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.

• 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