**Taos Tea: Altitude Lies Drying Summer Biome?**
By Franklin Everett ShawForget the green juice cleanse. Ditch the kale smoothie. If you’re a Colorado or New Mexico resident looking for a truly local, deeply hydrating, and surprisingly potent health boost this summer, look no further than your own backyard.
I’m talking about Taos Tea, a traditional beverage brewed from foraged desert botanicals. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a connection to the land, a sip of history, and a powerful adaptogen perfectly suited for the stresses of high-altitude living.
This isn’t your average herbal tea guide. We’re diving deep into the specifics of foraging in Colorado and New Mexico, focusing on safe identification, proper drying techniques, and crucial information about potential interactions with medications common in older populations.
Foraging Your Ingredients: A Colorado & New Mexico Botanical Bounty
The key to a truly authentic and beneficial Taos Tea lies in the quality of your ingredients. Forget generic “desert herbs” – we’re getting specific.
Chamisa (Chrysothamnus nauseosus): This is your base. Chamisa, also known as rabbitbrush, is abundant throughout Colorado and New Mexico, especially in disturbed areas and along roadsides. Look for its distinctive yellow flowers in late summer and fall. The leaves and flowers are both used in Taos Tea. Important: Proper identification is crucial. There are other similar-looking plants, some of which can be toxic. Use a reliable field guide (like “Southwest Foraging” by John Slattery) and cross-reference with multiple sources. When in doubt, don’t harvest.
- Challenge: Chamisa can be confused with other yellow-flowered plants.
- Solution: Pay close attention to the leaf structure. Chamisa has narrow, linear leaves that are often covered in fine hairs, giving them a grayish-green appearance. The smell is also distinctive – a slightly pungent, resinous aroma.
Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica): This potent herb is a traditional remedy for inflammation and immune support. It’s more common in New Mexico than Colorado, typically found in damp areas like ditches, streamsides, and wetlands. Look for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves and white, cone-like flower heads. Important: Yerba Mansa has a strong, almost medicinal taste. Use it sparingly.
- Challenge: Finding Yerba Mansa can be difficult, especially in drier areas.
- Solution: Focus your search near water sources. Look for areas with consistently moist soil. Check irrigation ditches and natural springs.
Osha (Ligusticum porteri): This is where things get tricky. Osha, also known as bear root, is a powerful antiviral and immune booster, highly prized in traditional medicine. However, it’s also easily confused with poison hemlock, which is deadly. Osha grows at high altitudes in Colorado and New Mexico, typically in shady, moist areas. Important: Never harvest Osha unless you are 100% certain of your identification. This requires extensive knowledge and experience. If you are unsure, do not risk it. Consider purchasing Osha from a reputable source instead.
- Challenge: Misidentification of Osha with poison hemlock.
- Solution: This is not a plant for beginners. Learn from an experienced forager. Pay close attention to the root structure – Osha has a hairy, fibrous root with a distinctive celery-like smell. Poison hemlock has a smooth, white taproot.
Juniper Berries (Juniperus spp.): Juniper trees are ubiquitous in both states. The berries add a slightly piney, resinous flavor to the tea and are rich in antioxidants. Use only ripe, blue-colored berries. Important: Some people are sensitive to juniper. Start with a small amount.
- Challenge: Identifying edible juniper berries.
- Solution: Ensure the berries are a deep blue color and slightly soft to the touch. Avoid green or brown berries.
Drying Techniques: Preserving the Power of the Desert
Proper drying is essential for preserving the medicinal properties and flavor of your foraged botanicals.
Air Drying: This is the most common and simplest method. Gather your herbs in small bundles and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Avoid direct sunlight, which can degrade the herbs. A shed or garage works well.
- Challenge: Mold growth if herbs are not dried properly.
- Solution: Ensure good air circulation. Don’t overcrowd the bundles. Check regularly for mold.
Dehydrator: A food dehydrator can speed up the drying process. Spread the herbs in a single layer on the dehydrator trays and set the temperature to the lowest setting (usually around 95-115°F).
- Challenge: Over-drying herbs, which can reduce their flavor and potency.
- Solution: Check the herbs frequently. They are done when they are brittle and crumble easily.
Oven Drying: This is a less ideal method, but it can work in a pinch. Spread the herbs in a single layer on a baking sheet and set the oven to the lowest possible temperature (ideally below 170°F). Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
- Challenge: Burning the herbs.
- Solution: Monitor the herbs closely. Turn them frequently.
Brewing Your Taos Tea: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now for the fun part! Here’s a basic recipe for brewing Taos Tea:
- Combine 1 tablespoon of dried Chamisa, 1 teaspoon of dried Yerba Mansa (optional), a few juniper berries (3-5), and a pinch of dried Osha (if you are confident in your identification or purchased it from a reputable source) in a teapot or heat-resistant jar.
- Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs.
- Steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the tea and enjoy.
Important Considerations for High-Altitude Living and Older Populations
Taos Tea can be a wonderful addition to a healthy lifestyle, but it’s crucial to be aware of potential interactions with medications, especially for older adults who may be taking multiple prescriptions.
Diuretics: Both Chamisa and Yerba Mansa have diuretic properties, meaning they can increase urine production. This can be beneficial for some, but it can also lead to dehydration, especially at high altitudes where dehydration is already a concern. If you are taking prescription diuretics, talk to your doctor before consuming Taos Tea regularly.
Blood Thinners: Yerba Mansa may have blood-thinning effects. If you are taking blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin), consult your doctor before using Yerba Mansa.
Diabetes Medications: Some herbs can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and are taking medication, monitor your blood sugar closely when consuming Taos Tea.
Kidney Problems: If you have kidney problems, talk to your doctor before consuming Taos Tea, as some of the herbs may put additional strain on your kidneys.
General Advice: Start with small amounts of Taos Tea and gradually increase your intake as tolerated. Pay attention to how your body responds. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Beyond the Basics: Experimentation and Personalization
Once you’re comfortable with the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with other foraged botanicals. Consider adding:
- Sage (Salvia spp.): For a more savory flavor.
- Mint (Mentha spp.): For a refreshing twist.
- Rose Hips (Rosa spp.): For added vitamin C.
Remember, foraging is a skill that takes time and practice. Start small, learn from experienced foragers, and always prioritize safety. With a little knowledge and respect for the land, you can enjoy the many benefits of Taos Tea, a truly unique and powerful beverage from the heart of Colorado and New Mexico.