Doshas: Reduced pitta and kapha and only increases vata if used in excess
Benefits:
- Heat (inflammation), ama (congestion) and contraction issues in kidneys and reproductive system
- Can reduce heat and fever and great as a summer beverage
- Purify the blood and heart, physically and spiritually
- Improve skin complexion
- Promote hair growth
- Support menstruation difficulties in particular excessive bleeding
Spiritual: Good for 1st and 2nd chakra disorders. Sacred to Indian God Ganesh (God of wisdom who destroys all obstacles and grants the realization of all goals and who dwells in 1st chakra. Can enhance mantras and meditation in general.
Modern Ayurveda Note: I add a small amount of fennel seeds to the recipes to support digestion as well as 1st, 2nd and 3rd chakra support. Add a little aloe juice or chia seeds (let them soak for a while) for some superfood benefits.
Hibiscus Tea Recipe 1: Recipe courtesy Michael Chiarello
Read more at www.foodnetwork.com
Ingredients
48 ounces water
3 tablespoons hibiscus flowers (organically grown)
2 cinnamon sticks
1/8 cup sugar
1 small orange, sliced
Ice
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Directions
Bring water to light boil, turn off heat add the hibiscus flowers and cinnamon sticks. Cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain tea into desired container, add sugar and orange slices and serve over ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice. Chef Notes: This tea recipe can easily be doubled for a larger serving. When using herbs in tea making, longer is not better. Heating the herbs for extended time can release unfavorable qualities and bitterness found in herbs. The key is to add MORE herbs to strengthen flavor.
Tea Recipe 2: Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea) Recipe
-from http://www.simplyrecipes.com
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 quarts water
3/4 to 1 cup sugar (depending on how sweet you would like it to be)
1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
1/2 cinnamon stick (optional)
A few thin slices ginger (optional)
Allspice berries (optional)
Lime juice (optional)
Orange or lime slices for garnish
METHOD
Put 4 cups of the water and the sugar in a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon, ginger slices, and/or a few allspice berries if you would like. Heat until boiling and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat. Stir in the dried hibiscus flowers. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes. Strain into a pitcher and discard the used hibiscus flowers, ginger, cinnamon, and/or allspice berries. (At this point you can store ahead the concentrate, chilled, until ready to make the drink.) Add remaining 4 cups of water (or if you want to chill the drink quickly, ice and water) to the concentrate, and chill. Alternatively you can add ice and chilled soda water for a bubbly version. Add a little lime juice for a more punch-like flavor. Serve over ice with a slice of orange or lime. Yield: Makes 2 quarts.
