Whether enjoying a summery day at home on my covered porch or out in the garden, one of my preferred thirst quenchers is a fragrant, ruby red hibiscus infusion with rose hips and delightful lemon-scented “Melissa" (lemon balm). I don't add a sweetener, personally, but you can add a pinch or drop of stevia or a dollop of raw honey if you feel it needs it.
Hibiscus Infusion with friends!
1 part hibiscus flowers
1 part rose hips
1 part lemon balm leaves
Want to take this refreshing tea to the next level? Want to add more flavour and give your nervous system a nourishing hug? Add the next two ingredients and ENJOY!
½ part orange peel, optional
½ part Milky Oat tops, optional (for added nervous system support if needed)^^
Want to make add a bit of sweetness and more flavour + nutrients ?
½ part fresh organic strawberries, hulled and sliced (or raspberries!)
When I make tea at home, if wanting more than a one-cup serving, I use two, 1-liter canning jars with lids. That’s me… you can use a teapot or a tea press or whatever works. Here's my tea press at work and a soon to be chilled herb tea with addition of Oats. This was enjoyed by all!
^^my absolute favourite place to purchase the precious 'milky oats'?
My dearest friends' Matt + Andrea's Healing Spirits Herb Farm
These committed earth stewards grow extraordinary herbs! Tell them I sent you!
Ruby RED Herbal Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Hibiscus flowers
- 2 tablespoons Rose Hips
- small handful Lemon Balm fresh
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon milky oat tops
- 1 teaspoon orange peel fresh or dried
Instructions
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Place herbs in a 1 litre/quart glass canning jar with a good lid.
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Add freshly boiled water to fill the jar.
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Immediately cover with lid
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Allow to steep 10-15 minutes
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Strain the infusion into a 2nd canning jar.
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Top with lid
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Allow to come to room temperature
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Refrigerate the jar or transfer to your serving pitcher
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When chilled, it's ready to serve
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Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Serve with or without ice cubes Make festive ice cubes with strawberries or edible flowers Garnish with fresh lemon balm leaves or fruit Enjoy within 24 hours for maximum benefit
Like herbal refreshments? Check out these herbal lemonades!
REFRESHING!!!
This herbal tea blend is easy to make and enjoyed by young + old -- it's SO good for us too. This combination provides lots of healing nutrients + herbal goodness!
Hibiscus Benefits:
- rich in anthocyanins, fruit acids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and bioflavonoids
- excellent for boosting the immune system and fighting off infections
- historically revered to improve health and vitality
- high in antioxidants
- supportive to cardiac health including lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, hypertension
- anti-cancer ; thought to possess properties which have the ability to protect cells and keep them healthy and free from damage.
- beneficial for weight reduction
- helpful in cases of sleep disturbance, mood swings and depression
- known to prevent bladder infections
- helpful in cases of constipation.
- believed to support liver function
For more info about these ingredients, check out these posts ~ Rose Hips, Lemon Balm
On Pinterest? Follow Studio Botanica's 'best board' here.
Pin this post's PIN to make Ruby Red Iced Tea.. soon!
What's YOUR favourite herbal beverage on a hot day?? Please share!!
Here's to a wonderful fun-filled Healthy Summer! xo Carol
Lindsey Dietz
Yum! I think I'd take it up a notch and add those orange peels!
ChihYu
Love the flavor combination. It looks so refreshing and lovely !
Carol Little
Thanks. I hope you will try it!!
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday!
So pretty and refreshing for summer! I love the lemon balm too, I have loads in my garden right now, so can't wait to try this out!
Carol Little
If you have loads of Lemon Balm ~ I have ideas for you!!!
Sunrita
Wow! That’s one great loving tea! The lemon balm must have added a fabulous depth of flavour to it. Wish I could get all the ingredients here
Joni Gomes
I'm really into hibiscus for the summer! I will need to try this one!
Jean
That color is so gorgeous and this tea sounds so refreshing! Such a great summer drink.
Tessa Simpson
I adore hibiscus...this tea sounds so delicious!! Never used milky oat tops, what do they do?
Carol Little
It is delicious Tessa! I hope you try it. Milky oats? There's a post in the works sharing all about this special plant (will try to remember to tag you!) Meantime..Oats (avena sativa) is truly one of the best nervous system supporting herbs in my apothecary. Nourishing and strong but gentle too -- like an herbal hug!!
jennifer
This sound so refreshing -- also, I didn't know all the benefits of hibiscus
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
This sounds lovely Carol! Love the lemon balm in there, that's such a nice addition. I need to start growing more of that again, my potted herbs didn't make it. Time to start over :)
Carol Little
Em, I have 20 + Lemon Balm babies.. I wish I could get them to you!! It's a mint family plant so when we allow it to 'move' around, it does!
I can't bear to dig them up and compost them, so I just keep potting them up and giving them away!!!
linda spiker
Sounds like a delicious and refreshing spring/summer drink! I would love to sit in my garden and sip it!
Carol Little
Linda ~ I hope that you make this and do just that.. I can see you sitting there.. in relax mode.. ox
Raia Todd
This sounds absolutely delicious! And I bet a cold glass of it is so refreshing and nourishing when it's hot out!
Julia
Yummy! This looks like a great summer drink (especially on a 120+ day in AZ)! :) All the herbs look so healthy too.
Shelby @Fitasamamabear
This is so pretty looking- and I bet it tastes just as good!
Melissa @Real Nutritious Living
SO refreshing and nutritious! I love strawberries in my water!