Longevity Infusion

This cooling adaptogenic blend has it all. With sincere dedication to brain, heart and immune health, the longevity infusion supports physical body and mind, especially through summer heat.

2 parts: Rama Tulsi (aka Holy Basil) / a green leafy plant with deep Ayurvedic lineage, spicy and bright flavor as you will find it’s cousins all in the mint family) - this is a very safe, flexible plant found on doorsteps and courtyards cultivated by women across the subcontinent including our very patio - carrying adaptogenic tonifying vital qualities, especially in mental rejuvenation and rest, as well as digestion/elimination

1-2 parts: Hibiscus / this tropical deep red flower (technically, the stamen of the flower) is used around the globe, providing more anti-oxidant power in anthocyanins that blueberries or any other red-purple plant by weight, lending both immune support as well as cardioprotection with soothing of blood pressure

1 part: Oat Straw / from the European herbal tradition, actually is the stalk and top of the familiar oatmeal cereal grain - with an excellent safety profile and added benefits of a rich dose of minerals to support overall nourishment (especially immune, metabolic) as well as a soothing calm vibe for your mind

1 part: Gingko Biloba / a leaf from both Ayurveda + TCM traditions, this tree is ancient, one of the oldest living tree species; containing beneficial bioactives such as flavonoids that enhance blood flow / blood vessel dilation promoting brain health including memory and attention

1 part: Schizandra / from the TCM tradition, a fascinating berry containing all 5 flavors (sweet, sour, spicy, salty and bitter) - as different flavors enter different organs it is important to not favor or skip any flavor - in it’s balanced energetics, this herb supports all 5 elements, all 3 treasures, all 12 meridians… learn more

1 part: Astralagus / from both TCM and Ayurveda, a dried and sliced root related to asparagus, with broad safety history - tonifying to vital energy for immune support, overall metabolism, eliminative and respiratory care

From bottom, up: tulsi, hibiscus, oatstraw, gingko, astralagus, schizandra

Bags filled, ready for the heat seal

Refreshing and rejuvenating

Combine botanicals listed above in a jar or mixing bowl. Both preparation methods work well for me, although I find that if the herbs have disproportionate weights they will settle out in the larger jar. Lately I’ve been assembly line style making a month’s worth of tea bags but just lining up the open bags and putting in a spoon or two of each herb.

To brew, start with filtered water if possible. When water has boiled, pour over the loose herb blend or your self packaged tea bags, it you are aiming to consume cold, just pour a few inches of water.

After steeping for ~5 minutes, add ice and extra cold water, consider a splash or lime juice or a few slices of cucumber. If you are feeling depleted of electrolytes, a pinch of mineral sea salt will enhance rehydration.