Summer is officially here! Sometimes the best way to beat the heat is to pop into air conditioning or take a cool plunge into a pool, but if you want to cool off from the inside out, Hibiscus Iced Tea is the way to go!
Hibiscus Refreshment Drink is one of our favorites, and here’s why…
Hibiscus is naturally high in quercetin, bioflavinoids, antioxidants, and Vitamin C.
It’s cooling qualities help calm irritability, brain fatigue, and discomfort in hot weather.
Also it can cool menopausal hot flashes and inflammation, lower blood pressure (only if it’s too high!), and it’s even shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in scientific research studies.
It is phyto-estrogenic, so it can sooth PMS symptoms that are heat-related and it’s considered an anti-aging and beautifying skin tonic in many cultures.
This beautiful flower is pretty tart–letting you know it’s astringent (tightens skin and other things back up) and that it goes straight to the liver (detox).
I’ve been enjoying Hibiscus without sweetener, but it’s also delicious with stevia or sugar (Jamaica drink served in taquerias).
So, here’s the recipe. I make it strong so that I get all those antioxidants—and I think it tastes better and packs a real punch:
Hibiscus Refreshment Tea Recipe:
4 c boiling water
1/2 c organic dried hibiscus flowers, rinsed
Pour the boiling water over the petals and let steep for 10 minutes or more.
I use a mason jar and leave the petals in the jar.
Optionally, add sugar to taste while it’s hot, or stevia to taste after its cooled.
If you’ve got rosebuds in the garden, you can pop a few into the brew for fun.
Refrigerate and serve with ice!
P.S. If you run cold, or it’s cold weather, then drink it hot instead
It’s delicious, and couldn’t be prettier so use a clear glass! Enjoy!
