How to make kombucha without a scoby.

I like to make my Kombucha from a fresh start every year. I don't drink that much kombucha during the winter, so when it starts getting warm I just buy a bottle of plain kombucha to start a new batch. From their I just save a cup of kombucha and a scoby to make kombucha for the rest of the season. This way I'm not storing a scoby all winter, trying to keep it alive. 

If you'd rather watch the video on youtube click HERE.

* I give a few extra tips at the end so make sure your volume is up towards the end of the video if your turn it of from the music. I also explain how to make kombucha vinegar. 

This method works every time! I do like to check to see how big the culture is on the bottom of the bottle, and I will choose one with a bit more culture in it. Just heat up a gallon of water to a boil and add in a cup of sugar. Brew your tea (black, green, white, or red. Certain herbal teas may kill your starter.) in the water then let it cool. Add it to a jar with your bottle of kombucha and cover with a tea towel. Let sit for 5 to 10 days or until a new scoby is formed.


Previous Kombucha posts:
How to make Kombucha and why its good for you.
Kid friendly Kombucha (sweeter without extra sugar)

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DIY Green Tea and Rose Bath Jellies

For some reason I had thought that bath jellies made from tea was already a thing, but when I went to look for a recipe I couldn't find a single one! All I could find was diy lush shower jellies, which is great but not at all what I wanted. So I figured that I'd make some strong tea, mix it with some gelatin and see if it would work well in my bath. Any you know what? It was perfect! To watch the video click the video below or go directly to my youtube link HERE.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint of boiling water
• 1-2 tea bags
• 1-2 Tbsp of grass-fed gelatin
• 2 Tbsp of Rosewater

Steep the tea for about 10 minutes to make it nice and strong. Whisk the gelatin with some hot water to bloom the gelatin. Whisk in the tea make sure its still at least warm. Then mix in the rosewater and poor into your mold. Refrigerate for a couple of hours or until set. Take out of the molds and use in a nice warm bath. Refrigerate the extra.

I use about 1/3 to 1/2 of the recipe in my bath and I like to put it in when the water is running with the hotter water so that it dissolves more effectively.


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Green tea and mango smoothie

This smoothie is soooo good! Basically its just a cold green tea late blended with mangoes, but even simpler than that to put together. The mango gives it an extra creamy fruitiness that really compliments the matcha. Have you ever had mango green tea? Or maybe a green tea with tropical fruit flavors in it? It's like that but cream, delicious, and smoothie-fied!

Ingredients

• Frozen mangoes 2 cups (fresh can be used but it will turn out more like a fresh lassi)
• Yogurt 1/2 cup (optional)
• Kefir 1/2 cup (optional)
• Milk 1-2 cups [depending on if you use the yogurt and kefir or not (nut milks may be substituted)]
• Matcha powder 1/4tsp - 1 tbsp (depending on your taste (you will need a bit more than usual)
• Water, only if you need more liquid and you are keeping it low on the milk

Additional supper foods

• Collagen powder (optional but it adds extra nutrition and creaminess)
• Whey protein (grass fed and processed on a low heat. Mix enough with water and it can replace the milk)
• colostrum powder (can be mixed with water to replace the milk and it makes it so creamy!)
• Maca or other kinds of super foods that go well with late flavors. I personally don't like maca or mesquite but if you do have at it!

I also really like brewing gean and white teas, and blending them with fruit and a little honey. My favorite combination is green tea and peaches. Something about it is just so incredibly delicious, like the tea and the peaches with the honey just bring out so many delicious flavors!

If your interested here is the link to my green tea late recipe.

Thanks for reading! 

Restful tea recipe and how to brew and store tea

I have been making this blend to help my husband sleep. This tea is flavorful and nicely calming. For my husbands tea I use chamomile as a base, but since I have read quite a bit that pregnant women shouldn't use chamomile, I use Red Bush tea for my base. (consult with your Midwife or Dr. before trying any herbal teas.) Red bush tea has many health benefits to it and is so sweet and delicious on its own. Read about red tea HERE.I buy all of my herbs in bulk because I like to make my own tea blends and also make herbal infusions to put in my beauty products. If you have a store that sells herbs in bulk you will likely be able to purchase only the amount you need rather than huge quantities.

