Fresh Herb Sun Tea - Tea Blend of the Month

July is the best month for fresh herbs. Everything is growing well, the sun is at its best, the herbs need to be cut and there is generally an abundance. So this is the perfect time to make a sun tea with all those fresh herbs.

For this one you can use two quart jars or one larger two quart jar with the same results.

Fresh Herb Sun Tea (for about 2 quarts)

2 quarts water 6-10 leaves mint (any flavor you have or enjoy) 6-10 leaves spearmint 6-8 leaves of lemon verbena 3-5 sprigs of rosemary 3-5 sprigs lemon thyme (or any kind of thyme) 6-10 leaves Stevia ( or 1 1/2 Tbls sugar) 1 lemon, juiced 1/3 cup of raw honey

Start by washing herbs as needed. Next fill 2 quart jar(s) with hot water. Then tie together rosemary and thyme with string into two bundles. Place one bundle in each jar or place both in larger jar. Rough chop or break the remaining herbs with hands, including mint, lemon verbena and stevia (if you do not have any stevia just use sugar or sugar substitute.) Cut lemon in half, squeeze one half into each jar or both into a larger jar. Add honey to jar(s) and stir.

Cover and let the tea sit out in the sun for 5 - 12 hours. Strain with clean cheese cloth or a coffee filter and a wire mesh strainer. Refrigerate or pour over ice and serve. Enjoy!

Lemon Basil Facial Mask - Bath Blend of the Month

I first shared this recipe with Lemon Basil herb of the week back in 2013.  I felt it was time to bring it back, as the lemon basil (Sweet Dani to be exact) is ready for harvest. This is a quick simple recipe you can make and use right away or chill in the fridge of a short time for soothing qualities.

Lemon Basil Facial Mask  

• handful of lemon basil leaves
• 1/2 of an avocado
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. honey

Pulverize the fresh new lemon basil leaves in a blender or food processor. Peel the avocado and mash. Add avocado to basil in blender, along with lemon juice and honey.  Blend until smooth. If chilling, cover directly on the surface, with plastic wrap to keep out oxygen.

To USE: Smear this mixture all over your clean, dry face, don't get too close to your eyes.  Then leave on 15 to 30 minutes or as long as you want.  Rinse off with lukewarm water.  Follow with a moisturizer.