When we hear the term “herbal tea,” we normally think of sipping a nice, warm teacup of our favorite blend. However, in the heat of the summer this may not have quite the appeal. Rather than reaching for a glass of plain iced tea or lemonade, why not try some refreshing herbal teas served over ice? The following recipes will help us stay cool while sticking to our herbal tea rituals.
The following blend features chamomile and ginger. This combination should aid relaxation after a day in the sun and may help with the nausea that sometimes accompanies overheating.
8 cups water 4 chamomile tea bags Zest of 1 orange and one lime 1/4 cup sliced peeled fresh gingerroot Stevia or honey to taste
Bring all ingredients to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let the tea cool. Steep while covered and chill between 8 and 24 hours. Strain before pouring over ice.
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This recipe contains green tea, which is full of powerful antioxidants, and orange juice, which is an excellent source of vitamin C. Add other fruits which are high in vitamins to the punch to give you the strength you need to make it through the heat.
2 green tea bags 1 1/2 cups water 1 cup honey 1 cup organic orange juice 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 1 cup fresh fruit of your choice, crushed 1 pint ginger ale (organic is recommended)
Brew tea bags and cool. Mix all ingredients except ginger ale. Add ginger ale and crushed ice just before serving.
This recipe is a guilt free alternative to a milkshake. Due to the probiotic content of yogurt, this refreshing drink should help with digestive health. Rosehips and strawberries are both high in vitamin C so you can enjoy a tasty treat and treat your body to good health.
2 rosehip tea bags 2 cups boiling water 2 cups plain lowfat yogurt 3 tablespoons honey 1 cup sliced strawberries
Steep the tea bags for 10 minutes, covered. Remove tea bags. Blend yogurt, berries, and honey in blender until smooth. Add tea to the yogurt mixture, and blend again until smooth. May be served over ice.
Cranberry juice makes this another antioxidant-loaded blend. Cranberries are thought to help with urinary tract infections and kidney stones, reduce dental plaque, and fight cancer and heart disease. Be sure to choose an organic juice, to ensure receiving the most health benefits.
4 cups water 2/3 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves 8 lemon herbal tea bags 3-1/2 cups organic cranberry juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice Ice cubes Lemon slices, optional Honey or stevia to taste, optional
Add mint to water and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and add tea bags. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Remove tea bags, cover again and let stand 45 minutes. Strain and add cranberry and lemon juices. May be served over ice with lemon slices as garnish.
We all know the importance of avoiding sun burns, but, unfortunately, sometimes it happens. This recipe should help soothe the burns if we have fun in the sun for too long.
2 cups fresh aloe leaf 1 cup oats 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup sour cream
The aloe may be cut fresh from an aloe vera plant, or aloe gel may be purchased in the super market. Blend the leaves in a food processor until watery. Add honey and sour cream. Mix in oats. Mixture may be applied to burned skin, and allowed to dry. It may be rinsed off gently in warm water.
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Photo credit — Iced tea with herbs, ©iStockphoto.com/tomonikon; Cranberry juice, ©iStockphoto.com/QUAYSIDE
