The days are getting warmer, but the nights are still chilly. And such a change in daily temperature can still lead to illness and feeling tired. So one of my favorite rituals in the Spring is to buy my favorite tea ingredients from Mountain Rose Herbs so I can make this Hibiscus Raspberry Tea. This herbal tea is caffeine free and is loaded with Vitamin C and beta-carotene. I admit that I add a dash of honey for sweetness and sometimes I’ll also add a cinnamon stick. And this tea is delicious hot or cold.
For those of you new to this series, Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in the Deadly Force series, is an 18th century historian who inherited a collection of colonial-era herbal and homeopathic remedies. And, in this blog space, I’ve been sharing her recipes with you all. I’m adding this recipe to this collection because hibiscus, raspberry, and rose leaves are filled with Vitamin C which can help boost your immune system this time of year. Hibiscus is also a natural diuretic and a natural source of iron, two things to consider when looking at your overall dietary needs.
Note: I am not an affiliate of Mountain Rose Herbs. I just love their website and buy most of my herbs and other special ingredients from them.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried red raspberry leaf
- 1⁄2 cup dried hibiscus calyx
- 1⁄2 cup dried rose petal
- 1⁄2 cup dried marshmallow root
- 1⁄4 cup dried orange peel
- Sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- honey for sweetness (optional)
- cinnamon stick (optional)
Directions for Hibiscus Raspberry Tea
- In a large bowl, mix together all of the herbs and then pour them into the sterilized jar. If you store them properly, the tea mixture can be stored for up to a year but I do think the quality begins to go down after six months.
- To make one serving of hot tea, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
- Meanwhile, put 2 Tablespoons of the dried tea blend into a tea ball and place into a mug. Once the water boils, pour over the tea ball in the mug.
- Brew for up to 4 minutes and remove the tea ball.
- Add a dash of honey and/or a cinnamon stick (if preferred) and enjoy!
- To make iced tea, use four cups of water to 1/2 cup of dried tea leaves. You can either heat the water for a hot brew that you then allow it to cool. Or use room temperature water, but that needs to brew for at least 8 hours. Strain out the leaves before serving over ice. If you want to add honey, use the hot water method and add it when you pour the hot water over the tea leaves. Store the leftover iced tea in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Important Disclaimer: Herbal Remedies, Wild Plants, and Foraging
The information shared in my Romance Herbalist posts is intended for educational, historical, and entertainment purposes only. I am not a physician, licensed herbalist, or other medical professional. Nothing on this website should be considered medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Herbs, flowers, spices, and other plants have been used for centuries in cooking, traditional remedies, and folk medicine. However, natural does not always mean safe. Some plants can be toxic, cause allergic reactions, interact with medications, or be unsuitable for certain medical conditions.
Before preparing, consuming, or using any herbal product, please keep the following precautions in mind:
- Medications and medical conditions: Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally, particularly if you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, have an existing medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are preparing something for children.
- Allergies: Research potential allergic reactions and cross-reactivity, especially if you have known allergies to plants, herbs, or spices.
- Plant identification: Never harvest or consume a wild plant unless you can positively identify it and confirm that it is safe for its intended use. Some poisonous plants closely resemble edible or medicinal varieties.
- Harvesting and foraging: Avoid collecting plants from roadsides, chemically treated areas, contaminated soil, or locations where pesticides, herbicides, or other pollutants may be present. Always follow local foraging laws and respect private property.
- Preparation and consumption: Research appropriate preparation methods, potential side effects, and safe quantities before using any plant. Certain plants may be safe in food but dangerous when concentrated or prepared incorrectly.
- Food safety: Use clean equipment, properly stored ingredients, and appropriate food-handling practices when preparing herbal teas, infusions, syrups, or other homemade products.
A note about traditional remedies: References to historical or folkloric uses of plants do not establish that those uses are medically effective or safe. Any discussion of potential health benefits is provided for general information and should not be interpreted as a recommendation to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
By choosing to forage, prepare, or consume any plant or herbal product discussed on this website, you accept responsibility for your own research, decisions, and safety. The author makes no guarantees regarding the safety, effectiveness, or suitability of any plant, recipe, or preparation described.
When in doubt, consult a qualified professional before using any herb or wild plant.
