Dried Tea Blend
Ingredients: labrador, wormwood (wild sage), chaga, fireweed, blueberry leaf
Earlier this week, AES sat down on a Zoom call with Jackie Qataliña Schaeffer to talk about traditional healing. During our conversation, we focused on herbal tea blends and their benefits. This recipe, in particular, nurtures healing, and the ingredients can be found nearby.
When and how did you start using this recipe?
Growing up in Kotzebue and at our fish camp called Ivik, I was blessed to have my grandmother and mother walk me onto the tundra and share their knowledge. This tradition of sharing knowledge is our version of oral history and cultural activities being passed from generation to generation. I began my own harvesting early on and raised my children to do the same. This healing blend I have used throughout my adult life and continue to share with family and friends.
What benefits have you noticed this tea having on your physical, mental and emotional health?
The healing blend should be taken sparingly, once every couple of days for immune boost and daily when sick. The benefits are amazing. As with any traditional food or drink, there is a small “internal” ceremony that enhances the benefits.
First, one must be accepting of the plants, this allows an emotional and mental connection. Who picked these plants and prepared them? Secondly, you must have gratitude for sharing healing plants. Give thanks to the provider. Thirdly, you must accept the healing properties as you drink it. Breathe in deeply and smell the aroma – again connecting to the plants. Sip slowly and feel their healing properties as they glide into your physical body. This holistic approach to ceremony is the richest part of any traditional activity. I personally have used this tea and a stronger tincture form to heal strep throat, migraines and help cancer patients heal sores in their mouths after chemo. I always recommend you talk to your doctor or traditional healer prior to making and drinking your own blends. Each body is different, so test for allergies by rubbing the leaves on your forearm. If you have a reaction, do not add that ingredient.
Where do you find the ingredients?
Traditional plants are seasonal; therefore, our mindset must first align with the seasons. Prepare to have a yearlong adventure in preparation. All of the ingredients found grow in our Alaskan backyard. I gather my Labrador, Wild Sage and Blueberry leaves from our fish camp in Northwest Alaska. I gather my Fireweed around my home in Palmer, Alaska, and chaga grows on Birch trees throughout the state.
What process do you go through to make the tea?
To prepare the leaves for tea: Pick during season (each plant has a season). Dry for 1 week. Do not crush leaves when storing. Crush leaves when preparing tea to steep. I mix and store my blends in a mason jar. Prior to steeping, I gently crush the leaves and breathe in their scents. I place 2 tablespoons into a loose tea infuser (you can use any loose tea catcher for this), pour hot water to fill cup and steep for 3-5 minutes.
Can you make this tea all year?
You can store the tea all year, but you must learn when to harvest the ingredients. Local Chaga (found on birch trees) is available year round, Labrador and Wild Sage are available when there is no snow – spring, summer, fall, Fireweed is available in the summer and Blueberry Leaf is ready to pick in the fall.
Various tea plants
Dried Fireweed Blossoms
Iñupiaq • Qikiqtaġruk • Aaka (mother) of 6 • Aana (grandmother) of 7
About the Author
Jacqualine Qataliña Schaeffer
Senior Project Manager, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Division of Environmental Health & Engineering
Jacqualine Qataliña Schaeffer is an Iňupiaq from Kotzebue, Alaska. She studied Interior Design & Sustainable Building in London and the U.S. She is currently a Senior Project Manager for the Division of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. She has worked in comprehensive planning, energy, housing and water/sanitation in rural communities across Alaska, utilizing a holistic approach to project development. Her passion has led her to infuse traditional Inuit knowledge into strategic planning to change the “top down” approach into a locally-driven, grassroots approach. This innovative approach allows local leadership to be empowered to own and lead the discussions and decision making. Her background in design and sustainable building science allows a perspective that places the “end user” at the center of change. Qataliña believes her ancestors’ traditional knowledge will help bridge gaps in our multi-cultural lifestyles and create balance in how we adapt to our rapidly changing climate. Her current work includes innovation sanitation solutions for unserved communities, tribal resiliency adaptation planning, and community engagement for relocation.
Qataliña also works with various indigenous groups to revitalize the return of traditional practices, including Inupiaq language, traditional healing treatments, medicinal plants, harvesting practices, storytelling, skin sewing skillsets, and dancing. Her commitment to serving the indigenous people of Alaska allows her to utilize a variety of skills and talents.