Tulsi brand Sweet Rose tea bags with a sprig of mint  

Tulsi aka Holy Basil, does not have a strong basil taste in this tea so don’t worry, it is great for digestion, can improve sleep but is non-drowsy, and helps your body cope with stress better. Mint is cooling and also great for digestion, especially heartburn. Rose reduces stress and anxiety, high in Vitamin C and therefore boosts the immune system, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is excellent for the skin, improves digestion, and can relieve menstrual discomforts.

Rooibos Chai with a splash of almond milk.  

Rooibos tea, known as Red Bush tea (as opposed to Green tea) comes from South Africa, is naturally caffeine free, and you can purchase it in tea bags or as a loose herb. It has a mild flavor and huge health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties associated with pain reduction. It’s great for skin because it contains alpha hydroxy acid, known to decrease fine lines and wrinkles. It contains a natural bronchodilator, a bioactive flavonoid called chrysoeriol, that can help alleviate common allergy and asthma symptoms like wheezing and coughing; as well as quercetin, another flavonoid and antihistamine, known to block the release of histamine, which causes allergy symptoms. It contains polyphenols that help to regulate blood sugar while improving glucose tolerance and decreasing insulin resistance.

Option: Add a twist of fresh orange or a strip of orange zest 

You can purchase a Rooibos chai tea bag or make your own combination by adding 1 stick cinnamon, 1-2 pod cardamom, 2 pieces of 1/4inch sliced ginger root, 1-2 clove pieces, a dash of ground nutmeg. I prefer a splash of unsweetened vanilla almond or coconut milk after it’s been brewed and chilled.

Hibiscus flower tea with a few rose petals and a splash of lime 

These gorgeous flowers are packed with antioxidants and has been shown to possibly lower blood pressure, boost your liver function, and have anticancer and antibacterial properties. It’s a gorgeous color. You can buy this in tea bag form, but my favorite is to cook the dried flower petals in hot water and make my own. The brilliant magenta color is striking. Save the petals, chill them and add them to the top of your summer salad for a beautiful garnish. Both hibiscus flowers and rose petals can be found at most organic food markets in the bulk herb section.

In Asian medicine, the liver is in charge of the free flow of Qi (vital life-force) for the entire body. Working with the energy of liver can really help you get unstuck in your body and life. Add ½ squeezed lemon or lime juice to warm water each morning for 2 weeks. Write a list or letter of all the things that piss you off and then ceremonially burn it in a safe fire. The liver houses unresolved anger so it’s important to release it all, let it all go, no more hanging on to any anger or frustration.

Lemongrass and Chamomile tea 

You can combine two tea bags, one lemongrass the other chamomile or you can find fresh chamomile flowers and lemongrass at your local grocery store or famers market. The chamomile is calming, great for digestion, can reduce menstrual pain, aid in sleeping, lowers blood sugar in diabetics, and reduces inflammation. Lemongrass relieves anxiety, helps lower cholesterol, boosts red blood cells, and contains several anti-inflammatory compounds named chlorogenic acid and isoorientin. And it has strong bacterial fighting properties, especially against oral bacteria that can cause cavities. You can add a spot of honey if you’d like.

Brewing Instructions: 

I like my tea strong, so taste test to best meet your taste bud needs. I don’t use any sweeteners in these teas, I find they don’t need them. If you do desire more sweet you can add a few drops of monk fruit or stevia liquid or sprinkle of monk fruit powder or a bit of honey to taste.

  1. Bring 8 cups of water to a simmer, remove from heat and immediately add your tea. You can either add 3-4 tablespoons of loose tea, flowers, and herbs, or 6 tea bags. Let this steep for 5-10 minutes or until it’s your desired strength. You can also add your tea bags to your water in a large glass Container with a lid, and sit it in the direct sun for 1 hour. If you leave it longer it will be stronger. In places like Arizona, be careful not to burn yourself when you bring it inside.
  2. Remove the tea bags or strain the loose herbs with a fine-mesh sieve. 3. Allow to cool, transfer into a glass pitcher with a cover and refrigerate.

Serve on a hot summer day by the pool, lake, bring car camping, summer birthday party, proper luncheon, or back to school party.

Blessings of Vibrant Health,

Kristin Grayce
LAc, MAc, CFMP®, CST cert., CLP