Unlike coffee, black or green tea, herbal drinks do not contain caffeine and can have a positive effect on the entire body. The key is to know which herbs you can use and how to brew them properly. Drinks can be consumed hot, warm, or cold. The latter are especially relevant in summer.
To prepare a good herbal drink, it is enough to have a supply of good dishes, a thermos, and buy an electric kettle. We will tell you which options are the most delicious and healthy in this article.
Linden blossom
It is harvested in early and mid-June. The raw materials used are fully opened white or yellowish buds with a pronounced honey aroma.
Linden is a source of flavonoids, polysaccharides, tannins, carotene, trace elements, essential oils, and vitamin C. It can be used as an anti-inflammatory and diuretic. But linden tea is diaphoretic: it can put a strain on the heart.
To prepare the drink, just take one tablespoon of dried flowers, pour a glass of boiling water, leave for 15-20 minutes and drink at any temperature. You can add a little bit of any sweetener if you wish.
Lemon balm with mint
Lemon balm is known as a mild sedative herb. It is distinguished by its light lemon flavor and complex effect on the body:
- has a calming effect on the central nervous system;
- eliminates anxiety;
- can normalize sleep.
To enhance the flavor, you can add sprigs of fresh mint to the tea.
To prepare the drink, mix the herbs in equal proportions, take a tablespoon of leaves, pour a glass of boiling water. After 15-20 minutes, the tea will be ready; if desired, add honey or sugar to it.
Thyme (thyme)
This herb is known for its high content of flavonoids, tannins, bitter substances, resins, and phenols. Thyme has a mild sedative and diuretic effect, and effectively fights cough. Therefore, it is often used for whooping cough, bronchitis, and pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition to thyme, you can also use lingonberry leaves and St. John's wort. They are mixed in equal proportions and brewed with boiling water. The finished liquid is used as a brew, i.e. the concentrate is diluted with hot water. If desired, you can add a sweetener.
Rosemary
This plant has a pleasant aroma and bitter spicy flavor. Rosemary is rich in folic and pantothenic acids, other B vitamins, and minerals. Rosmarinic acid also acts as a powerful antioxidant.
To make a healthy and tasty drink, take a teaspoon of dry chopped rosemary leaves, pour a glass of boiling water over them, and leave for 15 minutes. It is believed that rosemary tea tones up and helps to recover from serious illnesses.
Ready-made herbal decoctions can be used to make ice cubes, which are nice to add to tea or pure water in summer.