Stress-Relieving Iced Tea

With temperatures soaring in the dog days of summer, I try to make sure and stay hydrated throughout the day.  It’s essential for staying cool as well as keeping hunger at bay.  It also keeps all bodily systems working at peak performance.  Sometimes it’s a struggle to chug plain water throughout the day.  That’s why I like to mix it up in the drink department (I came up with a list of healthy, hydrating drinks here).

In the same vein, I jazzed up one of my favorite teas and decided to try it iced.  It was delicious and refreshing – and it met my criteria for being healthy and hydrating.

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for centuries to reduce stress by balancing cortisol levels in the body.  Adaptogenic herbs help the body “adapt” to whatever it needs – if you’re tired and sluggish, they help to boost your energy.  If you’re wired and stressed, they help to calm the body.  They really are quite amazing!  That’s why I love this Raspberry Peach Tea with holy basil.  It’s a delicious, delicately flavored tea that will not only provide refreshment, but also a calming or energizing effect, depending on what your body needs.

I boosted the antioxidant effect even more by adding a spoonful of raw honey and a drop of lemon essential oil* (both superfoods in their own right!).

Lemon essential oil is a natural internal cleanser, digestive aid, and mood booster.  Raw honey is full of powerful antioxidants and is anti-viral and anti-bacterial.

This keeps great in a large Mason jar in the fridge – the recipe easily doubles (or triples 🙂 ).  You could also try it with a squeeze of fresh lemon and stevia in place of the honey and essential oil.

*Not all essential oil brands are safe for internal use.  For the brand I personally use and recommend, contact me at thehealthyhappywoman@gmail.com.  I’d love to share with you!