REFRIGERANTS TO THE RESCUE! Just in time for these super hot summer days! One of my favorite summer tea recipes and one of my fave herbal vocabulary words to toss around these days: “refrigerant”.

Pictured from left to right:

Linden; Tilea vulgaris; flower & leaf -dried Hibiscus sabdariffa; calyces – dried

Peppermint; Mentha piperita ; leaf Lemon Balm; Melissa Officinalis ; leaf

Lemon Balm and Peppermint Tea Recipe

(1 part = 1 Tablespoon)

Prepare as an overnight infusion:

• 2 parts hibiscus
• 2 parts lemon balm (minced if using fresh)
• 1 part linden
• 1/2 part peppermint (minced if using fresh)

Place all herbs into a clean quart mason jar. Pour boiling water over herbs, filling the jar to 1 inch from the top.

Stir, place the lid on the jar and leave on the counter to steep overnight.

In AM, strain, chill if desired. Enjoy!

What is an Herbal Refrigerant?

So what’s an herbal refrigerant? These are herbs that cool the body from the inside out, lower body temperature, nourish and sooth muscle tissue and fatigue, protect the body’s fluids and restore Yin.

While the sensation of cold foods, like ice cream, may provide temporary psychological relief, they don’t actually do anything to lower your overall body temperature.

In this tea, hibiscus and peppermint are considered refrigerant herbs and in addition to cooling the body in hot weather, these herbs are most helpful during menopause when a woman presents with hot flashes.

Not meant for long term use.

Submitted by:

Clinical Herbalist Cheryl Karcher of Hilltop Herbals

UPDATED ADDRESS! NEW LOCATION

Cheryl is also available to host informative herbal healing lectures and hands-on workshops.

Email: hilltopherbals@gmail.com
Phone: 908 319 0012

Visit the Hilltop Herbals Website