Stress Free Thanksgiving

Life this time of year can feel like a marathon of family gatherings, shopping, and general overdoing. Instead of relying on vast amounts of caffeine to keep up the pace, try a homemade herbal chai to build your body's reserves.

This energy-enhancing blend stars eleuthero (also known as Siberian ginseng), which helps the body adapt to stress; burdock to gently detox the liver; and licorice to balance the adrenal system (omit if you have high blood pressure). Ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom warm your body and add a spicy-sweet flavor. Drink three to four cups daily for best effects.

Stamina Tea - Makes 1 quart

• 3 teaspoons dried eleuthero
• 2 teaspoons dried burdock root
• 2 teaspoons dried licorice root
• 1 teaspoon dried (or 2 teaspoons fresh chopped) ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon chips (or 1 cinnamon stick)
• 1 teaspoon cardamom pods

Simmer herbs in 1 quart of water for 20 minutes. Strain and discard herbs. Pour a cup, adding milk and honey to taste if desired. Keep remaining tea in a jar or thermos. Tea will keep for two days in refrigerator.