Not only is this tea delicious but it is extremely beneficial for the body. The ingredients in this hibiscus and elderberry tea are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that not only detox the body but boost the immune system as well.
You can enjoy this tea either hot or cold which makes it the perfect wellness drink for any time of the year. It is sweet and refreshing. Even if you don’t like tea, you’ll love this!
Benefits
Hibiscus: Hibiscus helps to boost the immune system. It contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which is necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It lowers cholesterol. It also improves liver health. Hibiscus contains anthocyanins and has antibacterial effects that prevent chronic disease. The ultimate detox ingredient.
Elderberry: Elderberry is also immune boosting. It contains antioxidants which are important for removing damaging oxidizing agents in the body (a cause of inflammation). Its also known to reduce stress, help protect your heart, and prevent cold and flu symptoms.
Pineapple core: The core of the pineapple is very nutritious but it’s tough to eat. This recipe is a great way to use it and get great benefits. It too is immune boosting. It’s packed with vitamin C which also aids college production. It improves iron absorption and is loaded with antioxidants.
Lemon: Lemon juice supports heart health. It protects against anemia. The citric acid helps prevent kidney stones. Lemon improves digestion (hot lemon water!!) and reduces the risk of cancer.
Red Pepper Flake: This ingredient also contains antioxidants that help fight off heart disease and cancer. It also contains vitamins A, C, and B6 as well as fiber (digestion support) and capsaicin (increases metabolism).
Honey (Raw): The honey I used for this recipe is 100% raw but feel free to use what you prefer. Benefits of raw honey include digestion support and antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s a good source of antioxidants and other micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium, calcium, niacin, and more. Raw honey has cognitive benefits as well. Polyphenols are thought to reduce inflammation in the hippocampus of the brain.
I used fresh hibiscus for this recipe. I am fortunate that a lot grows in my yard. You can buy hibiscus flowers or you can use dried hibiscus and skip the dehydration steps.
Ingredients:
- Hibiscus petals (about 3 1/2 cups dried)
- Elderberry tea leaves (about 1/2 cup)
- 14 cups Water
- 1 Lemon (save after juicing)
- 1 Pineapple core
- 1-2 TBS Red pepper flake
- 4-6 oz honey (agave if vegan)
Directions
Skip to step 3 if using hibiscus petals that are already dried.
- Separate petals from the hibiscus flowers. Wash by rinsing under warm water and pat dry.
2. Add the petals to your dehydrator. Leave the vents closed and dehydrate for about 2 and a half hours or however long your dehydrator takes. Check on petals after an hour.
- NOTE: If you don’t have one that’s okay! Just set your oven to the lowest temperature and keep the door proper open a bit.
3. Wash the lemon. Cut your lemon in half to juice. Remember to save the juiced lemon for later.
4. Cut the flesh from around the pineapple to get the core. Cut the core into chunks.
5. If using dried elderberry tea from tea bags, cut open the bags to pour into the pot. I’m sure that keeping them in the bag will be okay it was just a preference.
6. Bring the water to a rapid boil.
7. Add in the hibiscus, elderberry leaves, pineapple core, lemon juice (be sure to squeeze over a strainer), juiced lemon, honey, and red pepper flakes.
8. Boil for 7-10 minutes or longer for a stronger tea.
- NOTE: the longer you steep the tea the stronger the effects. This will make the detox potency of the hibiscus stronger.
9. Remove lemon. Reduce heat and let simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
10. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring it into a pitcher or container of choice. When ready pour tea over the strainer into the pitcher.
This tea can be served either hot or cold. Store in the fridge.
Try this recipe out and let me know what you think! Are there any additions you added? Comment below and let me know if you have any questions.
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