Beat the Heat: Delicious and Revitalizing Summer Herbal Drinks

Summer is here, and it's the perfect time to enjoy refreshing beverages that not only cool you down but also offer a host of health benefits. Using dried herbs and tinctures, you can create delicious and nutritious drinks that will keep you hydrated and revitalized. Here are some easy-to-make recipes for cooling summer teas and drinks, along with their health benefits.

1. Lavender Lemonade

• Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup dried Lavender flowers

  • 4 cups boiling water

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 1/2 cup honey or agave syrup

  • Lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs for garnish

  • Ice cubes

• Instructions:

  1. Add dried Lavender flowers to a teapot or heatproof pitcher.

  2. Pour boiling water over the flowers and let steep for 10 minutes.

  3. Strain the lavender tea into a large jug.

  4. Add lemon juice and honey, stirring well to combine.

  5. Let the lemonade cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.

  6. Serve over ice cubes, garnished with lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs.

• Health Benefits: Lavender has calming and stress-relieving properties, while lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and helps detoxify the body.

2. Hibiscus and Rose Hip Cooler

• Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup dried Hibiscus flowers

  • 1/4 cup dried Rose Hips

  • 4 cups boiling water

  • 1/4 cup agave syrup or honey

  • Fresh berries and mint for garnish

  • Ice cubes

• Instructions:

  1. Combine Hibiscus flowers and Rose Hips in a teapot or heatproof pitcher.

  2. Pour boiling water over the herbs and let steep for 15-20 minutes.

  3. Strain the tea into a large jug and add agave syrup or honey.

  4. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.

  5. Serve over ice cubes, garnished with fresh berries and mint.

• Health Benefits: Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure. Rose Hips are packed with vitamin C and support the immune system.

3. Peppermint and Licorice Root Chiller

• Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup dried Peppermint leaves

  • 1/4 cup dried Licorice Root

  • 4 cups boiling water

  • 1-2 tablespoons honey (optional)

  • Lemon slices for garnish

  • Ice cubes

• Instructions:

  1. Add Peppermint leaves and Licorice Root to a teapot or heatproof pitcher.

  2. Pour boiling water over the herbs and let steep for 10-15 minutes.

  3. Strain the tea into a large jug.

  4. Add honey if desired and stir well.

  5. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.

  6. Serve over ice cubes, garnished with lemon slices.

• Health Benefits: Peppermint aids digestion and provides a cooling sensation, while Licorice Root soothes the throat and supports respiratory health.

4. Ginger and Turmeric Sparkler

• Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup dried Ginger Root

  • 1/4 cup dried Turmeric Root

  • 4 cups boiling water

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • Sparkling water

  • Lime slices and fresh basil for garnish

  • Ice cubes

• Instructions:

  1. Combine Ginger Root and Turmeric Root in a teapot or heatproof pitcher.

  2. Pour boiling water over the herbs and let steep for 20 minutes.

  3. Strain the tea into a large jug and add honey.

  4. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.

  5. To serve, fill a glass with ice cubes and fill halfway with the ginger-turmeric tea.

  6. Top with sparkling water and garnish with lime slices and fresh basil.

• Health Benefits: Ginger and Turmeric both have anti-inflammatory properties and support overall immune health.

5. Lemon Balm Iced Tea

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried Lemon Balm leaves

  • 4 cups boiling water

  • 1-2 tablespoons honey (optional)

  • Lemon slices and fresh mint for garnish

  • Ice cubes

• Instructions:

  1. Add dried Lemon Balm leaves to a teapot or heatproof pitcher.

  2. Pour boiling water over the leaves and let steep for 10-15 minutes.

  3. Strain the tea into a large jug.

  4. Add honey if desired and stir well.

  5. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.

  6. Serve over ice cubes, garnished with lemon slices and fresh mint.

• Health Benefits: Lemon Balm is known for its calming properties and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It's also refreshing and perfect for summer relaxation.

These cooling summer teas and drinks are easy to make and packed with health benefits. Incorporating dried herbs and tinctures into your beverages not only enhances their flavor but also promotes natural wellness. Enjoy these recipes and stay refreshed all summer long!

Ready to try these refreshing drinks? Visit our shop to find some of the herbs and tinctures you need. And tag us on Instagram @PlantedWellnessCo if you make any of these concoctions!