Urban Herbalism: Delicious Iced Tea and Health Tonic

Today, I am tossing together a quick iced tea that will help keep my family filled with phytonutrients. This particular tea is made of ingredients that are inherently delicious- lots of berries and other reds- but it is also specifically made to support heart health and immunity. This tea literally shivers with anti-oxidants!

So first and foremost, get some water boiling. I make a half gallon at a time, and usually that lasts one of us a day. For our current blend I use a combination of elderberries, rose hips, hawthorn berries, and hibiscus. While it is always a good idea to take a broader view of herbs, as many work in systems and have many different uses, here is a summary of the popular uses of each.

Elderberries are a great immune booster, enhancing the ability to avoid virus's especially. Native American tribes have claimed that these berries "enhance your inner warrior".

Hawthorn is well known as a remedy for heart health. It is both a prevention and a cure. Studies show it enhances overall cardiac wellness by strengthening the muscles of the heart and it is speculated that it may also lower cholesterol and increase the ability of the arteries.  Some believe hawthorn can help a broken heart heal.

Hibiscus is rich in vitamin C and is also proven to assist in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. This herb can also help lower your blood pressure if need be. Generally thought of as an immune boosting herb, hibiscus is gentle enough to use on a regular basis.

Rose hips are anti-inflammatory, high in vitamin C as well as a bit of A and B vitamins. They are proven to boost the immune system and were used by Britain during WWII as a way to avoid illness during limited supplies of citrus. These beasts are packed with lycopene, which helps in healthy cholesterol formation, among other things.  It's also been proven to help with rheumatoid arthritis.

So water is boiled, add your steeper, packed with a tablespoon of each herb, to your container. I use a half gallon ball jar. Pour the water over the herbs and cover immediately to make sure you get all the phytonutrients that may be contained in the steam. Allow to steep for 15-20 minutes at least. I sometimes allow it to rest until I forget about it! It can't over steep.

Then refrigerate and drink within the next 48 hours. Three cups a day should keep your tail bushy and keep bounce in your step!