Herbal teas for the summer: which ones to choose and how to prepare them

Table of Contents

Herbs for the summer, which ones to choose

During the hot and sultry summer days it is essential to drink adequate amounts of fluids. Drinking actually helps hydrate the body, to better withstand high temperatures and to replenish the liquids and mineral salts lost through sweating. If, instead of drinking simple water, herbal teas are consumed, the benefits will be even greater thanks to the contribution of antioxidant substances that counteract free radicals and protect against aging caused by exposure to sunlight. Also, some plants can help limit the sweating excessive, to drain the excess fluids they cause water retention, to remineralize the body or to prevent discomfort such as cystitis, frequent infection during the summer months. Let’s see which are the best herbs to prepare herbal teas for the summer, to be consumed strictly fresh.

Karkadè

With i hibiscus flowers an alternative drink to tea is prepared with a beautiful red color and a sweet and sour taste. Karkadè contains organic acids, anthocyanins, vitamin C; it has refreshing and diuretic properties and is an excellent thirst quencher.

Horsetail

The sterile stems of horsetail are rich in mineral salts and flavonoids. They are harvested from May to July and used dried to prepare herbal teas and other herbal products. Horsetail has diuretic, remineralizing and antioxidant properties: the herbal teas prepared with this drug are therefore useful for replenishing the mineral salts lost through sweating and fighting water retention, cellulite and swollen legs and ankles.

Mint

The fresh or dried leaves of mint, rich in essential oil, are perfect for preparing summer herbal teas. In addition to refreshing, mint promotes digestive processes and combats the accumulation of gas in the abdomen and deflates the belly.

Licorice

Licorice root has a very pleasant taste and has numerous properties, including that of raising the pressure. Who during the summer suffers from pressure drops you can use this natural remedy that helps you to better tolerate the summer heat.

Nettle

Nettle leaves contain flavonoids, vitamins, mineral salts and have a diuretic, remineralizing and restorative action on the body. Added to summer herbal teas, nettle helps replenish minerals lost with sweating and better endure fatigue while hiking.

Sage

Sage is an aromatic plant known above all as a flavoring in the kitchen, but it is also a valid phytotherapeutic remedy to counteract various ailments and ailments. Sage leaves are also traditionally used to combatexcessive sweating, very useful property during the summer.

Bearberry

Bearberry is a remedy known for its antiseptic properties, especially used against urinary infections such as cystitis. Cystitis is a very common infection in women and tends to occur more frequently during the summer months. It may therefore be a good idea to add bearberry leaves to your summer herbal teas.

Blackberry

Blueberry is a fruit rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids and vitamins and is a valuable aid for blood circulation. Blueberry fruits, dried and bruised, can be used to prepare infusions that stimulate circulation and fight water retention, swelling of the lower limbs and cellulite.

How to prepare them

The herbal teas for the summer are prepared in a very simple way and like any other herbal tea. After purchasing the loose herbs mixed by the herbalist, a heaping spoonful is used for each cup of water (150-200 milliliters of water). Herbs are usually added to boiling water and left in infusion for ten minutes with the heat off and with the lid on. In the case of roots, seeds and fruits it is preferable to make one decoction: in this case the root – or other hard part of the plant – is added to cold water and brought to a boil. When the water boils, turn off the heat, wait about five minutes and add any other herbs present in the recipe (flowers, leaves). If the herbal tea is already mixed and it is not possible to divide the plants, in the presence of roots or other hard parts of the plant, it is better to add the mixture just before boiling and increase the infusion time up to 15 minutes. After the infusion time has elapsed, the herbal tea can be filtered and drunk, possibly sweetening it with honey. In general, herbal teas are consumed immediately after preparation, still hot, but in summer it is better to leave them cool or cool completely.