images: Aylin Erman, Steven Jackson, Leszet Lezsczynski, Cthoyes, Jennuine Captures, CLC Photography, Simply Bike, Clyde Robinson, Kodamakitty, Michael Newman, Cinnamon Cooper

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

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When thinking of a healthy french fry, think zucchini. When thinking of eating this at a McDonalds, wait for pigs to fly.

French fries seem easy enough – just a matter of potatoes and frying oil, right? Wrong. The kind of fast-food fries we’re used to aren’t as straightforward as they seem. McDonald’s French Fries contain the likes of natural beef flavor (wheat and milk derivatives), citric acid, dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate, hydrogenated oils, stabilizer tertiary butylhydroquinone, and anti-foaming agent dimethylopolysiloxane. Many of these artificial ingredients are dangerous in large quantities and overall toxic in your body.

One medium serving (117 grams) of McDonald’s French Fries packs 380 calories, 19 grams of fat, 270 milligrams of sodium, and 48 grams of carbohydrates. With one serving accounting for nearly 30 percent of your daily value of fat, the 5 grams of dietary fiber and vitamin C calcium, and iron quantities, albeit scant to begin with, are vastly overshadowed. The carbohydrate count isn’t doing any favors to your waistline either.

With these stats, there is room for a serious makeover. To lower the fat, this recipe requires baking the fries, which are lightly coated with olive oil. I also used zucchini as the base to slash the carbohydrate load. Zucchini won’t crisp quite like a potato when baked, but it will firm slightly and taste absolutely crave-worthy. The corn flour helps to achieve a crispy brown coating, but if you want a firmer fry, replace the zucchini with a sweet potato or white potato. Regardless of how you alter the base vegetable or ratio of spices, you are bound to end up with a healthier alternative to the Micky D’s classic.

Spicy Zucchini Fries

Serves 1-2

Ingredients:

• 1 large zucchini
• 1/4 cup corn flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cut off both ends of the zucchini and slice it along its length into 1/2-inch pieces.

Set aside one of the rounded edge slices and turn zucchini onto its side so it is lying flat. Again, slice lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick pieces to create French fries shapes.

In a medium bowl, toss zucchini strips with corn flour, salt, pepper, turmeric, oregano, red pepper flakes, and olive oil until each fry is evenly coated with the spices and oil.

Lay fries out on a baking sheet so each has its own place.

Bake for 45 minutes or until browned and slightly crisped. Serve with herbs and ketchup!

Bon Appetit!

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

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5 herbs and spices you’ll want to make part of your daily diet.

Fresh or dried, chances are you aren’t getting enough of these five herbs in your diet. Make no mistake, they aren’t just around for taste – spices and herbs are indeed nutritional powerhouses that can complement your health and help to treat a condition or sickness. The following will not only diversify your palette but also bring a whole new meaning to such things as cancer prevention, weight management and anxiety reduction.

Turmeric
I only recently learned the health benefits of turmeric and ever since have made sure to incorporate it in my daily diet, usually as part of my morning tea.

Turmeric originates in India, where it has been used for more than 2,500 years and is a staple in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. Above all other health claims associated with it, turmeric should be regarded as a detoxifying agent. It naturally cleanses the liver and has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Additionally, the spice reduces the risk of all cancers, is anti-inflammatory and helps with weight management. Turmeric also treats Alzheimer’s, depression and arthritis.

How to use it: Each morning, add the juice of 1/2 a lemon to 1 cup of tea water along with a dash of turmeric, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Sweeten with a few drops of liquid stevia to finish off the ultimate morning elixir that will cleanse the liver and get your day started the right way!

Tarragon
Regarded as the “King of Herbs” in France, tarragon dates as far back as 500 B.C. in southern Russia and Siberia. The Greeks would chew tarragon to numb the mouth from toothaches. In the Middle Ages, tarragon was used as an antidote for poisonous snake bites. For our purposes, however, tarragon is relevant in treating stomach aches as well as triggering the appetite. It helps the liver produce bile and thus contributes to proper digestion. Tarragon also prevents heart disease, lowers blood pressure and is a mild sedative.

How to use it: Tarragon is suitable for chicken, fish and egg recipes. It is also a central ingredient in Béarnaise sauce, which is only second in status to Hollandaise sauce.

Allspice
This one truly lives up to its namesake – it is somewhat of a panacea. Allspice is a staple in Caribbean dishes and often goes under appreciated everywhere else. But it shouldn’t! Allspice has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and has a soothing and calming effect. It also contributes to gastro-intestinal health, controls blood pressure and improves metabolism. And with its power antioxidant content, allspice prevents cancer and aging.

How to use it: Allspice is useful in most Caribbean dishes, such as soups, stews and curries. It is also commonly used to pickle mixtures in the UK. It is a great additive to meat mixtures and marinades as well as pates and terrines. Allspice also adds an edge to cakes, biscuits, ice creams, pies, hot chocolate and chutneys and jams.

Marjoram
If I could bottle marjoram, I would. Rubbing its fresh leaves on your wrists and behind your ears makes for the best perfume – it has a deep tone but an air of lightness and freshness you can’t get from synthetic sprays. In fact, in ancient Egypt, it was originally used for cosmetics. However, today it is mostly used as a seasoning herb.
Marjoram stimulates digestion,raises appetite,calms the mood, treats insomnia and is a diuretic.The herb has a hefty list of medicinal applications,including treating appendicitis, vomiting, diarrhea, hepatitis, malnutrition, itchy skin, neurosis, pancreatitis, fever and the flu.

How to use it: Dried marjoram is fitting as part of marinades or dry rubs as well as in tomato-based sauces, soups and stews. When fresh, marjoram adds a fragrant touch when mixed into salads and sprinkled atop pasta dishes.

Rosemary
Often used in aromatherapy, rosemary has calming effects and treats fatigue, improves the mood, prevents anxiety, calms the muscles and improves digestion. Consuming rosemary helps to improve digestion, offset obesity, treat liver disease, eases symptoms of asthma and calms an accelerated heartbeat induced by stimulants. Due to its antiseptic and tonic attributes, it also helps with hangovers, colds, sinuses, muscular pains, cramps and headaches. It’s also PMS’ best friend.

How to use it: Rosemary is a hearty herb that pairs well with hearty vegetables and meats. I like to use it in baked potato and bread recipes or tie the stems together and let them steep in a simmering soup to extract flavor.

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

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