Linseed Tea

One of my Nutrition teachers called this drink "a hug in a mug" and that's exactly what linseed tea feels like - a hug from the inside!   It is incredibly hydrating and has a calming affect on our nervous system, perfect to help during stressful times.  Linseeds (flax) also regulate appetite, balance blood sugar levels and help to regulate our metabolism making it a wonderful drink to help support natural weight loss.

Method

If you have a decent thermos flask, this method is great - place 3 tablespoons of organic linseeds (either golden or brown) into your flask, fill it with boiling water, screw the lid on and leave the flask for 8-12 hours. Drink the fluid and discard the seeds. 

The traditional method is to put 2 tbsp of linseeds into a pan with 1 litre of boiling water, bring to boil then turn off the heat.  Leave in pan for around 8-10 hours.  Bring it back to the boil and simmer gently for an hour. Strain seeds out whilst still hot. This method extracts the most amount of soluble fiber, the liquid will be thick and gloopy which is fantastic for soothing our intestines and encouraging healthy bowel movement.  If you find it difficult to drink, water it down with a little hot water.

Alternatively, I often make linseed tea using a faster method - bring the same quantities to the boil, simmer for at least 20 minutes, strain, drink. Then everything remaining in the pan, I strain and store in a jar in the fridge and it still thickens up. It lasts for approximately 5-7 days in the fridge.