There’s something about hot days that makes you crave refreshing herbal teas with edible flowers. Flowers and herbs are at their most delectable in summer, with warm sunlight pulling beneficial essential oils to their surface. Just like a bee or butterfly sipping nectar from a flower, you can enjoy their sweetness when you drink herbal teas. Made with a wide variety of plants they are not only caffeine free, but also have unique flavors and are packed with health benefits. Many herbs are commonly used in teas, but here are the most popular herbal teas made with edible flowers.
Chamomile
There is nothing like curling up with a hot, fragrant cup of chamomile tea just before bed. One of the most popular herbal teas, Chamomile promotes good sleep, and has long been used to send children to bed. It also supports and soothes the digestive system. The health benefits of Chamomile flowers were even known to ancient Greeks who used them as a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory remedy.
Used either fresh or dried, chamomile flowers have a mild refreshing taste with a warm comforting finish. Its clean, floral aroma with a touch of sweet citrus and apple is strong but pleasing. This soothing brew is perfect on its own, with calming mint leaves, or mixed in your favorite tea blends.
Roses
With over 150 species, roses are commonly known as beautiful decorative flowers. But roses also boast medicinal properties discovered hundreds of years ago. A fragrant beverage made with either dried or fresh flowers, rose tea is brimming with health benefits. Floral, with a tangy taste and heavenly smell, the brew is rich in natural antioxidants and vitamin C.
Especially beneficial for women, it can relieve menstrual cramps, and, as a safe diuretic, help on a weight loss journey. The best roses to use for teas are highly fragrant and are usually those of red or pink varieties. The tea generally tastes like the rose’s fragrance, so it can vary depending on the roses used.
Chrysanthemum
You might be not familiar with Chrysanthemum tea, but it is extremely popular throughout Asia. It’s been around for over a thousand years, and is believed to have originated in China. Chinese medicine includes the use of herbs as a major part of any treatment. Even back in the day, the Chinese knew that a soothing cup of this warm brew can do magic.
Unlike many other herbal teas, which use only leaves for brewing, chrysanthemum tea infuses hot water with full flowers. They release antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, making for a naturally sweet-smelling and nutritious beverage. Chrysanthemum medicinal uses have been known for centuries, and include the ability to boost the immune system, improve vision, reduce inflammation, strengthen bones, and treat respiratory issues. Chrysanthemum tea is usually made from dried flowers which can be bought in most Asian grocery stores or ordered online.
Lavender
Almost everyone is familiar with lavender. Even if you don’t think you’ve encountered it, you probably have. Its scent is what we associate with the word “calming” in tons of products on the market, from face wash and shampoo to dish soaps and detergents.
Even though lavender is a common herb, most people don’t know that you can also drink it. And the benefits are impressive! The natural soothing qualities of lavender herbal tea make it ideal for people who suffer from chronic stress, sleep disorders, and anxiety. If you’re feeling wound-up, this is the flower for you. Lavender tea calms the nerves, reduces muscle spasms, promotes healthy digestion, and eliminates inflammation. Though lavender tea can be used to fortify the body and mind, as with any herb, it can have some side effects. Start with moderation, since it can cause skin irritation and nausea when consumed in excess.
Linden
Remember those 60-80 feet tall trees that fill our city streets and become all covered with tiny yellowish-white flowers in the summer? They also have an amazing smell that makes you stop for a second and breathe in deeply with delight? Those are linden trees, commonly known as the basswood or lime trees, a widely used plant in the traditional folk medicine. Linden flowers have been used for infusions since ancient times due to their powerful health benefits and even got the name “nectar of kings”. Who knew!
Linden makes a nourishing (and delicious!) cup of tea. It contains many vitamins, antioxidants, and essential oils. These components work together to provide diverse health benefits. Linden flowers have a calming effect, ease headaches, work as a digestion aid, and some assert that it helps prevent chronic disease.
A cup of warm linden tea is also a great way to fight a cold. Start drinking this tea with the first cold symptoms and it will help to relieve sore throat, stuffy nose, and cough. If your cold develops into a fever, linden tea will be particularly helpful as it promotes sweating, brings your temperature down, and helps your body expel harmful toxins.
Make Your Own Edible Flower Tea!
Wise people know it’s tea o’clock somewhere. So comforting and refined, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day. Even though you can find all kinds of floral teas in stores or online, you can also make your own tea blend at home. Make sure to use only healthy flowers free of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Use one tablespoon of fresh flowers or one teaspoon of dried flowers steeped in one cup of boiling water for three to ten minutes. The longer it brews, the stronger it will be. Mix and match any herbs you prefer, add the sweetener of your choice, and enjoy the numerous benefits in a cup!
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Image #1 by Marco Verch, Image #2 by ih, Image #3 by Kate Fisher
