Chill Out Herbal Tea

Out here in Arizona, we get some really hot summer days, like I'm talking 118 degrees hot. It may seem like summer is coming to a close for many folks across the country, but not here, we Zonies know we're in for at least another 2 months of hot hot heat. So, what better to do on a toasty summer day than make a nice, refreshing herbal tea?!

I've chosen 5 fantastic herbs to put into this Chill Out Herbal Tea blend, each one having an important role...

1. Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, another member of the lamiaceae family is our first herb. This herb has a lot to offer, not only is it cooling, it is a nervine that helps to elevate mood and reduce tension headaches, anxiety, restlessness, and irritability associated with stress. It is also well known for its stomach soothing properties and antiviral effects.

2. Peppermint, Mentha piperita, of course, part of the lamiaceae or mint family is our second. Peppermint is popularly used today to reduce bloating, upset stomach and as an antispasmodic. It is generally used for most types of indigestion, but is contraindicated in GERD, as it tends to irritate the esophageal tissue even further. Cooling peppermint is a delicious herb that is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium which help to nourish the body.

3. Linden Flower, Tilia vulgaris, part of the tiliaceae family of plants is number three in our lineup. This herb is known for its nervine activity as it can help to reduce irritability, stress headaches, insomnia, anxiety and nervous stomach or nervous tension. On top of all that amazingness, it has a cooling energy and tastes very pleasant.

4. Hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, is part of the malvaceae family. This beautiful fuchsia flower is one of our best refrigerants, cooling down any tea it is added to. Hibiscus tastes quite tart and has an astringent effect when drinking it, so if you make an extra strong hibiscus tea, you may find your lips puckering with each sip.

5. Rose hips, Rosa spp., are part of the rosaceae or rose family is our last, but not least herb. I love rose hips so very much, I call them nature's fruity pebbles. They are a strong source of vitamin C and an array of other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are super tasty and just like hibiscus, they too are astringent... You may want to get some extra rose hips to just snack on while you are waiting for your tea to steep ;)

Chill Out Herbal Tea

Here's what you'll need:
16 oz of water (boiling hot!)
2 tsp Lemon Balm
1 1/2 tsp Peppermint
1 1/2 tsp Linden
1/2 tsp Hibiscus
1/2 tsp Rose hips

Here's what you'll do:
1. Boil 16 oz of water.
2. Measure out all your herbs and place them into a large mug, mason jar, or my preferred method, a french press. 
3. Place a cover on top of your chosen vessel and set a timer to steep the tea for 30 minutes.
4. Read a nice book for 30 minutes.
5. When the time is up, either press down and pour if you are using a french press, or pour the liquid through a strainer into another jar or mug. 

And voila, you've made yourself a delicious cooling herbal tea!... You may be wondering why your cooling tea is piping hot, and to this, I recommend a few ice cubes or placing the tea in the fridge or freezer for a little while. 

Your tea will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge, so if you would like to, multiply the amounts to make more than 16 ounces. I also like to make large batches and pour them into 16 oz mason jars and freeze them, then I can take them with me on the go!

I hope this recipe chills you out for the rest of those toasty summer days! Enjoy :)

Sending BIG love,

Joey