Recipe Collection: Relaxing Herbal Iced Tea

Written by Katie

After a long, hot day, it’s nice to sit back and relax with a glass of iced tea. You’re ready to whip up a good old batch of sweet tea made from lots of sugar and black tea. I like black tea as much as the next person; unfortunately, the caffeine found in black tea generally won’t promote the relaxing feeling you are after.

Instead, you might want to choose an herbal blend that is soothing, refreshing, and relaxing, all at the same time. This herbal iced tea may be just what you need. But first, here are a few reasons why this tea may be the right pick when you want to take time to slow down for a while:

• Hibiscus was used by Egyptians to calm muscle spasms associated with heart and nerve disease.
• Peppermint not only has a wonderful taste but also promotes relaxation, relieves headaches and pain, soothes cramps, and acts as a digestive aid.
• Chamomile has a calming effect, relieves headaches, soothes stomach pain and nausea and aid in helping with insomnia and depression.
• Rose petals can be used to relieve headaches, insomnia, and nervous tension.
• Orange peel reduces muscle spasms and contains bitter compounds that are anti-inflammatory, increase the production of digestive fluid, reduce muscle spasms, and increase blood circulation.

Relaxing Herbal Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
• 1/4 cup dried peppermint
• 2 tbsp. dried chamomile
• 2 tbsp. dried rose petals
• 2 tbsp. dried orange peels
• 1/4- 1/2 cup raw honey

Directions:

Step 1: In a glass jar, cover all the herbs with 2 cups of boiling water.
Step 2: Allow them to steep for 10 minutes, then strain the herbs.
Step 3: While the tea is still warm, stir in the honey until it dissolves.
Step 4: Add four cups of cold water.
Step 5: Pour over ice when ready to serve.

What’s your favorite herbal iced tea blend?