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Winter Herbal Teas by Muriel - © Nerone The Insider's Guide to Rome
Centuries of written and oral traditions prove that mankind has always recognised the uses of various plants. The oldest texts concerning plants date from 3000 years ago and come from northern China, while the most famous Herbalists come from Renaissance times. There has always been an insatiable curiosity about medicinal plants, but in recent years there has been an upsurge in the desire for natural cures. Herbs known as "Simples" and an infusion of them called Tisanes can be acquired in personalised brews mixed by an authority on the subject. Unfortunately, the herbalist is a dying breed in many European countries. You can easily find any number of "Health Centres" or "Maison de la Dietetique", but you must select your own range of herbs without help or advice and then mix them at home by yourself.
Italy remains one of the few countries where this ancient profession is still
practiced. There are over 260 herbalists in Rome alone. In these shops, you will find someone to advise you and mix the plants according to your desires or
needs. You will be told how to prepare the brew, either as a tea or an infusion, which can be drunk with a spoonful of
honey. (The ingredients are given in Italian to facilitate purchasing them in Rome's herbal shops. A translation is given at the end.)
The first will help you to cope better with the onset of the cold winter.
The second is perfect after a meal.
The third is for when you need to rest or relax. While strolling around Rome, we suggest you make a visit to the following herbal shops: Antica Drogheria Condotti on Via Mario de'Fiori, Il Germoglio on Via Otranto, Della Pace on Via della Pace, Il Verbasco on Via Aurelia 34 (near the Vatican), and L'Albero del Pane on Via Santa Maria del Pianto (in the Ghetto).
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