Herbel Iced Tea

This recipe comes from one of my favorite cookbooks 'Clean Food' by Terri Walters. She says it helps replenish her adrenals, but is refreshing and satisfying too. I agree! I love this tea in the summer, it's easy to make, taste great and is good for you.

Ingredients: (I double the recipe)

10 c. water
1/4 c. dried nettles (I found this at Dave's Nutrition)
1 T. dried red clover flowers (I found this at Whole Foods in their bulk spice section)
2 T. dried rosemary
3 T. chamomile
2 T. dried peppermint leaves
1 T agave nectar

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in herbs and agave, and set aside to brew and cool for at least 1 hour. Pour tea through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher (I pour mine into and ice tea decanter). Discard herbs, chill tea and enjoy!

*Nettles: Have been studied extensively and has been shown promise in treating Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, asthma, bladder infections, kidney stress, prostate enlargement and tendinitis to just mention a few. Its also has been shown to calm the nervous system and balance hormones.

*Red Clover: Has a good amount of vitamins, proteins and minerals. Contains minerals that assist in bringing about hormonal function. It is also an effective liver and blood purifier.

*Chamomile: Great for asthma, colic, fevers, inflammation, nausea, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-allergenic and has sedative properties.


*Peppermint: Contains a compound known as perillyl alcohol that has been shown to inhibit the growth or formation of cancer. It has a another compound rosmarinic acid, a powerful antioxidant that blocks the allergy-producing leukorienes, the high content of this substance has been shown to help relieve that nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis, (hay fever).


*Rosemary: Is very useful for people with inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, as well as bronchial asthma ans atherosclerosis. Rosemary also contains substances such as flavoniods and volatile oil that are useful for stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation, and improving digestion. Rosemary has also been shown to increase the blood flow to the head and brain, thus improving concentration.