PART 3. THE REMEDIES
11
THE DAY AFTER
FENDER BENDER
Even a minor car accident can leave your body feeling sore and your mind in a fog. Not to mention the stress involved in dealing with other involved parties, insurance companies, tow-truck drivers, and police. Herbal teas are an excellent go-to when you need comfort, plus a medicinal kick to calm the nerves and relieve achy muscles.
Chamomile Chai Tea
YIELD: 1 CUP
STORAGE: NOT RECOMMENDED
TIME: 5 MINUTES
This comforting caffeine-free chai tea can easily be multiplied when the stress of the day calls for a double. For a livelier version, replace the chamomile and valerian with a plain black tea bag—but heads up, black tea contains caffeine.
1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
1 tablespoon dried valerian
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground ginger
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
2 whole cloves, crushed
1 cardamom pod, crushed
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 cup cold water
⅓ cup milk
1.In a small saucepan, add the chamomile, valerian, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, cloves, cardamom, and brown sugar to the water. Bring to a boil.
2.Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3.Remove from the heat.
4.Strain into a mug, using the back of a spoon to press the liquid from the herbs before discarding them.
5.Add the milk and stir before drinking.