Aromatic Refreshers

The hot days of the year are here. ~

I have been making some refreshing variations of aromatic sun tea. I wanted them to be healthy and without additional sweeteners. So, I chose green tea as the base.

Why green tea?

Green tea’s biggest benefit? "It's all about the catechin content," says Beth Reardon, RD, a Boston nutritionist. Catechins are antioxidants that fight and may even prevent cell damage. Green tea is not processed much before it's poured into your cup, so it's rich in catechins.

What else is green tea good for?

• Improves blood flow.

• Lowers cholesterol.

• It keeps the blood sugar balanced.

• Protects brain cells from dying and restores damaged brain cells.

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities can reduce signs of aging.

Here are a couple of my favorite sun tea recipes:

Jasmine Green Sun Tea with Lavender and Rose Hydrosol

In 1 gallon of purified water:

Add:

5 tea bags- Organic Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) Green (Numi’s brand is my favorite)

3/4 cup of dried Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) flowers

Place the jar out in the sun for 1-2 hours. Then, pull out the tea bags and refrigerate.

You can keep the lavender in the jar for extra flavor.

Once chilled, add a few ice cubes into a glass and add ½-1 TBSP. of Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) or Rose (Rosa damascena) hydrosol.

Green Sun Tea with Peppermint and Spearmint Hydrosol

In 1 gallon of purified water:

Add:

5 tea bags- Organic Gunpowder Green (Numi’s brand is my favorite)

1 cup of fresh Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Place the jar out in the sun for 1-2 hours. Then, pull out the tea bags and refrigerate.

You can keep the peppermint in the jar for extra flavor.

Once chilled, add a few ice cubes into a glass and add ½ TBSP. of Spearmint (Mentha spicata) hydrosol.

Need a spritz to cool down? Try this facial spritzer formulation.

Cooling Facial Spitzer

In a 2oz. amber glass spray bottle add:

1 TBSP. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

8 drops of Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

5 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Shake well and then add:

1oz. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) hydrosol

1oz. purified water

Refrigerate and use this anytime you need a refreshing facial spritzer.

For a very quick refresher, try peppermint hydrosol~

Need more information on hydrosols?