São Marcos Blog

While the winter months arrive, many people love to drink a nice hot cup of tea to warm up. The people in the area of São

Marcos da Serra love their teas. And they don´t only taste good, but they are also great for your health. Here are 2 of their favorite ones:

This plant is native in South America and. The leaves of this plant are used (preferably fresh from the garden) to brew a lovely calming tea. The Portuguese love it for its lemon smell and use it to season sweet dishes, fruit salads, jams, oils and vinegar. But most of the times they just brew a fresh tea from it. Chá Bela Luisa (lemon verbena in English) calmes the nerves, relieves digestive track spasms and reduces fevers. Also it is a mosquito repellent.

                                    

In English it is knows as lemon grass. This plant is native to India and tropical Asia. It is widely used as a herb in Asian cuisine and is loved for its subtle citrus flavor. It can be dried and powdered, but fresh from the garden it is best. It is used in soups, curries, with fish and meat dishes. Here in the area, people love to brew a refreshing tea from its leaves.                                                                                                                                                                                     Erva principe has anti-fungal and anti-septic properties and is said to reduce fever, ease stomach cramps, flatulence and colic. It relaxes and purifies. Also it is an excellent insect repellent. Mosquitoes do not like the smell.