Did you know that colonists used strawberry leaves as a substitute for black tea? Strawberry leaves can become toxic while in the process of decaying and drying. To be safe only consume when fresh or when fully dry and crisp. Less of the chemical (hydrogen cyanide) is also present in the spring and summer. Avoid leaves that are discolored, decomposing, or moldy. The leaves alone have a lovely mild flavor. Add in the tops of the fruit and some black tea and you have a great hot beverage served with a bit of milk.
Strawberry Tea
2 cups crumbled fully dried strawberry leaves
1/2 cup of strawberry tops (what you normally would discard when using the fruit in a salad) diced and dried in a dehydrator
1/4 cup of dried black tea leaves
The strawberry plant is thought to contain, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, B vitamins, as well as trace minerals such as iodine, magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium. Fragaria is one of the highest naturally occurring sources of vitamin C. An infusion has been used historically for low milk supply in nursing mothers, diarrhea, intestinal complaints, excessive menstrual bleeding, arthritis, water retention, skin rashes, burns, insect bites, blood pressure issues, headaches, conditions of the bladder/urinary tract, fever, night sweats, anemia, ulcers, and bacterial/fungal infections.
Contraindications:an allergy to the fruit. Kidney disease. Pregnancy
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 