Cooling off with Hibiscus Berry Sun Tea

This summer has been a hot one. Yes, it’s Texas but the humidity and heat takes it's toll on me every year. It's nice to have refreshing beverages and a cool place to retreat to in the height of the afternoon. It's a perfect time for Hibiscus berry sun tea.
I learned about this delicious treat during an aromatic beauty care class at The Barefoot Dragonfly in Austin. The Barefoot Dragonfly is owned by Amy Kreydin, one of my favorite aromatherapists.  Amy Is an ARCB Board Certified Reflexologist and CCAP Clinical Aromatherapist, who specializes in working with pediatrics, women’s health, autoimmune conditions, and chronic health issues.
We had a wonderful afternoon learning and sipping on this really delicious tea. I’m so thankful that she shared her recipe with me so that I could enjoy it all season.
Let's learn more about these herbs first before diving into the recipe. We're using Hibiscus flowers, Hawthorn berries, Elderberries, and some raw honey. Adding the frozen berry mix adds to the refreshing qualities of this tea and makes it takes really great!

• Hibiscus is cooling and it has a tangy/sweet flavor. It's perfect for summer because it infuses well in cold water so there's no need to heat anything up. We will let the sun do our brewing but just know that you can infuse it into cold water very easily. It's traditionally used to cool down inflammation, lower uric acid (perfect for gout sufferers) and improve triglyceride levels in people who have diabetes.
• Hawthorn berry is used energetically to soothe a broken heart. Hawthorn is a heart-fortifying and nourishing herb. Herbalists will often use it to increase circulation and blood flow to the heart without raising blood pressure.
• Elderberry is a well-known herbal anti-viral. It's traditionally used to support the immune system. It's also really tasty too!
• Raw Honey is of course a natural sweetener and it also is a natural humectant which means it helps you retain moisture so it will be a good addition to this summer tea.

Hibiscus berry sun tea recipe.
*loose herbs can be found at natural grocers or ordered online from Herbiary or mountain rose herbs.*
You will need:
•1 part dried hibiscus flowers,
•1 part hawthorn berry,
•1 part elderberry,
• Filtered water,
•1 cup frozen berries,
• Raw honey to taste,
• Glass pitcher,
•Cloth tea bag or cheesecloth.

Directions: Place the dried hibiscus, elderberry, and hawthorn berries in the tea bag or cheesecloth and float them in a pitcher of filtered water. Set the pitcher out in the sun or a sunny window to brew for an hour or two. Bring the pitcher in and remove the tea bag/cheese cloth. Pour the frozen berries into the pitcher and place in the fridge to chill. Drink over ice and add raw honey to taste.

Miss Luna guarding my brew!

Did you try the recipe? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Hillary Arrieta, LMT

Hillary Arrieta, LMT

Hi! I’m Hillary Arrieta and I help people improve their lives by offering holistic solutions to ease stress, eliminate pain, and inspire self care practices. I own The Heeling Hut in Plano, TX. Where I teach workshops, write,  and specialize in unique and effective massage and meditation techniques such as Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage and iRest® Yoga Nidra. At The Heeling Hut you'll find the best massage in the Dallas area for pain and stress management. Texas MT 040051