Persian Herbal Flower Tea

Gol gav zaban (Borage) is a herb that grows in the northern part of Iran and its dried purple flower is brewed the same way you brew tea leaves. Gol gove zaban is a diuretic and is used in treating coughs and colds and also has a calming effect on the nerves. It’s believed to be a good source of antioxidants and is also good for the heart. Gol (flower) gav (cow) zaban (tongue) literally means cow tongue flower and it has a mild and distinct taste. It doesn’t taste medicinal at all. It’s an aromatic, flavorful and soothing herbal tea. There are many herbal medicines and home remedies in Iran dating back to the ancient times which were handed down generation to generation.

In our home, gol gav zaban, among other herbs, was used frequently for its medicinal purposes or even just to enjoy a soothing and tasty hot drink. My mother used to usually brew gol gav zaban with a little bit of  sonbol-tib (Valerian root) mid morning. She believed that there’s a medicinal herb out there for every ailment, if only we knew them all we could treat every physical sickness. She had a small, brown, two tier wooden table next to her favorite comfortable chair with her poetry books and all her herbal remedies. I have kept a few of her little bottles and containers with her large handwritten labels. Drinking this delicate fragrance flower tea makes you feel good and comfortable all over!

Gol Gav Zaban

Ingredients:

2 large tablespoons or a handful of gol gav zaban

A pinch of Valerian root *optional

2 cups water

2 small pieces of  nabat (rock candy)

Juice of a lemon/lime or a teaspoon of crushed dried lemon (limoo amani)

Method:

• Bring water to a boil in a kettle.
• Take a handful of gol gav zaban and place it in a teapot.
• Pour in the hot water and brew for 15 minutes on medium heat.
• Serve hot with rock candy or lemon juice depending on your taste.

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