Ever since I made this tea, I have been obsessed! It’s not only delicious and healthy but it’s a great choice for Valentine’s day!
Promotes healthy libido? Check. Promotes heart health and good circulation? Check. Gorgeous hot pink color? Check!
This tea contains several delicious herbs that you can often find in the bulk section of natural food stores or online (my favorite supplier is Mountain Rose Herbs).
Ingredients
Hibiscus: A gorgeous flower native to the tropics, hibiscus gives the tea its beautiful red hue. Hibiscus is packed with Vitamin C and is known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health (Johnson, et al 2010).
Damiana: This herb is often used as an aphrodisiac to boost libido and it also acts as a nervous system tonic (Ody, 2017).
Shatavari: This herb is actually related to the vegetable asparagus and has a similar root structure with a cluster of hundreds of roots. The name has been translated as “plant of one hundred roots” or “woman with one hundred husbands” due to its history of boosting libido and fertility (Johnson, et al 2010). How great of a name is that?
Rose: Rose petals give this tea a romantic feel and add a delicious floral scent and light flavor.
Hawthorn berries: Hawthorne is considered a great herb for the heart! According to Rosemary Gladstar, hawthorn tones the heart and cardiovascular system enabling blood to flow freely (Gladstar, 2012). What better way to celebrate valentines day then to add this heart-healthy herb to your tea?
Prepare
I add equal parts of all ingredients and mix them together. If you use about 1/4 cup of each ingredient, it fits nicely in a pint jar with room to spare for mixing!
Note: Some of these herbs shouldn’t be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding so always talk to a medical professional before using any herbs or supplements.
I add a spoonful for each cup of water and brew it with my zero waste tea essentials. It’s mesmerizing to watch the hibiscus infuse the water with beautiful tendrils of ruby red color!
Brew a cup for Valentine’s day (or any day) and feel the love!
Sources:
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
Johnson, R. L., Foster, S., Low Dog, T., Kiefer, D. (2010). Guide to Medicinal Herbs. Washington D.C.: National Geographic.
Ody, P. (2017). The Complete Medicinal Herbal. New York: Skyhorse Publishing.