Herbata z Zielin (Traditional herbal tea)

The most traditional drink in Wisła — close to the hearts of its people and rooted in the everyday life of the highlanders.

When mists drift over the Beskid pastures and the wind whispers through the trees, it means the time has come to brew herbata z zielin — mountain herb tea.

Place a handful of dried herbs in a clay jug, pour over boiling water, and wait as the infusion slowly turns a deep amber hue. Add a spoonful of mountain honey — it will sweeten the brew, like a warm memory of summer days.

Drink slowly, with your eyes closed, listening to the stillness of the forest.
This is more than a taste — it is a journey along Beskid trails, a story written in leaves and blossoms, a tradition passed down from generation to generation.

What gifts of nature create this extraordinary tea? There are many recipes, but the essentials to remember are: mint soothes and refreshes the mind, chamomile brings calm, St. John’s wort lifts the spirit on cloudy days, and linden blossom warms the heart. Add a pinch of lavender for a restful sleep and a few lemon balm leaves to gently ease into the evening.

From slaskiesmaki.pl: The following traditional recipe for herbata z zielin (mountain herbal tea) can be found in Potrawy Regionalne Wisły i Śląska Cieszyńskiego (Regional Dishes of Wisła and Cieszyn Silesia), edited by Maria Maciejczyk-Madej (Wisła, 1996, p. 82).

Ingredients:
St. John’s wort, linden blossom, lemon balm, thyme, raspberry juice, sugar, water. Place a tablespoon of the herbs into a pot, pour boiling water over them, and let the mixture steep. Sweeten with sugar or raspberry juice to taste.

Comfrey
Comfrey is highly valued for treating bruises, muscle pain, fractures, and sprains.
Its leaves are often used for soothing compresses, while the root — rich in allantoin, a natural compound that promotes tissue repair and wound healing — is commonly made into ointments. Comfrey is known for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits.

What can you make from comfrey root?

Ointments, compresses, and tinctures for external use.

Dandelion

This small yellow flower grows in lawns and meadows — you definitely know it! After it blooms, it turns into a white puffball of seeds.
Dandelion leaves are great for supporting the liver and kidneys, the root aids digestion, and the flowers are often used to make cough syrup.

What can you make from dandelions?
Syrups, tinctures, infusions, and herbal teas.

Nettle 

This plant has two faces: touch it carelessly and it will sting — but when used properly, it becomes a powerful ally. Nettle leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll; they support the circulatory system and have strong anti-inflammatory properties. The root also aids kidney function.

What can you make from nettle?

Juice, herbal teas, infusions, and herbal baths.

Mint 

Fall in love with mint! This perennial plant has a distinctive, strong, refreshing scent. It is helpful in many situations — especially when it comes to digestive issues. Mint essential oils have cooling and invigorating effects.

What can you make from mint?

Essential oils, infusions, teas, dried herb blends, and herbal baths.

Linden Blossom
There’s nothing quite like linden! Its honey-scented flowers are cherished in both herbal medicine and beekeeping. Linden blossoms are known for their amazing health benefits — they help relieve colds, fever, cough, and throat inflammation. They also have naturally calming, soothing properties.

What can you make from linden blossoms?
Infusions, syrups, teas, and herbal blends for colds.