My great-grandmother was a herbalist. She lived in the village and treated everyone with herbs, which she herself collected and prepared. Unfortunately, most of her secrets have gone with her. But the tradition has remained in the family: we all prefer herbal drinks to ordinary tea.
It is necessary
- - oregano - 1 tsp,
- - St. John's wort - 1 tsp,
- - peppermint - 1 tsp,
- - apple - 1 pc.,
- - cherries - 1 glass,
- - optional - a cinnamon stick.
Instructions
Step 1
In the summer we take fresh herbs, and in the winter - dry. St. John's wort and oregano for drying must be collected during their flowering period, cutting off the tops of 10-15 cm high from the plants. But peppermint leaves can be collected all summer. It is necessary to dry the herbs separately, in a ventilated place protected from direct sunlight. We take frozen cherries in winter.
Step 2
So, to prepare a drink, the apple needs to be peeled and core and cut into cubes. Remove the seeds from the cherries. Pour 1 liter of water over the fruit, boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Cool, strain through a strainer.
Step 3
Pour the herbs into an enamel or earthenware teapot. Boil the apple-berry broth and pour the herbal mixture over it, add a cinnamon stick. Cover the kettle with a towel to cool down more slowly. Strain after half an hour. The drink is ready. Sweet lovers can add sugar to it, but I like the tart natural taste more. In winter, instead of fresh apples, you can take a handful of dried ones. And use sour varieties for drying.
