Lemon Mint Tea

Spearmint is a hardy perennial that spreads by underground runners and grows easily in North America.  Like all mints, its leaves are bright green and lanceolate shaped with a square stem.  The long cylindrical spikes atop form beautiful flowers of lilac, pink and white.  Spearmint is milder than peppermint and is often used to treat children's colds and flus.

The leaves and flowering tops have healing properties and are best harvested just before the flowers open. Here are a few of the benefits that spearmint is said to have:

• relieves digestive disorders, colic , and flatulence due to their carminative and antispasmodic actions, and may be helpful in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome .
• relieves motion sickness, hiccups , and nausea. 
• is a diuretic and has been used to treat cases of suppressed or painful urination.
• it is high in vitamins A and C, and has been shown to improve eyesight and reduce night blindness
• helps with headaches, migraines, stress, and tired muscles
• helps with respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis

Lemon juice is a great source of citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.  Adding fresh lemon juice creates an additional antibacterial and antiviral affect in the body, which is especially useful during cold and flu season.

Lemon Mint Tea

2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
1 cup boiling water
2-3 sprigs of spearmint
1 tsp agave nectar

Directions
Crush the spearmint with your fingers to release the oils.  Place the spearmint in a cup. Pour 1 cup boiling water over spearmint leaves.  If using a teapot, boil the water in the teapot first, then add the spearmint.  Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes.  Cool (no need to strain) add lemon juice and agave nectar.