Thirst Quenching Health Drinks For Summer Heat
Quenching summer thirst calls for a tall, cold beverage – and what better way to satisfy that thirst than with cool health drinks made from herbs and spices? You can easily make these delicious herbal drinks yourself. The herbs and spices pack a powerful punch of health benefits – and these 2 drinks can help ease stiff muscles, aid digestion and provide relief from summer heat.
Warrior’s Joint Tea
This refreshing tea is perfect after a long day of activity when your muscles feel stiff from exertion.
Why: Three of the herbs in this drink – turmeric, ginger and cardamom – produce an anti-inflammatory effect. The black pepper and cayenne help synergize the benefit of the anti-inflammatory herbs.
Ingredients:
- 6 organic cardamom pods, cracked
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh turmeric or ¼ teaspoon organic ground dried turmeric (note that fresh tastes best)
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh ginger root
- ¼ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- organic ground cayenne pepper
- 1 cup pineapple juice, chilled
- 2 mint sprigs for garnish, optional
Directions
In a pot, combine the first four ingredients with 2 cups of water. Cover and bring to a boil, then set aside and steep for 20 minutes. Using a strainer, pour the tea into a jar and chill. Before serving, add cayenne pepper to taste. Divide the tea between two ice-filled glasses. Add half the pineapple juice to each. If desired, garnish with mint sprigs. Serves 2. Enjoy!
Yummy Digestade
If you ate too much at a barbecue or a picnic and your stomach needs calming, this cool drink can help.
Why: The herbs in this drink – caraway, fennel and peppermint – have a carminative effect, which means that they help to relieve gas and settle an upset stomach.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon chopped lemongrass or 1 handful fresh lemon balm leaves
- 1 teaspoon organic caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 handful fresh peppermint leaves
- 1 handful fresh or 1 Tablespoon organic dried chamomile flowers
- 2 sprigs peppermint for garnish
Optional: 1 licorice tea bag or stevia. Stevia adds sweetness…licorice adds digestive benefits along with sweetness. Licorice tea is unlikely to raise blood pressure, but those with hypertension should use with caution.
Note that you can replace the fresh peppermint and dried chamomile with peppermint and chamomile tea bags.
Directions
In a pot, combine the lemongrass, caraway, fennel, peppermint and chamomile with 2 cups of filtered water. Cover and bring to a boil. Add the licorice tea bag (if using). Cover and set pot aside to steep for 20 minutes. Remove the tea bag. Using a strainer, pour the tea into a jar and chill. (If not using a licorice tea bag, add stevia for sweetness, if desired.) Divide the chilled tea between two ice-filled glasses and serve, garnished with mint sprigs, if desired. Serves 2.
