Posted in Homemaking

Last year I was at a mom's meeting where a woman was talking to us about healthy nutrition, aromatherapy, and herbals.  She mentioned that she drinks herbal tea instead of water.  Many medical authorities say that we should drink 8 glasses of water a day.  This woman said that since we need that much water, why not give it a vitamin/mineral boost by making the water into herbal tea and drinking that.  Ever since then, I've had a tea jar in the refrigerator.  I have a glass gallon tea jug that has a spout at the bottom.  I make tea in that jug and place it on the top shelf of the refrigerator.  I drink from that for a few days before I need to make more.  Today's tea is blue berry/orange.  I always add 1/2 a cup of honey to sweeten it.  I get the boost from the tea, the water, and the honey.

Here's exactly what I do.  I love Celestial Seasonings teas.  I only drink decaffinated, so that does limit me on my choices.  But Celestial Seasonings has a wonderful selection for different tastes in decaff. tea.  I put anywhere from 8-12 tea bags into the bottom of my glass jar.  Then I add the 1/2 cup of honey.  I fill my tea kettle and bring it to boil on the stove.   Then I pour it over my bags and honey and stir until the honey is dissovled.  I let this sit on my kitchen counter until the water is room temperature.  This allows the tea to steep.  Then, leaving the tea bags in the water, I add a lot of ice and fill to the top with cold water.  I place this in the refrigerator and drink from it for two or three days before needing to fill it again.

When it's time to refill, I empty the bags and begin the process again.  Sometimes I will add fruit slices or a few splashes of fruit juice to the tea while steeping.  My favorites are oranges and lemons.  White grape juice is also wonderful.

This is a great way for me to get the hydration I need, but it's also enjoyable for me!  I love the taste of this tea and it's always icy cold whenever I want it!  Give it a try.