2 Tbsp of chamomile flowers
1 1/2 Tbsp of passion flower
1 tsp of lavender flowers
1 Tbsp of rose flowers (optional)
1 Tbsp of Red Bush tea (optional)

This will be enough to make a 4-6 cup pot of tea. Bring your water to a roaring boil, the hotter the water the more nutrients are extracted. Steep for at least 5 minutes, serve and enjoy.

When brewing tea I go by teavana's brewing times. White tea will be 3 to 5 minutes depending on the quality; green tea will take less than 1 minute to 3 minutes, and black tea will take 2 to 5 minutes. White, green, and black teas will become bitter if you use to hot of water or steep the tea for to long.
If you want a stronger flavor use more tea. Do not extend the brewing time.
You always want to follow the times recommended on bagged teas because they are often times in cardboard boxes instead of tins and are from scraps or "tea dust". However, not all boxed teas are inferior. There are plenty that are supper yummy, you will just need to use them up much sooner or transfer the bags to a tin.
To properly store your tea keep it in a sealed airtight container in a cool place. If it is in a glass container make sure it is from amber glass or stored in a dark spot. Tins work marvelously at preserving tea. I have a couple of teas that I keep in the refrigerator because they are very high quality and refrigeration helps to keep them better preserved. If you do put any dried teas in the refrigerator make sure that is is air tight so that no moisture gets in. You don't want moldy tea.

Happy brewing, and don't forget to subscribe via email, google, or blogger over on the side if you want more diy's, recipes, healthy living tips and whatever else I decide to post.

Fabulous Feminine Tea blend

This tea blend is what I drink every morning. It helps with so many of the problems that women get. It doesn't cost much, and it really works. I have noticed a decrease in skin blemishes and my "cycle" has become lighter and shorter with less mood problems. This tea blend is beneficial to women of all ages, however not all of the herbs are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding I suggest consulting with a midwife or Dr. that is educated on herbal medicine.  

• Rosemary- High in  vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K. It helps to prevent Alzheimer's and Dementia and improves memory. Good for fighting infections and  using against rheumatism. It also a good herb to use in promoting  menstrual flow, but because of this you should not take rosemary tea if you are pregnant. 
• Raspberry Leaf - High in Vitamin C and also has vitamin E, A, and B complex, Manganese, Magnesium, phosphorous and potassium  It is beneficial for treating the flu, gum disease, rubella, upset stomach, hangover, diarrhea, fevers, vomiting, menstrual problems and inflammation. It also increases fertility in both men and women.
• Oat straw- Rich in calcium and other minerals it is used to improve bones, fend off depression, strengthens capillaries, nourish and strengthen the central nervous system, help treat liver infections and arthritis, as well as preventing osteoporosis. Also increases hormone levels that stimulate cell growth. Good to use if you suffer from anxiety also.
  
• Corn silk - Contains vitamin C, and K. Helps the body to prevent and rid itself of kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and bladder inflammation. It also helps the body to flush out toxins. 
• Rose buds - Mostly I have this for flavor, but it dose have antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Hibiscus - contains antioxidants, helps with heart problems, and also promotes healthy digestion. However you should not use hibiscus if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Chamomile - use for PMS, Migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, and stomach cramps. 
• Lavender - Helps in cases of Anxiety, stomach problems, colic, insomnia, arthritis, backache, headache, and mood swings. 
• Stinging nettles- rich in iron, calcium, potassium, and Vitamins A and C. Used to treat skin disorders, digestive problems, urinary tract infections, coughs, and colds.
• Red clover flowers -Effective against menopausal side effects, inflamed lungs, inflammatory bowel disorders, kidney problems, liver disease, skin disorders and weakened immune system. Acts as an antibiotic, appetite suppressant  and blood purifier.  It also increases fertility. 

My blend consists of 4 parts each of rosemary, nettles, read clover flowers, and raspberry leaf. 2 parts each of oat straw, corn silk, and chamomile. 1 part each of lavender, hibiscus, and rose buds. I will add other things too depending on my mood, such as peppermint, ginger, passion flower, dandelion leaves, and calendula flowers. When adding lavender, make sure not to do to much or you might have tea that tastes like soap. 

If I don't want all of the teas then I will sometimes to just one herb, or combine a couple. I really like the flavor of Red clover and rosemary.