Hibiscus Tea and its Health Benefits

This cooling and moisturizing tea is perfect for summer, but really so delicious and healthful that it's great for year round, too. 

This flower tea is a staple in many Latin America restaurants and homes, but is also native to the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and North Africa.

Hibiscus is a treat for the eyes and so delicious and refreshing! As an herb, it’s:

• Moisturizing (demulcent and emollient) to the tissues of the body
• Yet also tart and astringent, which adds to its cooling effect
• A mild diuretic
• Good for high blood pressure (cardiotonic)
• Soothing to irritated, inflamed, stagnant areas in the body commonly found in the digestive and urinary tract
• Can be used topically to wash and soothe sores, wounds and eye infections

Hibiscus tea is great to drink hot or chilled on its own, but I add other herbs for an extra treat. Here I used:

• ½ cup loosely packed dried hibiscus flowers
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp dried orange peel
• Honey to taste (or you can add a pinch of stevia leaf while steeping or sugar)
• Squeeze of lime juice to taste

Add flowers, cinnamon stick, orange peel and a small pinch of stevia leaf (optional) to a 32 oz mason jar, fill with just boiled water, steep for 1 hour or longer (add honey or sugar while the tea is still warm), strain and refrigerate for a refreshing summer chilled tea!

You can also make a beautiful sun tea-- just add your flowers to a mason jar and cool water and let it steep outside in the sun all day. By the evening, you’ll have a vibrant red, solar infused sun tea!

Enjoy and reach out with any questions! ~Veronica