Spring to Life with Tea: Lemon, Aniseed and Fennel Seed Tea

Makes 2 cups
Lemon juice and its zest are natural antimicrobials. Aniseed drinks were once a popular remedy for colds and flu. Both aniseed and fennel are lung-cleansing tonics, and they are given to women after delivery to encourage milk flow and to reduce colic in babies. Both have a slight licorice flavor. Fennel seeds have a reputation for suppressing the appetite if chewed before meals, and they also make an excellent breath freshener.

• 1 to 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon aniseed
• 1 to 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 2 cups boiling water

1. Combine lemon zest, aniseed and fennel seeds in a warmed ceramic or glass teapot.
2. Add boiling water, cover and let steep for 10 minutes.
3. Strain and drink hot. Drink 2 to 3 cups of this tea each day.

Story, recipes and photos (unless otherwise noted) excerpted with permission from Healthy Teas by Tammy Safi, © Lansdowne Publishing, 2002, available in North America through Tuttle Publishing.

Click here for the original article, Spring to Life with Tea.