~ Peach Leaf Tea and Red Clover Syrup ~

If you've never tried peach leaf tea , I highly recommend it. I was reading about it on a herbal blog ( http://bearmedicineherbals.com/?p=414 ) and decided to try it yesterday. I gathered the green leaves and made a delightful tea.You can use green or dried leaves.

I just threw a handful of torn / crushed green leaves ( maybe a cup ) into my small sauce pot and added water. I turned the heat to med. high and let it get hot (to a light boil )and simmer about 20 min , then turned the heat off and let it sit for a couple of hours. I strained it through a coffee filter before drinking.

The next time I will simmer before going to bed and let it steep overnight. The flavor was great , I really like it. I dried the rest of the leaves in the oven and stored them in one of my recycled jars. Since I'm trying to cut energy use , I placed the leaves in the oven after I made toast yesterday. Just turn the oven off and place the leaves inside to dry. It didn't take very long , so keep a close eye on them.

The tea is good for morning sickness too . My oldest daughter who is pregnant , loved the taste. It feels good to find a natural , safe and great tasting remedy.

Today I'm making red clover syrup , I put a quart of red clover buds in a pot and added 1 quart of water , let it come to a boil and turned it off , let it steep overnight. Strained it through a coffee filter this morning. I will add sugar and cook it down , until it thickens. Hope to make some red clover pancakes this weekend.

Nature gives us some wonderful foods and teas , if we're willing to work a little for it. I find it very relaxing and enjoyable to work in the garden , pick berries , leaves , clover or whatever the season brings.

~ Herbal Blessings ~ JoyceAnn