As summer approaches simultaneously with the “ending” of the pandemic (hopefully!), our thoughts are turning to anticipation of fun in the sun, poolside lounging, and hot, hot, hot temperatures! One thing I love to reach for in the summer is a super duper healthy version of iced tea...herbal iced tea!
Herbal teas can pack a powerful anti-disease punch because they are made from, well, herbs. As I discussed here, herbs are WAY underrated as they are nature’s medicine cabinet, and should definitely be consumed daily in food, with bonus points for drinking them as teas.
But when the heat and humidity arrive to oppress us on long summer days, a hot herbal tea sounds like an awful idea. Enter, iced tea - it’s not just for black tea anymore! Iced herbal teas are delicious and a great way to boost your intake of herbal goodness during the summer months.
I mostly love to enjoy iced green tea and mint teas, or a combo of the two, but you can be adventurous with trying new flavors and combos.
The trick is to steep the tea bags (or just dried herbs) in hot water just like usual, then let it cool. The heat maximizes the goodness brought out of the herbs. You can make a lot at once - I like to boil a whole teapot full of water and add four or five tea bags to steep for 5 - 10 minutes, then I let the water cool right in the teapot before pouring it into a pitcher, which I then stick into the fridge or pour some directly over ice.
I don’t like to add any sweetener, but if your palate is demanding a little sweetness, try stirring in just a bit of honey to your glass.
Here’s a quick look at the benefits of green and mint tea -
Green Tea: super high in antioxidants, reduces inflammation, prevents diabetes, reduces cancer risk, guards against oxidative stress, and protects brain health, to name a few.
Mint tea: helps with digestion, has antibacterial and antiviral properties, boosts the immune system, can increase concentration, and can help relieve headaches.
So drink up. Cheers, to your health!
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