A magical infusion of hibiscus, rose, and cinnamon, this herbal elixir supports reducing excess heat from the body, supporting the first two chakras and balancing feminine energy. Made primarily with the gentle, detoxifying flowers that evoke sattva—purity, harmony and balanced mental energy. Enhancing internal beauty to produce an external glow.
Hibiscus + Ayurveda
Dried hibiscus is widely used in Chinese medicine, Latin America, (known as jamaica), the Caribbean, the Middle East, and South Asia. In Sanskrit, hibiscus is referred to as japa. Commonly enjoyed in the later spring and summer months to aid the mind-body in staying cool, Ayurveda informs us hibiscus is a cooling flower with the ability to cleanse the blood, liver, and gallbladder of excess heat. In the late spring and summer months, when the temperature rise, internal heat can accumulate and lead to excess pitta (fire + water). When this occurs there can be heavy and rapid menstrual bleeding, acne, blemishes, redness, water retention, inflammation, hair-loss, pre-mature greying, anger, and impatience.
Along with it’s cooling energy, hibiscus falls under the astringent taste (air+ water) category like apples, pomegranates, and lentils. Leaving the mouth with a slightly dry sensation. The drying quality helps to purge heat by helping releases excess water from the body. Astringency can also help with drying and releasing congestion that may have accumulated over the fall, winter and early spring season. One of the reasons why Ayurveda recommends increasing the quantity of astringent foods consumed during the spring and summer seasons.
Keeping the body naturally cool, not with ice, but with refringent type herbs like hibiscus can help reduce pitta dosha’s fiery nature without impacting our digestive fires (metabolic rate). At the same time, it counterbalances summer’s heat. Acting as a natural antidote by harmonizing with the season. A tasty, healthier beverage option, that gently supports detoxifying the body throughout the season. In allopathic terms, hibiscus is commonly known to be rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Helping to strengthen the immune system and prep the body for the next season. Enjoy this present, while still being aware of how it impacts the future.
This recipe is for the Aphrodite within us all. Here’s to embracing and balancing the divine feminine energy. Happy infusing.Happy digesting.
The Hibiscus-RoseÂ
servings: 6-18 |Â time: 3 hours-8 hours
Dosha:Â PKV*
Season:Â Late Spring and Summer
Energy: cooling
What you need:Â a jug or large jar
- 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 3T dried rose petals (heaping)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 pods crushed cardamom pods
- 2 T misri/sucanat/maple/honey/raw cane sugar/coconut or date sugar*
- 1/4 cup dried orange rinds or 2T dried orange peel
- 1 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 6 cups water*
- 1/4 cup rose water
- a few sprigs of mint (optional)
1.Add all the ingredients except the rose water to a large mason jar, jug or mixing bowl.
2. Pour in 6 cups of boiling water. Let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes, removing the mint within 5 minutes. Add in the rose water Continue to steep covered until infusion cools completely, preferably 4 hours or overnight for a more intense flavor and herbal infusion.
3. Strain and serve as is or diluted by adding additional water.
Notes:
- To ensure the maximum benefit of the herbs is captured, use 4 cups of water, let cool completely. Strain and re-infuse with 2 more cups of boiling water for a final ‘rinse’.
- To make a richer, denser infusion, use 4 cups instead of 6 cups water. Additional water can be added upon serving. This also takes up less room in the fridge.
- Hibiscus is naturally tart, adding a sweetener helps balance the astringency and ensure all six tastes are present for balance. More or less sweetener can be added based on preference. Keep in mind, similar to salt, sugar will enhance the flavors of the spices.
- Additional sugar may not be needed if drinking a diluted version. Water helps mellow the tartness.
- Natural sugar also helps quench the thirst and provides electrolytes.
- Rose Water/Petals: Can be found at Middle Eastern or South Asian markets. Whole Foods, Berkeley Bowl (if you are from the East Bay) and Amazon also carry rose water. Edible rose petals are usually available in the bulk section or Mountain Rose Herbs. The bulk price is high, but that is due to how light the petals weigh. One cup will weight less than 1/8 pound.
- vata constitutions or imbalances:Â drink a diluted version of this infusion and adding a touch more sweetener. Balance is key.
- Please note:Â Hibiscus tea has the ability to lower blood pressure, especially in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. If you have low blood pressure, enjoy this beverage in balance, use a less concentrated option to still enjoy the flavors and cooling, aromatics. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, talk to a doctor to see if hibiscus is an approved beverage option.
