Learning how to make iced tea is a great skill to hone for the summertime months. This is a season for outdoor gatherings, BBQ’s and family events. Whether you’re the type of person who likes to entertain guests or the kind who simply enjoys having something on hand to sip at the end of the day, you will want a recipe that’s a crowd-pleaser, refreshing, and easy to prepare. Lemon balm and orange iced tea will leave you refreshed, relaxed, and ready for more. I like to enjoy this beautiful beverage while sitting on my front porch enjoying the afternoon breezes. It's a summertime must-have! And today my friends I want to share the recipe with you!
The Uses and Benefits of Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is an herb in the mint family also known as Common Balm or Balm Mint. Sometimes it’s also referred to as Melissa officinalis. Melissa is actually Greek for the honey bee. Most likely it earned this name because bees LOVE it. Anciently, Greeks used to rub it on beehives to attract and keep bees together. However, do not confuse it with Bee Balm, which is actually Bergamot- another mint relative.
Lemon Balm is very aromatic and has a citrusy bright taste with hints of mint. It’s a surprisingly pleasant combination! Lemon Balm has been used for centuries to reduce stress, anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease indigestion discomfort. Healthline.com list 10 uses for Lemon Balm that you can read about here.
Sounds like the perfect herb to include in an iced tea for a BBQ right? I mean, with all that food and all that party planning. Why not unwind with something to ease your indigestion and help you relax from a day of preparation. Even if it’s not prepared for the masses, it’s still a great ingredient to include in iced tea to ease you into sleep at the end of the day. And learning how to make iced tea that includes Lemon Balm will be your go-to each summer from now on.
The Uses and Benefits of Orange
It’s no secret that orange is a popular fruit known for Vitamin C. This antioxidant does a lot for our bodies. It’s a water-soluble nutrient, it protects our bodies from free radicals, it helps the body create collagen and much more.
It is most certainly an ingredient you’ll want in any summertime iced tea. Added bonus, it pairs deliciously well with Lemon Balm due to their shared citrusy flavors. In fact, not only do they pair well together in flavor for edible purposes but they are also seen as a companionship in aromatherapy and skincare. The book Herbs for Flavor, Health and Natural Beauty suggests an exciting recipe for “Zesty Orange, Calendula, and Lemon Balm Fizzy Bath Truffles”. Just saying that makes me feel like I’m at some kind of fancy spa! I mean the word “truffles” alone is so lovely! Sounds a whole lot fancier than “bath bomb.” You can read a glimpse of that luxurious recipe here.
Calendula is another wonderful plant that has incredible properties. I have a post here you can read to learn more about it and how it can be a saving grace for you and your family.
Lemon Balm & Orange Iced Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 Tablespoons Loose Leaf Lemon Balm
- ⅓ -½ cup Cane Sugar, organic (optional)
- 2 oranges, organic. (1 juiced and 1 thinly sliced.)
Instructions:
- Bring approximately 6 cups of water to a boil in a pot.
- Add tea leaves, sugar, and add to boiled water.
- Stir to dissolve sugar, cover, and let the tea steep for 7-10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, fill your iced tea jug to the top with ice and add orange juice and the sliced orange.
- Strain the tea and pour over ice.
- Top the jug off with cold water, stir and serve!
Notes: I don't specify the exact amount of water to add because it all comes down to personal preference. For a stronger, sweeter iced tea, add less water. Also, I think the sugar is optional, I prefer my tea without the sugar.
Well, my friends, I hope learning how to make iced tea is something you’ll try at your next outdoor cookout. I know the Lemon Balm and Orange recipe is sure to be a favorite among your family, neighbors and friends. And even better than having a beverage that tastes simply delicious, you are actually consuming something good for you with an abundance of health properties. A guiltless pleasure to be sure! The uses for Lemon Balm and Orange are endless. Try out the recipe, then experiment on your own with these two fabulous ingredients. I’d love to hear all about your experiences with the iced tea and any other concoctions you think up. Please share them with me in the comments section below. Or if you have any questions I am always here my dears. Subscribe to our email list: [https://facenatur.com/#shopify-section-footer] for access to more posts that I know will bring you health and healing. Wishing you all the health and wellness Mother Nature has to offer!
