Iced teas are always on everyone’s summer checklist. Keep in mind, however, that packaged iced tea blends won’t be enough if you’re looking for something beyond a refreshing drink.
To make a really healthy glass of iced tea, first boil the tea and then chill it. This improves the tea’s anti-inflammatory, antiviral, digestive, and antibacterial properties as it ensures optimal absorption of nutrients.
If you’re looking for refreshing iced teas and tisanes with or without real tea leaves that will calm the system down, here are five that you should definitely try. Their regular consumption can also contribute to weight loss and boost metabolism.
Ayurveda turmeric detox drink
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger not only soothes your bowels, but also strengthens your immunity and does wonders to cleanse your lymphatic system, which is the body’s network of organs and tissues that cleanses toxins and waste products.
You may have seen many teas on the market that have ginger and turmeric dried or powdered and sometimes mixed with sugar. You can easily put together a healthier version at home.
Ingredients:
5 cups of water
2 inch piece of fresh turmeric
Peel of 1 lemon
2 inch piece of ginger
1 black pepper
Tiny pinch of cayenne pepper
Juice of 1 lemon
Raw organic honey (optional)
Method:
Add lemon peel, ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper and black pepper to the water and bring to a boil. Turn the heat on low and simmer for 7 minutes. Don’t let it bubble or boil as this can neutralize the nutrients in the turmeric. Now take it off the stove and squeeze the lemon juice into it. Strain the drink into a cup and add 1 teaspoon of honey (optional). If you’re adding raw honey, let the drink cool for a few minutes so the heat doesn’t destroy some of its nutrients.
Spiced orange and star anise iced tea
Star anise is one of the most common exotic spices in Indian and Chinese cuisine. Star anise tea is good to consume after meals as it helps treat digestive problems such as gas, gas, indigestion, and constipation. Orange is rich in vitamin C and when paired with green tea makes a tasty and nutritious blend that you can enjoy.
ingredients
1 green tea bag
1 orange
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise alias ‘Chakra Phool’
Method:
Peel the orange and set aside. Put the tea bag, cinnamon, star anise and orange peel in a jam jar or mason jar. Pour boiling water into the glass and soak for a few minutes. Let it cool in the refrigerator for about an hour, then take out the tea bag and serve with some ice. Squeeze the orange juice into the tea and serve with fresh mint as a side dish.
Ginseng root ‘tea’ with lemongrass
Enjoying a cup of ginseng tea every day can be beneficial for health and boost immunity. Drinking ginseng tea can increase energy levels, decrease menstrual cramps, relieve hot flashes, or stimulate the brain’s ability to concentrate. This drink will keep you awake so drink it early in the day.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon dried ginseng root or 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginseng root
2 teaspoons of fresh lemongrass or 1 teaspoon of dried lemongrass
1 cinnamon stick
4-6 green cardamom green, cracked
1-2 tablespoons of raw organic honey
Juice of 1 lemon
Method:
Put the ginseng, lemongrass, cinnamon and cardamom in a saucepan. Add three cups of filtered water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then turn it over to medium-low.
Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, strain into a clean drinking container and serve sweetened with honey. You can also keep it in the refrigerator and garnish with a little lemon juice for an extra dash of lemon flavor.
Vitamin C Boost Detox Tea
A vitamin C rinse is also known as an ascorbate cleanse. This vitamin C detox tea will refresh and energize the body because it contains lemon and orange, both of which are vitamin C-rich fruits. This drink has immunity boosting properties (when consumed regularly) and also helps in clearing your skin.
Ingredients:
1 green tea bag
Juice of 1 lemon
Orange / grapefruit pulp
Raw organic honey
Some cucumber slices
5 mint leaves
Method:
First boil 1 green tea bag in the water for at least 5 minutes, then sift it and then add lemon, orange / grapefruit pulp, honey, some cucumber slices and 5 mint leaves and then refrigerate for an hour.
Berry Detox Tea
Blueberries help in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. The fresh ginger in this tea is great for stomach upset, morning nausea and helps reduce gas, while lemon is amazing for the skin, great for liver detox and a weight loss aid!
Ingredients:
1 green tea bag
1 inch piece of ginger
2 TBSP. of blueberry paste
Few mint leaves
2 TBSP. Lemon juice
1 TBSP. raw organic honey
7-8 fresh blueberries
Method to make
Boil about 4 cups of water with the green tea bag, 1 inch piece of ginger and 2 tbsp. Blueberry paste (mash approx. 10 blueberries and stir in). Let this mixture cook for 6-7 minutes, then remove from heat and strain. Add 7-8 fresh blueberries, mint leaves, 2 tbsp. Lemon juice, 1 tbsp. raw honey. Place in the fridge before serving and garnish with mint and blueberries.
Eshanka Wahi is a Dubai and Delhi based wellness lawyer and nutrition trainer. Check out her Eat Clean With Eshanka page on Instagram (@eshankawahi)
