The hibiscus flower is known to have numerous health benefits. It is used to improve appetite, dissolve phlegm, and help relieve colds, heart and nerve diseases, inflammation, fluid retention, stomach irritation, and circulatory disorders. Additionally, hibiscus is useful as a gentle laxative and diuretic.

One reason for hibiscus tea’s popularity is that it is served almost everywhere in tropical and subtropical regions. In hot climates, people often lose their appetite, and this tangy, cooling drink helps bring it back. As a diuretic, hibiscus tea also helps relieve fluid retention that often occurs with heat exhaustion. Another reason for this drink’s ubiquity in these regions is its antimicrobial properties, which protect against the bacteria and worms that thrive there.

We invite you to try our spicy twist on this beverage!

Ingredients:

– 2 quarts water
– 3 tbsp dried hibiscus flowers
– 2 tsp dried tulsi leaf
– 1 tsp licorice root
– 3 large slices fresh ginger root
– ¼-inch cinnamon stick
– 1 tsp cardamom seed
– 1 tsp golden raisins
– 1–2 tsp raw honey or brown sugar

Directions:
1. Place licorice, cinnamon, ginger, and raisins in 2 cups of water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add all the other ingredients except the honey, and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Pour the liquid out through a strainer into a 2-quart vessel.
4. Now add the rest of the water.
5. Drink at room temperature or slightly cooled with a couple of ice cubes.

If you can’t find piloncillo, add the white sugar as directed, then sweeten to taste with brown sugar or additional white sugar.