Monday 29 September 2008

Lime flower, nettle and gotu kola tea

I was in Neal's Yard at the weekend buying some lime flowers. The lady recommended a mix of lime flowers, nettle and gotu kolu which I've followed and am enjoying as a warming/ stimulating daytime tea. Very tasty!

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) figures in most Eastern religions and medical systems and has a reputation for longevity. It is a mild adaptogen, and is used as a cerebral tonic and circulatory stimulant. It was this last use that the lady in Neal's Yard mentioned, and what attracted me to trying it as I feel that things to stimulate circulation are beneficial for me.
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5 comments:

  1. Your pic is wrong. this is not Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

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  2. Thanks for pointing this out "Anonymous". :) I've now deleted the picture and here is a link to Centella Asiatica on Wikipedia, which has a picture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centella_asiatica

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  3. Hello there! How is it prepared as tea? I also read in another blog that Gotu Kola tastes awful. Is that true? Can you compare it to some other food? I'm afraid to try it out. I'm not very exotic in my tastes.

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  4. Hello Chris, I put about half teaspoon of each of the herbs in a tea sock or tea infuser ball and leave it for 5-10 minutes to brew. I wouldn't say this tea was awful but its very earthy/ herby tasting, so a bit of an aquired taste. You can always add a slice of lemon or some honey to improve its taste. Warm regards, Elizabeth

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  5. Hi Elizabeth! As an alternative, maybe I can use it as an additive in my lemon tea. Could be similar to your suggestion, except that the lemon would be the dominant taste.

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