Three tea blends for Summer

Here are three quick and easy blends for summertime teas that you can make with fresh herbs from the garden or market.

Citrus Peel Tea

Peel of one tangerine or orange with pith removed

5 to 7 lemon balm leaves, fresh

2 to 4 mint leaves (optional)

Tear the citrus peel into small pieces.  Place in a cup of  water in a sauce pan and simmer 10 minutes covered with a lid.  Remove from heat.  Add the lemon balm and mint (optional) while the mixture cools.  Strain out the peel and herbs.  Drink hot or served chilled over ice. This tea not only refreshing but also good from summers cough, allergy phlegm, stomach upset.

Chrysanthemum Tea
You need Pot marigold or Calendula for this or you can use white chrysanthemum petals.

            2 Tbls petals
            1 tsp. fennel seed or anise seed
           
Steep the petals and fennel in 1 cup of water, just off boiling.  Allow to steep for 7 to 10 minutes, then strain and drink. This tea is said to be good for sore throats as well as a tonic for the liver and eyesight.

 Peppermint Herbal Tea
            1 tsp. chopped fresh peppermint

1 tsp lemon thyme leaves

1 tsp. chopped fresh lemon balm leaves

Place herbs in 1 to 2 cups hot water, just off boiling, and allow to steep for 7 to 10 minutes.  A cooling tea blend perfect on a hot day that is good iced or hot.