Cool Down with This Herbal Lemonade: Hibiscus & Lemon Balm Recipe
Lemons are a cooling fruit, perfect for lowering our inner temperature, especially during warm weather. But why stop at lemons? Combine them with cooling herbs to upgrade your basic lemonade recipe, infusing it with the essential wellness benefits of herbs. I rely on hibiscus and lemon balm all summer long for their refreshing and health-boosting properties.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis):
Energetics: Lemon balm is considered to have cooling properties in Ayurveda.
Dosha Effects: It pacifies Vata and Pitta doshas, making it beneficial for reducing anxiety, stress, and inflammation, which are often associated with these doshas.
Benefits: Lemon balm is used for its calming effects on the mind and body, aiding in relaxation, improving mood, and promoting digestive health.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis):
Energetics: Hibiscus is also regarded as a cooling herb in Ayurveda.
Dosha Effects: It helps balance Pitta dosha due to its cooling nature and is mildly beneficial for Kapha due to its astringent properties.
Benefits: Hibiscus is used for its benefits in promoting healthy skin, supporting cardiovascular health, and aiding in digestive health. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Here is my invigorating recipe:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of hibiscus
2 tablespoons of lemon balm
4 cups of water
3 cups of cold water
1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Maple syrup to taste
Instructions:
Make a Hot Infusion: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add hibiscus and lemon balm, then remove from heat.
Infuse and Cool: Let the herbs steep until the infusion cools down completely.
Strain: Strain the mixture to remove the herbs.
Combine: Add 3 more cups of cold water to the infusion.
Sweeten and Flavor: Stir in maple syrup to taste and 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Serve: Pour over ice or refridgerate, and enjoy a refreshing, cooling drink!
